As part of the Strengthening Community Leadership for Inclusive Peacebuilding Programme, ACCORD convened a one-day dialogue in Zululand on 28 November 2025, bringing together local leaders, youth representatives, community peace actors and civil society organisations to deepen understanding of conflict dynamics ahead of the 2026 national and provincial elections.
Given Zululand’s history as one of the most politically contested regions in KwaZulu-Natal, the dialogue provided a timely platform for participants to reflect on past election-related tensions and explore strategies to promote stability in their communities.
A key session centred on the role of peacebuilding in the upcoming elections, highlighting the need for proactive conflict management, inclusive leadership and strengthened community-based mechanisms to prevent violence. Participants emphasised that peaceful elections depend heavily on credible information, community trust and leaders who engage fairly and transparently.
Participants also discussed the importance of adhering to the IEC election timetable, particularly in rural communities where misinformation and delayed mobilisation often provoke conflict. Community leaders observed that false or manipulated information had led to misunderstandings and clashes in the previous election cycle.
During an open dialogue session, participants shared experiences of local conflict drivers including politically motivated intimidation, mistrust between rival party supporters, and tensions arising during campaigning. Several attendees raised concerns about hotspot areas in Zululand where violence has historically escalated during election periods.
The programme also featured a session on defining conflict and understanding the stages of conflict, enabling leaders to identify early warning signs and apply practical methods to de-escalate tensions before they intensify. Overall, the Zululand Dialogue strengthened the capacity of local peace actors to promote voter education, improve community engagement and lead with inclusivity, which are key pillars for fostering safer and more peaceful elections in the region.
