On 5 June 2025, ACCORD, in collaboration with AGENDA GL, hosted a workshop at the Nongoma Inn in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. The workshop was organised through ACCORD’s Coalition Project and AGENDA GL’s Sophakama Project, which brought together community leaders, activists, civic movements, non-governmental organisations, and representatives of traditional authorities from the municipalities of Nongoma, Vryheid, Dundee, and Ulundi. The workshop aimed to explore the role of community engagement in strengthening local governance processes, particularly within coalition-led municipalities.
The workshop explored the role of communities in local governance, assessed their understanding of municipal processes, and identified strategies to strengthen their active and meaningful participation in shaping local government processes and outcomes. It served as a vital platform for grassroots leaders to express concerns, share challenges, and collaborate on practical solutions. The initiative also aimed to equip community leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to serve their constituencies more effectively. Central to the discussions was a critical examination of local government processes in coalition-led municipalities and the involvement of communities in shaping policy outcomes.
A recurring concern raised by participants was the lack of meaningful consultation in drafting Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). Many leaders felt that IDPs often fail to reflect the needs of ordinary citizens, prioritising elite interests instead. There was a strong call for more consistent, transparent, and community-driven engagement in all stages of municipal planning and decision-making.
Officials from the local municipalities were invited; however, due to prior commitments, they were unable to attend. Their participation could have enriched the dialogue by providing a more balanced perspective between community voices and local government. Participants stressed the importance of future engagements that bring together both community leaders and municipal representatives to foster more constructive and inclusive discussions. Despite this, the workshop was well received, with community leaders expressing sincere appreciation to ACCORD and AGENDA GL for creating such a meaningful platform. Many voiced hope for continued engagement, particularly as South Africa prepares for the 2026 local government elections.
This workshop forms part of ACCORD’s project, Contributing towards Sustainable Coalitions at Local Government Level in South Africa, supported by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa. It aligns with ACCORD’s strategic objective of strengthening the role of multi-dimensional stakeholders in responding to complex conflicts.
