ACCORD, in partnership with Agenda GL, conducted the first in a series of community workshops under the Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding Programme. The three-day capacity-building workshop, held in KwaMashu from 15–17 August 2025, brought together local leaders to strengthen their leadership, conflict resolution, and community-peacebuilding skills.
Fostering Inclusive Leadership
Participants included ward committee members, community policing forums, and neighbourhood patrollers, who explored the role of leadership in peacebuilding and how inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches can promote stronger communities. They discussed the difference between leaders and managers, noting that effective leadership is grounded not only in education but also in values, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others.
Addressing Cultural Diversity and Tensions
The workshop encouraged participants to reflect on their cultural backgrounds and traditions, highlighting both visible aspects such as language and dress, and less visible dimensions such as beliefs and religion. This exercise fostered appreciation for diversity within KwaMashu, where participants traced roots to Zulu, Xhosa, and Eswatini heritage.
A case study on xenophobia prompted in-depth dialogue. Participants acknowledged that discrimination could manifest not only against foreign nationals but also within communities based on education, social status, or access to resources. The discussions emphasised empathy, inclusivity, and the importance of equitable service delivery in preventing tensions.
From Dialogue to Action
The final day of the workshop focused on action planning for community priorities. Crime prevention emerged as the first area of focus, with participants committing to convene a community meeting by September 2025. Leaders identified practical needs to support implementation, signalling a shift from discussion to collective action.
Looking Ahead
The KwaMashu workshop marks the start of a series that will continue in Umlazi (19–21 August) and Isipingo (27–29 August). Together, these sessions form part of a broader effort to equip communities across eThekwini with the tools and strategies needed to build peace, strengthen cohesion, and create inclusive spaces for all.
