From 19 – 21 August 2025, Community leaders in Umlazi came together for a three-day Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding Workshop, hosted by ACCORD in partnership with Agenda GL. The sessions, focused on equipping participants with leadership skills and practical strategies to address conflict and strengthen unity in one of eThekwini’s largest townships.
The workshop sparked candid debate on leadership, with participants reflecting on the qualities that define effective leaders. Integrity, empathy, vision and discipline were highlighted as essential, while views diverged on whether men or women make better leaders. Ultimately, participants agreed that leadership should be judged not by gender but by responsibility and fairness.
Crime was identified as a major concern in Umlazi, linked to unemployment, xenophobia, drug abuse and poverty. Participants spoke of its devastating effects on safety, livelihoods and social trust. In response, they called for investment in skills development and opportunities for young people as a way to tackle root causes and prevent future violence.
One of the workshop’s key outputs was the creation of a “Peace and Cohesion Wheel” – a community-driven framework for strengthening resilience. It placed emphasis on leadership, youth engagement, women’s participation, and education, and highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among churches, schools, NGOs and sports groups. Participants also urged Ward Councillors to play a more active role in building peace.
The Umlazi workshop marked the second step in ACCORD’s wider Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding Programme in eThekwini. By combining honest dialogue, cultural reflection and concrete planning, the sessions laid the groundwork for collaborative action to foster inclusive leadership.
