– by Noluthando Makhaza
“Community development is a process where local people can not only create more jobs, income and infrastructure, but also help their community become fundamentally better able to manage change. Community development improves the situation of a community, not just economically, but also as a strong functioning community in itself.” (Cavaye Jim, 2019)
In partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, UKZN Extended Learning recently hosted a Community Development Programme for a group of community development practitioners.
This programme was customised to meet development needs of the Department, therefore skills training playing a crucial role in the process. This five-day programme was co-facilitated by Dr Sandile Mbokazi and Dr Patrick Matse. Dr Mbokazi is a lecturer for Community Development and an Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning in the School of Built Environment and Development Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Matse also works at the University of KwaZulu-Natal as a Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Community Development, School of Built Environment and Development Studies.
The five-day training was centred on topics such as Community Participation; Intergrated Community Development; Emotional Intelligence; Community Visioning and Strategic Planning. As part of the practical side of the programme, delegates participated in a site visit to one of the community centres around Durban – the Gugu Dlamini Foundation where they engaged in dialogues about gender-based violence.
According to the National Planning Commission, the National Development Plan aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society. This can only be achieved through strategic initiatives that promote effective community development planning and dialogues.
For more info on our customised programmes, please contact:
Nashlene Maharaj
T: +27 31 260 3711