The Makana Circle of Unity
The Makana Circle of Unity, a Collaborative Civic Coalition showcased in the Kagiso Trust campaign, exemplifies the potential of collective action in enhancing service delivery and governance at the grassroots level. This coalition’s story unfolds through an enlightening dialogue between Paul Smith, representing Kagiso Trust, and Sisesakhe Ntlabezo, the Programme Manager at Makana Circle of Unity. Together, they reveal the journey of fostering radical collaboration for community-led development.
At the core of this initiative lies the concept of distributed leadership, a defining characteristic that sets the Makana Circle of Unity apart from traditional coalitions. Rather than relying on formal leadership positions, the coalition thrives on the diverse expertise of its members, ensuring an inclusive and dynamic approach. Additionally, its apolitical stance proves to be a crucial strategy, enabling the coalition to cultivate effective partnerships with local municipalities based on shared goals rather than partisan interests. The outcome is a constructive relationship with the municipality, built on mutual trust and a united commitment to collaborative projects.
However, the path to forging a cohesive civic coalition is not without its challenges. Overcoming the skepticism of local political figures, who may perceive external involvement as a threat, emerges as a significant hurdle. The coalition tackles this issue by prioritizing transparency, clearly communicating their intentions, and seeking approval from the municipality before engaging with the community. By establishing credibility and showcasing their dedication to harmonious collaboration, they successfully cultivate a positive rapport with local political stakeholders.
The tangible benefits of their collaborative approach are remarkable. Notably, the Makana Circle of Unity played a pivotal role in establishing a robust education cluster, uniting diverse stakeholders in the education sector to collaboratively address challenges. Furthermore, the coalition’s success in securing government funding to employ unemployed youth in community development projects is a testament to their impact on both the local community and the economy.
While the Makana Circle of Unity stands as an inspiring example, it acknowledges that not everyone readily embraces structured collaboration. Certain entities resist such endeavors due to potential disruptions to their agendas. Nevertheless, the coalition remains steadfast in its belief that, over time, dedicated individuals and the cultivation of trust can drive change and foster meaningful progress.
As the conversation draws to a close, Paul and Sisesakhe underscore the paramount importance of active citizenry. Waiting for external forces to drive change or alter the status quo is far from effective. Instead, individuals can wield significant influence by engaging in their communities, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and striving toward shared goals. Even the most modest contributions can yield a positive impact when unified by a collective purpose.
In essence, the Makana Circle of Unity stands as a living testament to the potency of collaborative civic coalitions in reshaping local governance and effecting transformation. Rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose, their journey illuminates a path toward a brighter future, where radical collaboration serves as a beacon of hope for communities nationwide. This narrative showcases the enduring power of unity, determination, and a community-centric approach in realising impactful change.
SPEAKERS
Paul Smith
Paul has consulted into the Local Government sphere government since 1997 and has headed up the Kagiso Trust Local Governance program since 2010. Paul’s role in Kagiso Trust is to both manage consultancy business and continually innovate new approaches to local government sustainability and strengthening local governance structures to enable stakeholders to be collaborative in finding effective solutions that impact their communities.
Beyond KT Paul is a qualified business leadership coach, P2 project management practitioner and a graduate from Gibs and Said – Oxford University executive leadership program. Over the past 34 years Paul has implemented a radical collaboration project in Makana Municipality using radical collaboration as a mechanism systemically influence the way communities and government engage and ideate to solve local issues. Paul is committed to supporting communities and local government to dismantle polarization and enabling collaboration and catalyst for positive systemic change.
Sisesakhe Ntlabezo
Sisesakhe Ntlabezo holds the role of Programme Manager at the Makhanda Circle of Unity. He takes charge of leading, coordinating, andoverseeing all forum projects and activities. The aim is to uplift the socio-economic status and position Makhanda as a thriving hub for tourism, creativity, andeducation, ultimately boosting revenue and generating employment opportunities.
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