Social Cohesion Community Dialogue

Held in Emakhazeni

Uniting for Change: A community engagement initiative, the Social Cohesion Community Dialogue, took place at Sakhelwe Community Hall on August 21, 2025, bringing together the Emakhazeni Local Municipality Youth Desk, Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation (DCSR), and other stakeholders.

Addressing Social Challenges

The primary aim of the dialogue was to examine and address social challenges, including:

- Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

- Substance abuse

- Moral values

Practical Solutions

The following practical solutions were discussed:

1. Reporting Incidents: Community members were encouraged to report incidents or suspicious activities to the police.

2. Community-Police Collaboration*: The community was urged to work with the police to report illegal activities, such as unlicensed liquor outlets.

3. Youth Empowerment: Youth were encouraged to:

    - Participate in skills development programs and job opportunities.

    - Engage in community activities, such as sports and cultural events.

    - Support local businesses and entrepreneurship initiatives.

4. Addressing Substance Abuse*: Community members were advised to:

    - Support local initiatives that promote substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation.

    - Report unlicensed liquor outlets and substance abuse hotspots to the authorities.

5. Supporting Justice: The community was advised to gather evidence and report incidents of coercion or bribery in cases.

6. Contacting Authorities: Community members were informed about the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Complaint Centre.

Additional Support Mechanisms

To further support vulnerable community members, the following initiatives were proposed:

- Department of Social Development: Families affected by child abuse and poverty will be referred to the Department of Social Development for assistance.

- Community Policing Forum (CPF): The CPF will be utilized to facilitate community-police collaboration and address safety concerns. If a CPF is not available, efforts will be made to launch one with the help of the Local SAPS.

- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Relevant stakeholders, including local government departments and non-governmental organizations, will work together to provide support services to those in need.

Building a Safer Community

By working together and taking practical steps, the community aims to build a safer and more cohesive society.

MMC S Mthimunye warmly welcomed everyone to the Social Cohesion Community Dialogue, encouraging active participation and fostering an environment where attendees could freely share ideas and collaboratively develop tangible, workable solutions to address community challenges.

Mr. Lindelani Nkosi, Emakhazeni Local Municipality Youth Coordinator, played a pivotal role in facilitating the Social Cohesion Community Dialogue. This initiative fostered open discussions and collective action to address pressing social challenges. Key aspects emphasized included empowering youth through:

- Skills Development: Providing opportunities for young people to acquire skills and knowledge

- Community Activities: Engaging youth in activities that promote social cohesion and community development

- Entrepreneurship Initiatives: Supporting young entrepreneurs and promoting economic growth

- Education Support: The municipality covers registration fees for higher institutions, empowering eMakhazeni youth to pursue their educational goals.

Collaborations with organizations like Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) can further enhance these efforts, connecting youth to job opportunities, skills development, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Participants of the social cohesion community dialogue included community members, local leaders, youth representatives, and stakeholders from various sectors, all working together to promote unity, understanding, and collective action to address social challenges and build a safer, more harmonious community.