A local urban planning non-profit organisation recently started a number of dialogue sessions aimed at encouraging residents of Kayamandi to become actively involved in community ownership. This was according to Marli Goussard, a social impact advisor at Ranyaka Community Transformation.
The first event, hosted in collaboration with Open Play Foundation on 8 March, marked the beginning of many dialogue sessions that will be held in Kayamandi, said Sithembiso Malevu, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Ranyaka Community Transformation.
“We are laying the foundation of our journey towards ownership,” said Malevu, as she addressed those who were gathered at the event.
Kayamandi residents who attended a recent dialogue session that was organised by the urban planning non-profit organisation, Ranyaka Community Transformation. SMF News attended the dialogue. PHOTO: Hlomla Mdala
The dialogue took on the form of a workshop hosted under the theme “Re-imagine Kayamandi”, which was announced by Ranyaka Community Transformation on its social media post, and was circulated via WhatsApp. The workshop’s central theme was community ownership.
“The re-imagine event is an active participation opportunity for community members and local stakeholders to help improve the planning of projects, encourage innovation, grow networks, and communicate the importance of local ownership,” said Goussard.
Malevu described ownership as taking care of something, “whether it’s a physical asset, personal journey, or a shared community resource”. Ownership meant “protecting something and making it better”, she said.
Reaction from those in attendance
Eric Arnolds, a former teacher at Kayamandi High School, highlighted that the community needs to work together in order to get the better community they want to be a part of.
“If each and every one in the community takes ownership, we would have great communities,” said Arnolds.
Notes left by Kayamandi residents during a recent workshop organised by the urban planning non-profit organisation, Ranyaka Community Transformation. “Ownership is highlighted through consequences of decisions,” reads one of the notes. The dialogue was attended by SMF News. PHOTO: Hlomla Mdala
The importance of keeping local talent and expertise within Kayamandi was one of the things highlighted as a contributing factor to a ‘re-imagined’ Kayamandi, according to Daniel Thomae, the international director of Training 4 Changes non-profit organization (NPO).
“Training 4 Changes hopes to see shared ownership of excellence within Kayamandi,” said Thomae. “I wish for young people to have access to opportunities without having to move away from Kayamandi.”
Yondela Tyawa, a Kayamandi resident who was in attendance, said that he welcomes the idea of dialogues by Ranyaka.
“These types of workshops are needed by our communities,” said Tyawa.
Young people appreciate this dialogue; however, they wish more action could be taken instead of words, said Okuhle Gomba (22), who also attended the dialogue.
Okuhle Gomba (22), who attended a recent dialogue on community ownership in Kayamandi, shares her expectations for follow-up dialogues. VIDEO: Hlomla Mdala
Note: This article was updated on 23 March to indicate the collaboration with Open Play Foundation and to correct Ranyaka Community Transformation’s name.