Continued Social Cohesion Community Conversations

The Independent Development Trust (IDT), on behalf of the national Department of Arts and Culture, and the Western Cape Provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport cordially invites you to a Social Cohesion Conversation during which feedback will be provided on issues relating to the resolutions of the National Social Cohesion Summit held in July 2012 and previous engagements with the community in the Greater Karoo in 2011.

Date:    Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Time:    17:30 for 18:00

Venue:  Dutch Reform Church Hall, Prince Albert

Programme:

1.         Welcome

2.         Welcome by the Executive Mayor of Prince Albert, Mr G. Lottering

3.         Introductions and Apologies

4.         Short Overview of the Resolution Made at the Social Cohesion Summit Of 2012

5.         Short Report on Issues Raised During the Social Cohesion Conversations In 2011

6.         Presentation on Local Initiatives Addressing Social Cohesion

7.         Summary

8.         Conclusion

Background:

The Independent Development Trust (IDT), on behalf of the Department of Arts and Culture, and in partnership with the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport will facilitate community conversations on the resolution of the National Summit on Social Cohesion.  These conversations will be hosted in various venues across all the Districts of the Western Cape Province on the following dates:

Representatives of different community structures are cordially invited to attend and participate in these planned Social Cohesion Conversations during which feedback will be provided on issues relating to the resolutions of the National Social Cohesion Summit held in July 2012 and previous engagements with the communities in all the districts in 2011.

The National Department of Arts and Culture hosted, on behalf of the Government of South Africa, a National Social Cohesion Summit on the 4th and 5th of July 2012 at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto; a place where the historic Freedom Charter was adopted. 

In the run-up to the National Summit, community dialogues on social cohesion were held with representatives of different community structures in all the districts in the country.  The Western Cape Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport conducted these community conversations in the Cape Metro and the five district municipalities of the Western Cape during the period 31 August - 8 September 2011.  A further preparatory meeting was held in Cape Town in June 2012.  These conversations were intended to provide input and recommendations to the national Social Cohesion Summit.

Purpose of the Feedback Conversations with Communities:

Representatives of community structures raised pertinent issues during the conversations that took place in preparation of the National Summit.  Some communities proposed recommendations that government and its social partners needed to take cognizance of in the implementation of its programmes.

The national summit took resolutions that recommit South Africa and its people to strive for freedom, respect for human rights and promotion of access to opportunities for all.  It committed the people of South Africa to renew their commitment to heal the divisions of the painful past and establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights

The planned community feedback conversations are intended to ensure that the outcomes of the National Summit are not only part of government programmes but are embraced, supported, and ‘made alive’ by all communities in the South Africa.  The discussions, therefore, seek to mobilize community structures to work with government and with each other to create cohesive, inclusive communities and promote nation building.

The programme for the day will allow for community to engage with the summit resolutions, programme of action by government in addressing some of the key social cohesion issues.  It will also provide opportunity for communities representatives to learn from community based initiatives that are promoting social inclusion.