Phoenix-based non-profit organisation, Giving Hope Foundation in partnership with the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) successfully hosted a two-day Social Cohesion Workshop at the Gateway Hotel in uMhlanga recently.
The workshop, which was sponsored by ACCORD, empowered delegates from Phoenix and other areas of eThekwini on identifying challenges by having conversations with key stakeholders and potential leaders. The international expert on social cohesion, Philip Visser, who was part of the workshop, also shared his skills on negotiation, mediation, conversations, community resilience and systematic approaches.
The foundation’s Roy Sukdhev said that the key topic highlighted during the workshop was community resilience which he said was very much-needed in our communities due to many factors.
“It is sad that Phoenix, a once vibrant suburb, is fast deteriorating due to apathy and neglect by many residents. Filth, illegal dumping and crime has become very rife in recent years and residents need to take stock in order to prevent Phoenix from becoming a slum township,” said Sukdhev.
He said the foundation is keen to roll-out a plan of action as well as to support organisations, ratepayers associations, civic and religious groups among other key stakeholders.
“Phoenix has dynamic individuals and many organisations but working together towards common benefits for our community is the key for a better society. We have to be prepared for disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, service delivery issues and violence in order to manage such crisis. Sadly, it seems that our Phoenix community shows united resilience when only in fear like during the 2021 civil unrest and then go back to working in silos. We need permanent community resilience. Another important aspect to consider is racial harmony which is extremely important for a united township and nation building,” added Sukdhev.
The chairperson of the organisation, Johnny Reddy encouraged organisations to work as a collective rather than in silos. “Phoenix can once again become vibrant and a role model suburb by working together, yet keeping the identity of the different organisations,” said Reddy.
For further information, WhatsApp Johnny Reddy on 082 479 6470.
