ACCORD held a Capacity-Building Workshop from the 9 to 10 December 2024 in Cape Town, the workshop focused on the relationship between coalition governments and conflict management. The workshop addressed critical themes such as conflict resolution, peacebuilding, dialogue, and mediation skills essential for easing tensions in municipalities governed by coalitions. Coalition governments, particularly in metropolitan areas, have been marked by turbulence, chaos, and instability due to a lack of political tolerance among key stakeholders. This environment has often led to verbal and physical altercations, which, in some cases, have escalated into extreme violence.
Drawing on 32 years of experience in conflict management, peacebuilding, dialogue, and mediation across Africa, ACCORD aimed to equip participants with the tools necessary to address these challenges. The workshop brought together middle management practitioners from the Western Cape Department of Local Government, who brought diverse expertise in municipal and legal support, legislative functions, legal investigations, and capacity building.
The workshop was facilitated by Ms. René Ngwenya, an independent expert in conflict mediation and peacebuilding, alongside Mr. Ashraf Adam, the Governance and Support Officer at the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Together, they provided a valuable blend of theoretical insights and practical experience, ensuring that participants gained real-world skills in conflict mediation and resolution. Their collaborative efforts aimed to equip provincial government officials with the skills needed to mediate and resolve conflicts effectively, drawing from their diverse areas of expertise.
The workshop forms part of ACCORD’s project titled, ‘Contributing towards Sustainable Coalitions at Local Government Level in South Africa’ and aligns with the institution’s strategy towards strengthening the role of multi-dimensional stakeholders in dealing with complex conflicts.
