An Investigation into the Viability of Partnerships Between Uthungulu Community Foundation and Other Development Stakeholders: Proposal for Integrated Socio-Economic Development

Chris Mkhize, Senior Fellow, International Fellows Program ~ 2003

Abstract

Pointing to the many constitutional, legal, and political disagreements that exist in South Africa between traditional leaders (Inkosi), civil society organizations, and government, Chris Mkhize identifies partnerships as critical to effectively harnessing the country’s resources.  He argues that the task of developing the country’s local communities is too complex to be left to any one sector of society and maintains that private and public sector organizations must sit down together to identify mechanisms for the development, finance, and monitoring of local development initiatives.   Mr. Mkhize argues, for example, that partnerships between government and civil society organizations are a means to addressing the problems of duplication and uncoordinated delivery of health, education, and other social services, particularly to rural communities.  Underlying his paper is discussion of the extent to which community foundations and other stakeholders in community development share common strategies and the means to identify the best ways to promote and develop partnerships between the key players in community development.   Proposed actions to be taken to further the partnership goals include working with the Uthungulu Community Foundation to further negotiations underway with government agencies, the University of Zululand, traditional leaders, and both local and district councils, to provide training on management and public administration to Inkosi and council representatives.  Further recommendations include a partnership between civil society organizations and the business directed at finding a speedier way to bridge the divide between traditional/tribal leaders and government          

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