The National Planning Commission (NPC), under the office of the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa hosted a dialogue on social cohesion in South Africa. The workshop was hosted at the Union Buildings on the 26th of November 2024, wherein various organizations were invited. The dialogue was chaired by NPV Commissioner, Dr Abba Omar. Several other NPC Commissioners were also present.
Inclusive Society Institute, CEO Mr Daryl Swanepoel, and Advisory Council Member Ms Nondumiso Sithole were present to represent the Institute. The institute has been collaborating with Prof. Klaus Boehnke and Dr Georgi Dragolov from Constructor University in Bremen, Germany, in developing a South African Social Cohesion Index (SASCI). This Index was officially launched at the dialogue.
Various organizations such as, amongst many others, SALGA, Brand SA, The Center for Human Rights, and PanSALB, attended the event. The message from the dialogue was clear: There must be coordinated efforts and synergy in working collectively with the government, civil society and labour to address the challenges that may have weakened “Ubuntu” and social cohesion in South Africa, since it is crucially important for ensuring economic growth and social stability. The current state of affairs is less than optimal, and therefore, if it is left to degenerate it will pose a serious risk to the country’s future development.
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