Unity improved through social cohesion summit

South Africa remains deeply divided even after 20 years of democracy there still remains challenges of social divisions, economic inequality, poverty and exclusion.

This was mentioned by the provincial MEC of Sport Culture and recreation, Ms Sibongile Manana during the province’s first ever social cohesion summit held on March 20,it was aimed to get the public’s voices on Mpumalanga’s draft strategy to improve unity it was attended by people from all walks including scholars, traditional healers, different religious groups and other stakeholders from different sectors.

“Access to economic resources, education and work opportunities as the national development plan states , still remains largely based on race, gender , geographic location, class and linguistic factors,” she said.

The day started with prayers conducted by representatives from multi faith groups including Islam’s, Roman Catholics, Shembe’s, traditional healers and other religious groups.

Ms Sindisiwe Xulu explained the day as a day of celebrating unity in diversity as get ways on what people of the province can do to tolerate each other, live in peace and harmony with other people regardless of race ,colour and background.

It was also heard that provinces are expected to develop provincial programmes to feed into the national strategy for the purposes of developing an inclusive and cohesive South African Society, hence different commissions were tasked to give their inputs on how to achieve social cohesion.

Topics discussed by commissions ranged from critical review of impediments limiting a socially inclusive South African society, genuine participation of civil society in building a socially inclusive society amongst children, youth and community groups in the province. <strong>This commission’s scribe Mr Shaka Mkhwanazi suggests ways of dealing with cultural differences be taught at schools so that children can understand this from a young age.

Other commissions discussed on the strengthening of social interaction, cooperation and elimination of discrimination in the community, workplace and school. While other groups were tasked to discuss on reigniting the rainbow nation’s identity and unity, the media as a vehicle for social cohesion, where it’s facilitator, Ms Irma Green the managing editor of Lowveld Media, stated that in her experience, government have a tendency of reacting to negative press, instead of bragging about its achievements. Other commissions discussed on economic growth through social cohesion as well as funding and private public partnership in promoting social cohesion.

When this publication enquired from the department about the resolutions of this summit it was revealed that service providers were given 21 days to consolidate submissions made by the commissions and come up with their resolutions will be made known to the publication.