Planact: Research Dissemination Seminar

Presentation and Discussion of the Research Findings: ‘Participation and Development from the Perspective of the Poor’

Planact, an urban development NGO, has concluded a research project on community participation and development focusing on five specific development projects in Gauteng as case studies.

The overall research project was aimed at contributing to the debate on whether the value placed on participation in the South African policy and development discourse is borne out in the implementation of projects. The research study considered whether and how participation contributes to achieving better development outcomes. The key findings point to a range of challenges experienced as well as some examples of good practice observed in the following case studies:

• Orlando East/Noordgesig Community Development Committee, Johannesburg;
• Vosloorus Ext. 28 Food Gardening Cooperative Project, Ekurhuleni.
• City Deep Hostel Redevelopment Project, Johannesburg;
• Thinasonke Ext 4, FEDUP Pledge Project – greenfields development, Ekurhuleni;
• Bantu Bonke Hydroponics Project, Midvaal;

We would like to use this opportunity to share the lessons learnt from these case studies as well as provide an opportunity for further reflection on the debates around participation and development. The results will be of interest to government officials, policy makers, planners, researchers, development practitioners and citizens concerned about participation practices.

Venue: Museum Africa Auditorium, Newtown

Date: 26 March 2010

Time: 9h00-13h30

Spaces are limited, so please reply to Tshidi / Mary at 011-4036291 or tshidi@planact.org.za by 19 March 2010. For more information on the content, please contact Hermine at 011-4036291 or hermine@planact.org.za.