Mandlovu
Josette Cole, coordinator Mandlovu
initiative
Rooms 116/119, ground floor
Centre for popular memory
Historical studies, University of Cape Town, Private Bag
Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, SA |
Mandlovu
The MANDLOVU Development Institute, formerly known as the MANDLOVU Development
Initiative, is a non-profit "learning" organization, governed by a trust.
Its overarching goal is to become widely known and respected for an ability
to harness and focus development skills and knowledge on designing and
implementing innovative, integrated, and sustainable, community development
initiatives and strategies that palpably contribute to the eradication
of poverty, social renewal and, healing of individuals and communities
in a post conflict, transitional context.
The work of the MANDLOVU Development Institute currently falls into four
broad, inter-linked activity areas:
Community Development, Poverty Alleviation and Healing: the design, facilitation,
implementation and, mentorship/support, of community-based or, linked,
development initiatives, projects, programmes and activities
Education and Capacity Building for Community Development: the formation
and mentorship of new layers/ re-trained community development activists
and practitioners
Memory, Documentation and Research (UVIMBA): capturing, holding and sharing
the memories, knowledge and, experience, of community organisation and
development over time <ETH> making our contribution towards the
development of a broader community development "archive" as
part of the National Heritage.
Community Development Research and Knowledge Management: capturing, theorising
and, applying relevant data and knowledge in order to improve our understanding
of innovative and sustainable community development practice
The MANDLOVU approach to community development is based on a core assumption:
that for community development work to be relevant and sustainable in
a post apartheid context, it needs to inspire, empower and, be authentically
grounded in the living and lingering memories, experience and, culture
of local citizens.
As a way to test this assumption MANDLOVU piloted its community development
principles and approach in an urban regeneration initiative in New Crossroads
where MANDLOVU incrementally integrated elements of memory (history),
healing (reconciliation) and, cultural celebration into its design and
practice. |