SADRA Conflict Transformation Newsletter – November 2024 Edition

Building Bridges of Peace: Reflections on a Transformative Quarter

Message from the Director
“Greetings Friends,

As we close out 2024, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve shared this past quarter. From empowering local leaders to guiding communities through electoral challenges, this period has showcased the resilience, commitment, and heart of SADRA Conflict Transformation. Every effort we’ve undertaken has been fueled by the trust and support of people like you. Thank you!

This Year was not just about resolving conflicts but about laying the foundations for sustainable peace and democracy. I am excited to share with you the highlights of our work and the path we are charting for the future.”

Warm regards,
Oscar Siwali
Director, SADRA Conflict Transformation

Program Highlights: Advancing Our Vision, One Step at a Time

1. Empowering Leaders: Mediation Graduation Ceremony
   Between September and December, 2024, SADRA graduated more than 200 mediators between Gauteng, Ngcobo, Cape Town, and has over 200 trained, who will graduate ìn the first quarter, from KZN. Some of the graduations were attended by esteemed guests, including SAPS leadership, the Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, and a CCMA Commissioners.

• Key Moments:
  The event opened with a heartfelt devotion by Bishop Makili, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between church leaders and government officials. His powerful message set the tone: “We need each other; the officials need the church leaders, and the church leaders need the officials to bring peace.”
  Two inspiring testimonials from graduates, Rev. Mvumvu and Pastor Msele, highlighted the real-world impact of SADRA’s training. Their stories showcased how SADRA’s work empowers communities by fostering peace and addressing pressing challenges.

2. Leading Peace Efforts During 2024 Elections

SADRA’s involvement in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections was pivotal in maintaining peace and trust across communities. This work not only demonstrated the importance of mediation in electoral contexts but also laid the foundation for future collaborations aimed at sustaining democratic practices.

• In the Field:
  SADRA deployed 67 mediators across four provinces—Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal—to tackle electoral tensions in areas identified as high-risk. These mediators were trained to manage conflicts swiftly and effectively, intervening in disputes before they escalated into violence. Their presence helped ensure that contentious situations, such as disputes over voter registration and ballot handling, were resolved amicably.
• Collaborative Success:
  One of the standout achievements this quarter has been SADRA’s growing relationship with the South African Police Services (SAPS). This partnership has reached a significant milestone, with efforts underway to formalize SADRA’s role as an intermediary in conflict resolution. Mediators now act as a bridge between communities and law enforcement, stepping in to de-escalate tensions before SAPS intervenes. This proactive approach not only fosters trust but also prevents conflicts from spiraling into violence. The collaboration is set to deepen as SADRA, SAPS, CPF, and Spiritual Crime Prevention explore joint initiatives for community policing and restorative justice programs​.
• Post-Election Reflections:
  As part of SADRA’s commitment to continuous learning and improvement, we are facilitating post-election dialogues. These sessions bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including state officials, police, ministers, and community leaders. The focus is on reconciliation, sharing lessons learned, and developing strategies to strengthen democratic practices. Key discussion areas include:
• Violence and Crime Prevention: Exploring community-led initiatives to reduce crime and enhance public safety.
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Addressing the root causes of GBV and promoting interventions that empower survivors and prevent further harm.
• Community Development: Engaging with local leaders to identify and address socio-economic challenges.
• Community Policing Forums: Strengthening the role of these forums in fostering collaboration between communities and law enforcement.
• A Vision for the Future:
  SADRA’s partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has also strengthened, with plans to deploy more mediators during future national and local elections. These efforts, coordinated with SAPS and other partners, aim to create a robust framework for electoral peacebuilding. By integrating mediation into the electoral process, SADRA is helping to ensure that democracy thrives in South Africa.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Reach and Impact

1. Launching New Mediators in Mpumalanga & Limpopo Provinces
   In January 2025, SADRA will welcome a new cohort of mediators in Gauteng. These leaders will be trained to address electoral and community conflicts, expanding SADRA’s peacebuilding efforts in a key region.
2. Empowering Communities Through Technology
   SADRA is developing a digital platform for real-time conflict reporting and intervention, enhancing responsiveness and community engagement.
3. Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
   Building on our successful collaboration with SAPS, we aim to forge deeper partnerships with civic organizations, creating a holistic approach to conflict resolution.
4. Hosting Inclusive Community Dialogues
   SADRA will lead community dialogues aimed at fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse groups, reducing tensions, and promoting peace. These include dialogues on SGBV.

A Call to Action: Join Us in Building Peace

Your continued support is the cornerstone of SADRA’s work. Together, we can achieve even greater impact.

• Volunteer: Join our growing network of peacebuilders and make a difference in your community.
• Donate: Your contributions directly enable us to train mediators, host workshops, and expand our initiatives.
• Collaborate: Partner with SADRA to create innovative solutions for conflict transformation and democracy building.

Let’s continue transforming lives and communities, one step at a time.

Contact Us
📧 admin@sadra.co.za
🌐 www.sadra.co.za
📍 7 Victoria Street, Somerset West 7130, South Africa
📞 021 851 3765

Thank you for walking this journey with us as we continue to build a peaceful and non-violent society.