This project aims to institutionalise effective communication and coordination development planning and project implementation among municipalities and community-based organisations in the Alfred Nzo District in the Eastern Cape. There is a huge communication gap between the district municipality and local municipalities as well as between the local government bodies and the communities in the region.

About 60 participants from 30 civil society organisations and 15 councillors at a district level recived training about development issues and effective communication. Some 15 people at the district municipality recived training in financial management systems.

In addition, several thousand pepole in 19 villages in the district were reached with 'Theatre for Africa' , a theatre performance used to drive awarness in the communities about their rights and duties as citizens and the possible communication channels with the municipality. Swisscontact oversaw a study on the municipality's culture of performance, which the district municipality will use to improve internal communications and drive a culture of performance excellence.

After encouraging results at Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the next phase of the project will focus on getting the local municipalities more involved. Innovative communication channels such as theatre and radio on the concept of peer review will be used to ensure that knowledge is shared between the stakeholders involved in the project.

Contact Mr. Juancho Hagnauer: jh@swisscontact.co.za