As we navigate the complexities of community development in South Africa, it has become clear that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. The era of relying solely on food parcels and short-term interventions have to be a thing of the past. In our current environment, we need sustainable solutions that focus on long-term development, growth, and meaningful impact.
Mental health is an integral part of overall health, defined by the World Health Organisation as a state of wellbeing. However, contextual factors such as poverty, discrimination, and oppression can significantly impact mental health. In communities like Touws River in the Western Cape, where 85% of residents are unemployed, social isolation and reduced community participation can exacerbate these challenges.
Here is a news article from the Daily Maverick painting a very grim picture of conditions in Touws River:
The MoreThanMeerAs project, initiated in Touws River in 2021, aims to facilitate healing through community innovation. By creating brave and safe spaces for growth, self-discovery, and social connection, we’ve been able to promote mental wellbeing and challenge perceptions. Brave spaces are environments where individuals feel empowered to take risks, share their stories, and engage in meaningful dialogue, while safe spaces provide a sense of security and comfort, allowing individuals to feel seen, heard, and valued. These spaces are essential in community development, as they foster a sense of connection and belonging, allowing individuals to build trust, develop resilience, and drive positive change.
Our research, presented at Stellenbosch University’s Division of Rural Health’s 14th Annual Rural Research Day, highlights the promise of this approach. Through a qualitative study with a phenomenological design, we engaged 23 participants in semi-structured focus group discussions. The findings demonstrate that our approach can enable personal growth, team building, and social cohesion.
The landscape of social development is shifting, and we must adapt.
With increased competition for funding and investments, traditional NPO models are no longer viable. Instead, we’re seeing a rise in social entrepreneurship, portfolio approaches, and generational focus to solving systemic challenges. Collectives, collaboratives, and coalitions are also becoming more prominent, allowing organisations to pool their resources and expertise to drive greater impact.
At MoreThanMeerAs, we’re committed to this new way of thinking. We believe that sustainable solutions and partnerships are essential for creating lasting change and promoting mental wellbeing in communities across South Africa. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, we can drive meaningful impact and achieve transformative change in our communities.
A Call to Action to be the Change
The time for change is now!
We invite organisations, funders, and community leaders to join us in revolutionising community development. If you have a local community that requires support, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can create meaningful impact and foster a brighter future for all.
Let’s work collaboratively to drive systemic change and develop sustainable solutions that promote long-term growth and development.
Get in touch with MoreThanMeerAs to explore partnership opportunities and let’s shape the future of community development together.
Visit our website to view the research paper. Or contact us – andri@morethanmeeras.co.za / 083 654 3939.
