ISD operations set to take a new direction
The Mvula Trust convened a two-day Institutional Social Development (ISD) workshop on the 26 to 27 January 2017 at Emperors Palace in Gauteng. The workshop was held under a theme ‘Raising Citizen Voice through Proper Empowerment.’
The aim of the workshop was to; firstly, bring staff members and experts in ISD operations to look at The Mvula Trust previous model versus current approach. Secondly, to develop a common organisational approach around marketing and branding of Institutional Social Development services.
The Ceo of The Mvula Trust, Silas Mbedzi, officially opened the workshop and he urged all delegates to embrace information shared during the workshop.“We would like to thank you all for coming to this workshop. I believe that by the time this workshop comes to an end, we would be all having a better understanding of ISD and what it entails,” said Mbedzi.
Addressing attendees on the importance of ISD work when implementing projects and expectations from municipalities, Nomvuyo Nqwemeshe, ISD Manager in the Chris Hani District Municipality, emphasised that ISD consultants play a huge role in projects.
“ISD officials ensure that there is effective community participation in projects as well as monitoring and managing community structures. Development cannot be imposed on communities; they should be allowed to have a voice in the whole process of project implementation,” she added.
Speakers at the workshop urged The Mvula Trust, given its pedigree in ISD services, to take advantage of its unparalleled background in ISD work and influence policy formulation. In addition, to ensure that people’s voices are heard through ISD work.Delegates participated in various breakaway sessions to thrash out some of the issues affecting recognition and growth of ISD services. Although ISD approach has relatively changed since its inception, it was agreed that there is still a huge demand for ISD services across three spheres of government. Consequently, a report will be compiled outlining the new approach that The Mvula Trust will take to maximise ISD services across the organisation’s existing and prospective clientele.
