Projects

School of Political Education and Leadership

The Democracy Development Program has since 1993 worked tirelessly to build a culture of human rights and entrench democratic principles through its programs and various initiatives. The evolving socio-economic landscape dictated that as a learning organization, we now and again reflect on our work and adapt our programs to meet the pressing challenges and prevailing political and socio-economic conditions of the time. Our primary focus has always been to empower and educate citizens so that they can be able to hold those in power accountable through active citizenship and accompaniment. In the process, we nurture leaders who can lead social change and advocate for active citizenship throughout our society.

Local Government Learning and Advocacy Network (LGLAN)

The DDP Local Government Learning and Advocacy Network (LGLAN) is a network for civil society organizations that work in the local governance sphere nationally. The network believes that civil society has a critical role to play in promoting good governance in the local government sphere and having a collective voice toward advocating for an effective and efficient local government.

Sisonke in Democracy Project

The project is about inclusive governance, human rights, and democracy, promoting the inclusion of African migrants in local governance structures (that is, ward committees) in three selected localities in the greater Durban Metro.

Open Society Foundation Project

Open Society Foundation (OSF-SA), formerly the Open Society Institute, is a grant-making network founded by business magnate George Soros. Open Society Foundations financially support civil society groups around the world, with a stated aim of advancing justice, education, public health, and independent media.

Traditional Leadership, Politics, and Governance

Traditional leadership in South Africa is an established leadership institution recognized by the government of South Africa. It is an important pillar of our democracy with representation at various levels of governance, regionally and nationally. Constitutionally, traditional leaders are allowed, just like every citizen, to belong to political parties of their choice. At present, several traditional leaders belong to various political parties and participate in these parties in their personal capacities as traditional leaders. Moreover, they play a significant role in unifying communities in the jurisdictions under their leadership.

Migration, Social Cohesion and Human Rights Program

Strengthening CSOs Intervention Capacities for Lessening xenophobic tendencies among African Migrants, South Africans and duty-bearers in KZN

Advancing Community Voices Project

Democracy is deepened and strengthened by citizens and because they are subject to the democratic processes and systems in which they operate and live within society, their participation is of critical importance. These systems and policies have a direct impact on their lived experiences and socio-economic and political reality. Therefore, they must be involved actively in influencing decision-making processes where policies are concerned as their voice matters and need to be heard by leaders.

Electoral Participation For Integrity By Civil Society

The Election Integrity Project, a joint initiative of Civil Society, is dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes. Recognizing the importance of free and fair elections in a democracy, this project works towards preventing electoral fraud, enhancing transparency, and promoting voter education. Through research, advocacy, and capacity-building activities, the Election Integrity Project aims to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the credibility of elections.