The Ogies‐Phola development forum as an example for South African communities?

This article shows the influence that development forums can have on the communities they serve. It analyses the modus operandi and structure of the Ogies development forum, which was established to serve the Ogies‐Phola community in Mpumalanga. The forum's structure reflects the coming together of all stakeholders, working groups and a participating community. The article suggests that development forums, operating with specific objectives in mind and based on international development thinking and national development policy, can be a force behind societal change in South African communities. All participants, especially the people themselves, influence the delivery of facilities to improve general living conditions. The development forum coordinates the operation of working groups whose efforts in the fields of job creation, health and welfare, education and housing have led to an improved quality of life. To continue in this vein will enhance community well‐being and promote effective development.

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Department of Geography, University of Pretoria. The article is based on Ndlovu (1994).