Sport, Arts and Culture partners with the United Nations Development Programme to strengthen Social Cohesion in South Africa

DSAC and UNDP partner to strengthen Social Cohesion in South Africa

Pretoria - The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa are launching a partnership agreement which aims to intensify efforts to strengthen national social cohesion. In this regard, the two entities today signed a project document which is the basis of the partnership agreement and guides the collaboration to facilitate integration and promotion of social cohesion for South Africa. The signing ceremony took place at the DSAC offices in Pretoria.

'The NDP envisions a society in 2030 that would embrace its diversity rather than reinforce observable human differences along the contours of race, class, gender, religion, culture and other social constructions. Such a society will have a common set of values that it shares. An inclusive economy, increased interaction among South Africans of different social and racial groups, plus a strong leadership cadre across society supported by an organised, active and responsible citizenry' said Mr. Vusi Mkhize, Director General at DSAC as he outlined the importance of this partnership and what it should achieve for the people of South Africa.

The social cohesion project is a long-term nation building initiative. It is informed by a recognition that the promotion of social cohesion is an important part in nation building and the articulation of South Africa's national identity. The project is an outcome of analyses and deliberations on critical social trends as the country transitioned from apartheid to a non-racialised democracy. The project will focus on strengthening capacities of stakeholders at national, provincial and local governments; strengthen early warning systems to anticipate and possibly prevent violence and social unrest; and advance social dialogue between key stakeholders to strengthen relationships, improve understanding, and involve communities to align local solutions with national priorities. This work reinforces working towards the achievement to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) 10 (reduced inequalities), 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and 17 (partnerships for the goals).

'COVID-19 has exposed the nation's vulnerabilities and tested its resilience. The economic impact of the pandemic is likely to remain with us for some time to come. As the country works on strategies for economic recovery, of equal importance is the social recovery strategy - investing in practical proposals on how best to address and ensure a socially cohesive society that does not discriminate against people of different nationalities, countries of origins, gender, and other differences' said Dr Ayodele Odusola, Resident Representative of the UNDP South Africa during his address at the signing ceremony.

To kick-start the partnership agreement, UNDP and DSAC have launched a call(link is external) to review the social cohesion strategy.

For enquiries contact:

Mickey Modisane: Chief Director Communications and Marketing (DSAC), Cell: 082 992 0101 | Email: [e-mail](link sends e-mail) or

Rhulani Lehloka: Communications Analyst (UNDP), Cell: 066 307 1827 | Email: [e-mail](link sends e-mail)

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.za.undp.org(link is external).

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) was established in June 2019 by the merger of the Department of Arts and Culture and the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa. The mission of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is to transform the delivery of sports, arts and culture by ensuring equitable access, development and excellence at all levels of participation and to harness the socio-economic contributions that can create a better life for all South Africans.