15 June 2023, Johannesburg – South Africa continues to grapple with a myriad of challenges including high unemployment, crime, poverty, and inequality which remain on an upward trajectory. Consequently, marginalised communities throughout the country endure the negative effect of these challenges, and therefore, interventions to lessen the impact of these socioeconomic challenges have become critical.  

To actively minimise the negative impact of the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities, Khulisa Social Solutions, a multi-award-winning Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that is committed to empowering South Africans from marginalised communities, has introduced dialogue circles that are meant to provide safe spaces for individuals to openly discuss delicate topics with the help of social workers and counsellors.   

Lesley Ann Van Selm, Founder and Managing Director of Khulisa Social Solutions, says, “Through our broad network of nongovernment organisations across the country, we have been able to roll out dialogue circles in several provinces including Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape. Dialogue circles are part of our successful Peacemaking initiatives, and have proven to be useful for our participants who believe that they have improved the quality of their lives and are asking for more engagements.” 

Since 2020, the NPO’s partner organisations have rolled out approximately 90 dialogue circles reaching an average of 900 people in Alexandra. Participants include children and youth, parents, people living with disabilities and their family members, survivors of crime, drug mules, formerly incarcerated offenders, people recovering from drug addiction, and women cleaning the Jukskei River.  

Reflecting on experiences including how the dialogue sessions have impacted their lives, parents reported improved communication and better relationship with their children, while children and youth indicated that they were able to show respect to their parents and could express themselves better in social and learning environments. 

Participants also noted that the sessions have improved their mental health, one indicated that they are able to control their anger and that they have learned to be more emotionally intelligent. “I am able to talk to my coach about challenges that I face as a young boy,” said one participant, while the other said, “I have been able to fix my relationship with my neighbours, we do not fight a lot anymore.” 

“Dialogue circles are a great necessity in communities, especially as many of our people face socioeconomic challenges daily. Recently, we used the ecological model to look into the various root causes of gender-based violence, and this study underscored the need for communities to have cordial engagements and actively tap into each other’s unique experiences.” 

Interested NGOs are encouraged to contact Khulisa info@khulisa.org.za for training on Peacemaking and facilitating dialogue circles.