JOHANNESBURG-LILONGWE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME CAPACITY BUILDING IN LILONGWE SACN Workshop – 25 May 2011

CAPACITY BUILDING IN LILONGWE Purpose Explain the City of Joburg involvement Provide an overview of the capacity building process in Lilongwe Lessons

CAPACITY BUILDING IN LILONGWE Johannesburg-Lilongwe mentorship Originated in a CityFutures Workshop in July 2007 – request to assist with the development of a CDS Mentorship approach approved by CoJ Mayoral Committee, SALGA, UCLG, UCLGA and Malawi Government by March 2008 – ensure buy- in and political support 3 phases (Preparatory, CDS Development & Implementation) – now in phase 3 (project support) CoJ is self-funded Identified need to address financial sustainability issues in phase 2 and approached SACN to Include Lilongwe, despite problems, in their credit assessment process “design a purpose-made package” focusing on financial sustainability and long-term capital requirements

CAPACITY BUILDING IN LILONGWE Process Issues Making contact – identifying the right people and obtaining “the green light” Mutual understanding of the scope of work and purpose  Question from recipients: Why are you doing this? What’s in it for you? – overcome suspicion Agree upfront on a joint programme Accessing the latest information Embedded knowledge Non-formal sources not generally known

CAPACITY BUILDING IN LILONGWE The challenge Easiest part of process is to develop, compile and write a document – many examples of documents developed for countries and cities in Africa by donors/NGOs, etc – however, clear that many of these processes result in a lack of ownership, understanding, and most importantly WHAT TO DO WITH THE DOCUMENT  Internal buy-in  External buy-in Lack of access to documents (copying, electronic)

CAPACITY BUILDING IN LILONGWE Lessons Highest authority support required at outset Build a relationship - SACN involvement in Lilongwe would not have been possible without the Joburg partnership Plan for an implementation and support phase Take cognisance of language, cultural aspects, capacity, etc Funding of processes Capacity building and knowledge  Participants need to form part of the process – regularly verify understanding of issues/process  Maintain momentum, meet expectations  Pitch input at level of the audience; this might vary from audience to audience  Ensure that targeted drivers own the content – can they present it to others?  Consistency – consultation material on OWN brand eg powerpoint slide packs

CAPACITY BUILDING IN LILONGWE Concluding remarks Capacity building around the CDS required more than ensuring ownership of the product/process. It also require the following: Be flexible – go on a journey with your peers Ongoing support and advise – from learner driver to licensed driver Knowledge management of processes Motivate and build self esteem Aftercare as important as main process – R Hunter: Issues for City Government Finances and Concluding Propositions: Way ahead?