SARChi Chair
SUSTAINABLE LOCAL(RURAL) LIVELIHOODS

The main objective of the study is to explore, understand and explain participatory communication processes in Matatiele Local Municipality and how these contribute to sustainable livelihoods. Like many rural municipalities, participatory communication in Matatiele Local Municipality is a challenge due to ineffective communication channels. The rural populace live in communal lands in remoted villages which are often difficult to reach due to rugged terrain and poor road infrastructure. Further, many citizens residing in Matatiele Local Municipality have little access to basic services such as electricity and broadband which constrains effectiveness of communication. The municipality reaches out to citizens by word of mouth, written letters to community leaders and traditional authorities, and loud hailing. Yet, most residents in the rural communities are not privileged enough to receive this form of communication which results in community disgruntlement towards municipal authorities. Moroesi Lebenya is, therefore, exploring forms of communication and the significance of communication models in Matatiele Local Municipality as tools of good governance in rural development.