The capacity to change within the eMgwenya community

Abstract

Successful change is dependent on the community’s ability to adapt and adjust to new conditions. For this reason community capacity to change is a fundamental concept within the theory and practice of community development. In light of an extensive development plan namely the eMgwenya Urban Renewal Project that proposes many changes for the community of eMgwenya, the question pertaining to the degree of the eMgwenya community’s capacity to change comes to the fore. This study made use of a case study research design to determine the eMgwneya Community’s capacity to change. The Community Readiness Model was used as the assessment tool. Five key informant interviews were conducted. Additionally, a focus group discussion was conducted with community members from the town and township respectively. The results show that there is a difference in the level of the community’s capacity to change between the town and the township. There are marked differences between the town and township in the way issues in the community are addressed. The findings suggest that leadership, community efforts and resources should be addressed to increase the community’s capacity to change.