Community development in Sesheke and other parts

of Western Province in Zambia

David Mutemwa

A case study of the Sesheke Church’s

Transformational Task

Findings of the field research

Conducted in December, 2014

The church failed at its transformational task!

1Reasons the Church failed

at its Transformational Task

Participants in the interviews cited the following reasons for the failure …

Lack of participatory transformational practices

The local community and church were passive recipients of projects designed elsewhere

Reasons for failure. #1

Church politics / Personal gain

Self-centered actions of churches and leaders aimed at improving their own status, positions, or to achieve greater power

Reasons for failure. #2

Oversimplified approach to transformation

• They did not provide a holistic solution to people’s basic needs

• Only a single aspect – forest preservation - was focused on

• Survival, however, is the biggest need of the people of Sesheke

Reasons for failure. #3

Underlying dualism –Spiritual opposed to

Physical

The church’s task is seen as attending to the spiritual needs of the people opposed to their physical well-being.

Reasons for failure. #4

Lack of Skills and Understanding of the

Transformational Task

• Insufficient planning on behalf of the church

• The church did not have skills to work with external experts

• The church did not address community’s basic needs

Reasons for failure. #5

Non-Sustainable Interventions

• No replacement strategies (alternative livelihood measures) were put in place for people to survive on if they stopped exploiting the forest

• Projects were dependent on resources from outside the community for its continuation and success

Reasons for failure. #6

Lack of Resources

No Transport and funding for the Pastors’ fellowship to carry out transformational projects

Reasons for failure. #7

2

Church’s impact

Despite the perceived failure of the church the participants did identify interventions by the church that are beneficial to the community.

Interventions that addressed a range of needs:

• from school fees,

• food packages, to

• HIV/AIDS assistance

Church’s impact #1

Interventions however

• were not necessarily coordinated and proactive efforts,

• brought temporary relief but not necessarily permanent change and

• kept people dependent on contributions.

Church’s impact #2

3

What people expected from the church

Church should impact the community holistically

Attend to both spiritual and physical needs of the people

What people expected from the church #1

Church should liaise with the Government

Church has influence with government and should act on behalf of the people

What people expected from the church #2

Church should empower people

The church should make available information, training, and resources needed for people to be primary actors in their own transformation

What people expected from the church #3

4

Transformational challenges

The challenges are put in two (2) groups

A

Challenges related to community characteristics

The following challenges are related to the particular community characteristics of Sesheke:• Challenges related to community characteristics• Challenges related to operational practice

Transformational challenges

Poverty

Most people cannot afford decent meals, accommodation, or to pay for their children’s school fees

Challenges related to community characteristics #1

Position of Zambezi Sawmills ex-employees

• The Sawmill led to an influx of people from other communities.

• The abrupt liquidation of the Sawmill was a severe blow to an already vulnerable community.

Challenges related to community characteristics #2

Education across all sectors of community

There is lack of skills, knowledge, and training among community members

Challenges related to community characteristics #3

Cultural and language barriers

• Cultural diversity and practices pose reasonable challenges to the transformational task

• There are also immigrants from Angola in Sesheke

Challenges related to community characteristics #4

Accessibility of communities

Lack of transport and non-existence of roads to some communities

Challenges related to community characteristics #5

Vulnerable community members

• Children, youths, and widows are suffering

• Deviant behaviour among young people

Challenges related to community characteristics #6

Farming

• Inadequate farming land

• Farming in protected forestry area is illegal

• Lack of knowledge, resources, and skills on modern farming methods

Challenges related to community characteristics #7

Water

Clean and safe drinking water supply is inadequate

Challenges related to community characteristics #8

B

Challenges related to operational practice

The following challenges relate to operational practice

Transformational challenges

Cooperation with government departments

Careful planning and consideration of involving government projects and aid are required

Challenges related to operational practice #1

Financing transformational projects

Challenging the belief that funds should come primarily from outside organisations instead of the local church and community

Challenges related to operational practice #2

Establishing community participation

• Giving priority to the basic element in development, the local people themselves

• Moving into the area not as the “saviour of”, but as a “partner with” the community

Challenges related to operational practice #3

Incorporating the Pastors Fellowship

• Lack of cooperation within the pastors’ fellowship,

• Infightings and dissentions amongst churches and church leaders

Challenges related to operational practice #4

Engaging social institutions

Accessibility and support of social institutions such as schools, hospitals, and prisons

Challenges related to operational practice #5

Effective planning and implementation

Planning is to include a practical and measurable implementation strategy in order to ensure success

Challenges related to operational practice #6

Conclusion

• The church in Sesheke failed at its transformational task.

• Transformation involves alleviating the plight of the poor and less privileged people

• Some of the church interventions were beneficial but not sufficient to bring about community transformation

• The church must holistically attend to needs of the poor and vulnerable people in society according to the teaching of the Bible (Matthew 25:35-40)

Join a league of spiritual leaders, who work vigorously at

advancing the Kingdom of God.

www.ats.ac.za