CONVENING

Fostering Dialogue for Collaborative Governance

At SAPST, we create platforms for open dialogue and collaboration between parliaments, civil society, government institutions, and citizens. Our convening efforts bring diverse stakeholders together to shape policies, promote transparency, and strengthen governance at every level.

Creating Spaces for Inclusive Dialogue and Effective Collaboration

Governance is most effective when it is participatory and collaborative. At SAPST, we recognize that the voices of all stakeholders—parliamentarians, civil society, government agencies, and citizens—must be heard and engaged in shaping policies and laws. Through our convening initiatives, we provide spaces where these groups can come together to discuss key legislative issues, governance challenges, and social justice priorities.

Our convening programs help bridge the gap between institutions and the people they serve, ensuring that policies are informed by diverse perspectives. By bringing people together for public hearings, roundtables, and multi-sectoral dialogues, SAPST ensures that governance is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

1. Public Hearings and Forums

SAPST organizes public hearings and forums that give citizens the opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers. These platforms are designed to foster transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to share their views on legislation, policies, and national priorities. Our forums enable communities, particularly marginalized groups, to voice their concerns and influence the decision-making process.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Facilitating citizen engagement in legislative processes
  • Ensuring public input is considered in law-making
  • Promoting dialogue between MPs and their constituencies


2. Stakeholder Roundtables

Our roundtable discussions bring together diverse groups—parliamentarians, civil society, and experts from various fields—to engage in critical conversations about governance and policy. These discussions focus on specific policy areas, including public finance management, gender equality, and social justice, with the aim of developing actionable solutions to pressing governance challenges.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Fostering cross-sector dialogue on governance and policy reform
  • Engaging experts and stakeholders in problem-solving discussions
  • Identifying and addressing challenges in key areas like gender, finance, and inclusion


3. Multi-Sectoral Dialogues

SAPST facilitates multi-sectoral dialogues that bring together government agencies, international organizations, and civil society to tackle regional governance challenges. These dialogues promote collaboration across sectors, ensuring that policies and solutions are aligned with both national and regional development goals. By fostering cross-sector partnerships, SAPST helps drive holistic solutions to governance challenges in Southern Africa.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Promoting collaboration between parliaments, governments, and international organizations
  • Addressing regional governance challenges through multi-sector dialogue
  • Ensuring coherence between national policies and regional development goals


4. Community Engagement and Grassroots Mobilization

SAPST’s convening efforts extend beyond formal institutions to include grassroots communities. By engaging community leaders and mobilizing citizens at the local level, we ensure that governance is inclusive and participatory. Our programs provide platforms for marginalized voices to be heard, particularly those of women, youth, and disadvantaged communities, in discussions about governance and policy-making.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in policy debates
  • Ensuring grassroots engagement in governance processes
  • Bridging the gap between communities and their elected representatives


Our Impact

Through our convening efforts, SAPST has created platforms for thousands of citizens and stakeholders to participate in governance. Our forums, hearings, and dialogues have helped foster collaboration between key governance actors, enhanced transparency, and ensured that policies reflect the needs of diverse communities across Southern Africa.

Key Achievements:

  • Organized over 150 public hearings and forums, enabling citizens to engage directly with MPs
  • Convened regional dialogues on gender-responsive budgeting and public finance management, resulting in actionable policy recommendations
  • Brought together civil society, government, and international partners to address governance challenges across the region


Tailored Convening for Effective Governance

SAPST’s convening initiatives are tailored to address specific governance challenges and needs. We design our public hearings, roundtables, and dialogues to foster collaboration, promote transparency, and encourage inclusive participation in the legislative process. By working closely with governance institutions and communities, we ensure that our convening efforts are effective, results-driven, and aligned with the priorities of the people.

Looking Ahead

As governance challenges continue to evolve, SAPST remains committed to creating spaces for inclusive dialogue and collaboration. We will continue to expand our convening efforts, ensuring that diverse voices are heard, and that governance is participatory, transparent, and accountable.

Join Us in Strengthening Collaborative Governance

Interested in participating in or supporting our convening initiatives?

Contact SAPST today to learn more about how we can work together to foster inclusive dialogue and strengthen governance across Southern Africa.