Focus on Communities and Not Projects: Challenges Faced by Development Centres in Attaining Sustainable Livelihoods in Tshwane, South Africa

Abstract

Community development interventions are welcomed in communities; however, their sustainability is often questioned. The goal of this study was to explore and describe the challenges faced in the development of community interventions by the development centres in the Tshwane region, Gauteng province, South Africa. The research study adopted a qualitative research approach. A non-probability sample was chosen, utilising a purposive sampling technique to select participants. The raw data were analysed and interpreted according to the eight steps outlined by Tesch. The article argues that top-down interventionscan create dependency and hinder communities from achieving sustainability and self-reliance. More emphasis should be placed on facilitating a process in which community members take charge of their assets and strengths to mobilise local solutions and improve inward functioning. Keywords: asset-based community development, challenges, community development, development centres, sustainable livelihoods