Community development often risks being defined by deficits — what a community lacks rather than what it already possesses.
Nina Manzi NPC challenges this narrative, exemplifying the transformative potential of asset-based community development. By identifying and leveraging community strengths, residents, artists, and stakeholders co-create sustainable projects rooted in dignity, resilience, and shared purpose.
Yet this approach raises important questions: How can collective achievements be protected from internal conflict? How can marginalised voices meaningfully participate in governance? South African nonprofit law recognises directors registered with the CIPC as the only legally empowered representatives of an NPC. Excluding them from decisions can render actions invalid, as seen in Lynn & Main Inc v Naidoo (2006). But legality alone is insufficient. True stewardship requires inclusivity, particularly of voices that are often marginalised — such as those experiencing homelessness, women in informal settlements, or youth groups — in membership structures or advisory boards.
Practical examples illustrate this principle. Imagine a Nina Manzi-led community arts festival. While a core board oversees budgeting, programming, and artist selection, incorporating input from participating artists and local residents ensures the festival reflects the community’s priorities. Conflicts among leaders — whether personal, ideological, or generational — must not eclipse the shared gains. Governance tools such as charters, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and transparent reporting protect both organisational legitimacy and communal trust.
Internationally, parallels exist. In Brazil, community-driven cultural initiatives in favelas succeed when residents, artists, and NGOs co-manage spaces, demonstrating that shared ownership leads to long-term sustainability. Conversely, initiatives that ignore local voices often fail, despite substantial funding.
Takeaway: Community assets are fragile yet invaluable. Protecting them requires inclusive governance, transparent leadership, and shared stewardship. Only by embedding these principles can organisations like Nina Manzi ensure that collective achievements empower the very communities they serve.
Safeguarding Community-Based Achievements
Nina Manzi NPC exemplifies the transformative potential of asset-based community development. This approach focuses on leveraging community strengths rather than highlighting deficits. When residents, artists, and stakeholders collaborate, they co-create sustainable projects rooted in dignity and resilience.
Legally, South African nonprofit law recognises directors registered with the CIPC as the only empowered representatives of an NPC. Excluding these directors from governance decisions can render actions invalid, as illustrated in Lynn & Main Inc v Naidoo (2006). Beyond legality, governance must reflect inclusivity. For Nina Manzi, this could mean incorporating marginalised voices, such as those experiencing homelessness, into membership structures or advisory boards.
Practical examples abound. Imagine a community arts festival led by Nina Manzi. Decisions about budgeting, programming, and artist selection are informed by a core board but also incorporate feedback from participating artists and community members. This co-creation ensures relevance, accountability, and shared ownership. Conflicts among leaders — whether personal or ideological — must not overshadow collective gains. Tools such as charters, clear dispute-resolution processes, and transparent reporting protect both organisational legitimacy and communal trust.
Learning: Community assets are fragile and invaluable. Protecting them through inclusive governance and shared stewardship preserves achievements while empowering the very communities they serve.
-Lele
Lele Muthali 