Economic Development Partnership - EDP

Partnering innovation often happens in the “in-between spaces” - WhatsApp groups, informal networks, and trust-based coalitions.

Diale Josiah Lodi's story about how Jozi My Jozi works to establish and implement partnerships in Johannesburg demonstrates this.

But why do these spaces sometimes outperform rigid systems? And how do we protect these adaptive spaces from political and financial pressures? How do we ensure they adhere to good governance?

Explore ideas: https://wcedp.co.za/edp-x-change-2025-knowledge-product/

Rigid structures can stall progress.

Lean, adaptive models - like Operation Vulindlela - show that influence thrives in flexibility. By creating neutral spaces and cutting through red tape, partners can align quickly and act decisively.

Insights from Saul Musker in 'Powerful Partnerships' remind us: influence is not about control; it’s about enabling creativity and collaboration.

What else makes adaptive governance possible?

Explore the lessons from EDP X-Change 2025: https://wcedp.co.za/edp-x-change-2025-knowledge-product/

The EDP is proud to renew its strategic partnership with DGMT in convening the award-winning Social Employment Network (SEN).

Convened by the EDP and core funded by the Industrial Development Corporation, the SEN is based on the EDP's model of a community of practice that enables peer learning, collaboration and knowledge exchange across the Social Employment Fund’s Strategic Implementing Partners.

This renewed partnership will deepen peer-driven learning and strengthen the SEN’s role as a knowledge conduit between the SEF partners and the broader public employment ecosystem, supporting evidence-informed decision-making and collective learning grounded in collaborative practice.

Working across government, civil society, academia and business can be challenging but with the right foundation, it doesn't have to be.

That’s why the EDP’s Partnering Implementation Model involves collective sensemaking - creating space for people to see each other, understand one another, and build a common purpose.

Because no framework can replace the power of genuine human understanding. It’s what turns complexity into collaboration and collaboration into impact.

Learn more about how we facilitate collaborative governance processes: https://wcedp.co.za/case-studies/

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Real change doesn’t happen overnight.

At the EDP, our partnering implementation model involves designing collaborative processes, bringing people together, and building the capabilities needed for successful partnerships.

By equipping partners to lead their own collaborative processes, we ensure that change is grounded in real-world context and moves beyond a tick-box exercise.

Explore our case studies to find out more about how the EDP helps forge sustainable partnerships that create solutions: https://wcedp.co.za/case-studies/

The EDP has a proven track record of creating spaces where unlikely partners come together, build trust and co-design solutions.

From provincial government to private industry, from academia to grassroots organisations, we’ve helped diverse stakeholders align around common interests and deliver real impact across South African communities.

If you’re looking to collaborate across sectors, the EDP can help you make the connections that matter and last.

Find out more about how the EDP creates designs partnering processes, brings partners together, and builds the capabilities needed to work together: https://wcedp.co.za/partnering-method/

A single truth drives much of the EDP’s work: no single organisation can solve complex challenges. But...

How exactly can shift outcomes beyond what any single organisation could achieve?

Find out how the EDP help build partnering capabilities by facilitating the Water User Platform.

This platform unites government, municipalities and bulk water users to tackle shared challenges - from blocked canals to invasive plants. By building trust and fostering mutual accountability, this work has led to long-term resilience.

Read the story about how partnering capabilities help make the water supply system in the Western Cape more resilient: https://wcedp.co.za/impact-water-user-platform/

From Seriti Institute - NPC’s community-led farming ecosystems to Jozi My Jozi’s rapid urban renewal, showcased a quiet revolution: connecting people helps solve what systems alone cannot.

Contributors like Diale Josiah Lodi and Juanita Pardesi reminded us that collaboration starts with humility and shared purpose.

What local partnerships are inspiring you in 2026 so far?

Explore the full report from the EDP X-Change: https://wcedp.co.za/edp-x-change-2025-knowledge-product/

with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung South Africa

On , we acknowledge the people whose work, commitment and care keep our communities, organisations and economy moving forward.

We also remember how much work is still needed to ensure that everyone in South Africa has access to dignity, opportunity and decent work.

As a collaborative intermediary, we believe lasting progress is built through partnership. When workers, employers, communities and institutions come together around a shared purpose, we create the trust and momentum needed to tackle complex challenges and build a more inclusive South Africa.

South Africa’s economic, social and environmental challenges are interconnected - and so too are the solutions.

The EDP understands that a siloed approach will never solve the complex problems facing our communities and as an intermediary, our team helps build by bringing together stakeholders from government, the private sector, academia and civil society to work towards common goals.

The result? South African communities that are better served, better connected and better equipped for the future.

Find out more about how the EDP helps forge sustainable solutions and how our team can connect you: https://wcedp.co.za/programmes-and-projects/

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