A communication framework for Chapter 9 institutions to contribute to relationship building with civil society organisations towards mutual empowerment

Abstract

Chapter 9 institutions (CH9s) refer to a group of organisations established and mandated in terms of Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution. Acountry founded on the principle of constitutional democracy has established CH9s to safeguard its constitution, democracy, and citizens. While CH9s are mandated to protect democracy, research reveals persistent challenges in reaching and empowering citizens, particularly due to a lack of relationships with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The relationship between the CH9s and CSOs is fundamental to the development of democracy and collective decision-making towards empowerment, and it requires engagement and effective communication. To this end, this study proposes a communication framework for South Africa's CH9s to strengthen their relationships with CSOs towards mutual empowerment, thereby enabling both organisations to better fulfil their mandates. The study draws on two meta-theoretical traditions to provide a comprehensive approach to communication. Firstly, the cybernetic tradition provides an understanding of interdependence and balance between systems to achieve equilibrium through the management of communication and systems through which this communication takes place. Secondly, the critical tradition emphasises a need to critically analyse dialogue, power, and development communication towards social change. From a cybernetic tradition, the study used the two-way symmetrical communication and stakeholder relationship management theory towards long-term, positive and mutually beneficial relationships, while using the participatory approach within the critical tradition to facilitate mutual empowerment. Constructs from the above-mentioned theoretical perspectiveswere integrated to conceptualise a theoretical framework, which was then presented to selected CH9 and CSO employees for input to construct a conceptual framework that facilitates mutually beneficial, empowering partnerships. A qualitative methodology combining a large literature review and semi-structured interviews informed by a theoretical framework was used. The study involved CH9 communication experts representing three CH9 institutions: the South African Human Rights Commission, the Public Protector and the Commission for Gender Equality, as well as the directors of nine CSOs active in the fields of human rights, gender equality and justice, which collectively strive to protect the constitution, the public, democracy, and state resources. Thematic analysis of the data collected from the interviews revealed convergent and divergent views on communication practices, barriers to relations and cooperation opportunities. The findings show that both the CH9 and CSO recognise the need for partnership, but that current structured communication mechanisms are lacking to allow trust, transparency, and mutual empowerment. The participants agreed with and supported the proposed conceptual framework, which culminated in the final communication framework. The final framework presented in this study reflects both theoretical insights and practitioners' input and offers a guide to building long-term, positive and mutually beneficial relations toward mutual empowerment. The study contributes to scholarship by integrating concepts and constructs from both corporate and development communication into a framework for building mutually beneficial relationships through critical dialogue towards mutual empowerment. The essence of the framework is a dialogical process guided by transparency, collaboration, participation, affirmed mutuality, and cultural diversity, resulting in transformative change, solidarity, and mutual understanding towards the mutual empowerment of both the CH9s and the CSOs. This framework also provides a practical contribution that can be adopted not only by CH9s and CSOs but also by other institutions seeking mutually empowering partnerships. Ultimately, the research positions communication as a transformative tool for improving the relationship between CH9s and CSOs in South Africa towards the fulfilment of their mandates.