So, for example, coverage in the mainstream media and radio broadcasts, as well as distribution of materials through community locations like schools, spaza's etc. were prioritised in the early stages of the project before families moved into the areas. Thereafter direct distribution and communication have been earmarked.

Project Facilitators have been the main communicators, supported by media and media liaison assistance from the iSLP Communications unit.

The major communications vehicle is direct contact. Meetings, workshops, presentations, visits by facilitators, mediation and question & answer sessions on popular radio stations have been conducted when necessary. 

Written and visual material also has a vital role – mainly by encouraging development and enhancing the project's profile through celebrating achievements and events and providing information resources of a relatively permanent value. These materials have also served to inform a wider spectrum of stakeholders.

MEDIA AND MATERIALS

iINDABA ZASEKHAYA ("news from home") is the iSLP quarterly full colour newspaper. (click on image on left for enlargement - 40kb)

This 8-page tabloid newspaper covers project news in the 4 outside pages while the 4 inside pages make up iINDABA ZASEKHAYA Info – a section devoted to useful/practical information vital to newly-established communities. Published in three languages – English, Afrikaans and Xhosa – the paper has a print run of 33,000. It is delivered directly to the doors of nearly 20,000 iSLP families, with the balance distributed through community networks. iINDABA ZASEKHAYA is a popular paper, highly sought-after in communities generally not served by mainstream newspapers.

Annual iSLP Calendar The iSLP's annual calendar is a bright, A1 poster with photographs showing project progress and the achievements of beneficiaries and the community. It is in great demand each year among project families and broader audiences. Fifteen thousand copies have been printed for 2001 (click on image on left for enlargement - 40kb).

The annual iSLP Review is an informative and concise record of progress in delivery and expenditure. Its many illustrations, tables and map of the project area make it an accessible, easy-to-read reference. 2500 are published and sent to a mailing list of leaders and opinion formers. (click on image on left for enlargement - 40kb)

Other Materials
Occasional pamphlets, articles for other publications, newsletters, exhibits, posters and banners are produced as required.

Media Liaison
It is worth commenting that the mainstream print media have shown very little interest in the iSLP. The main reason for this is probably that the iSLP has been relatively unsensational and that the housing products have been modest, with an emphasis on community-generated incremental improvement. From a national political perspective, praise has been given to projects that have delivered more product - but have since been found to be unsustainable, especially for low-income beneficiaries.

Radio is a very popular means of disseminating information to the beneficiary community, particularly the majority who are Xhosa speaking. In the first years of the project the iSLP was given access to prime time discussion shows, in which principles and important information could be communicated, and in which contentious issues that arose from time to time could be debated, with great success. Unfortunately the nature of radio has since changed, and any access offered to us is viewed as advertising, and charged for.