Rule by fear. Saamspan has trained a local representative team in conflict resolution and development skills over the last two and a half years. The ten residents who have successfully completed the training are now assisting the community in resolving disputes and designing peacebuilding processes. This group is currently trying to help bring about a culture of listening and constructive problem solving in Grabouw. People are generally clear on what reconciliation means.
Reconciliation is to communicate and to listen.
When people with differences form a bond of trust through experience, they look beyond their differences, they share the knowledge that they have with each other to support each other. Reconciliation happens when parties that can't get along come to an agreement about how they will resolve their difference of opinion in a peaceful way. People in Grabouw cry out because no one seems to be listening. All the people are getting from opposing leaders are justifications for their refusal to cooperate. People feel incapacitated and believe that reconciliation is being obstructed when leaders don't create a safe space where people can listen, share and become co-creators of what they need.