Siyakhana
“Building Together”
Ubunye’s Community-Led Governance Model
At Ubunye, programmes aren’t delivered to communities – they’re built with them. Siyakhana is the structure that makes this possible.
How It Works
​Our governance system is made up of Programme Working Groups – community-led teams that guide each of Ubunye’s core programme areas:
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• Masiphile – Health & Wellness
• Isisekelo – Education for Life
• Sinako – Sustainable Livelihoods
These groups are formed by community members, selected by their villages to represent local priorities. Each group works alongside Ubunye’s technical staff, who are also nominated by the community.
Together, they design, manage, and monitor the programmes – ensuring they’re grounded in local knowledge, responsive to real needs, and shaped by those they serve.
The Cooking Pot Metaphor
In traditional isiXhosa cooking, it takes many hands to prepare a nourishing meal. Siyakhana is just like that.
Communities of Practice
Models
Lessons Learned
SUSTAINABLE
LIVING
Masiphile
Isisekelo
Sinako
COMMUNITY
Programme Working Groups
Programme Working Groups
Why It Matters
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Community-first design: Programmes are rooted in the lived experiences and aspirations of the people they serve
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Local leadership: Communities shape the vision, decide priorities, and hold programmes accountable
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Collective learning: What works is shared – turning experience into knowledge that can inspire others
The Community Advisory Board
Each Programme Working Group sends a representative to the Community Advisory Board. This board brings all the ideas, learnings, and feedback together – strengthening collaboration across programmes. One member of the Advisory Board also sits on Ubunye’s Board of Trustees, ensuring community voices are heard at every level of decision-making.
