Progressive Practice Podcast Holle Wlokas & Tasneem Jhetam

In this episode, we chat with Megan Davies, a researcher and lecturer at the Centre for Complex Systems in Transition (CST) at Stellenbosch University. Megan walks us through her thoughts and research into the energy landscape and ongoing energy transition. Her inquiring mind shines through, and she leaves us with some bold questions about the role of Renewable Energy in creating a more equitable society. 

For further exploring:
Energy Democracy - "an emergent social movement advancing renewable energy transitions by resisting the fossil-fuel-dominant energy agenda while reclaiming and democratically restructuring energy regimes"
Transdisciplinary Research - "moves beyond the bridging of divides within academia to engaging directly with the production and use of knowledge outside of the academy"

Publications:
Timothy Mitchell - Carbon Democracy
Cara Daggett - Petro-masculinity: Fossil Fuels and Authoritarian Desire

In this episode, we chat with Peter Westoby, a practitioner and researcher of community development. Peter takes us through his career in the field and what it means to fully engage in community development. He questions how practitioners can commit to the practice and offers insightful perspectives on the traditions and approaches used in community development. 

For further exploring:
- 40 Critical Thinkers for Community Development - a book by Athena Lathouras, David Palmer, and Peter Westoby
- Does Community Development Work?: Stories and Practice for Reconstructed Community Development in South Africa - a book by Lucius Botes and Peter Westoby

In this episode, we chat with Alison McCallum, whose social science training helps her make sense of the social performance work that she does in the energy sector. She approaches the complexities of this work through a lens of humanness, and how we relate to each other as a society. Alison encourages practitioners in the industry to question how we develop the tools to best achieve change. 

For further exploring:
Alison refers to trauma and woundedness in community development. You can find a practice note on acknowledging trauma here: https://bit.ly/3m4WXVs

In this episode, we chat with Bianca Jordan, who describes how she navigates her role as a young Economic Development (ED) manager of a Renewable Energy Company. Bianca's passion for community development and motivation to be part of an evolving professional practice is clear. She describes the many roles she plays and gets candid about some of her thoughts and practice approaches. 

For further exploring:
Practice note on the importance of collaboration in community development: https://bit.ly/3m4WXVs

In this episode, we chat with Masechaba Mabilu who expresses how policies and processes in the Renewable Energy (RE) industry can make or break progress in community development. She describes her understanding of sustainability, which draws on her experiences in a wide range of sectors. Masechaba has come to question how community development can create real and material value for people, and she is dedicated to responding to this through her work in social performance. 

For further exploring:
Practice note on committing to community engagement: https://bit.ly/3oDMmlL

In this episode, we chat with Thulisile Dlamini who describes her work at the Independent Power Producer Office (IPPO). Thuli, very clearly, takes us through the community development side of the REIPPPP, which is the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme. She sheds light on how policy and practice can help each other achieve effective community development, and be a real force for change.  

For further exploring:
This episode refers to the USAID learning event (more details found here: https://bit.ly/2IzmiZK) and the Community Relations Connect sessions (more details found here: https://bit.ly/3qEfHP3)