Author: Charles Leaven

Opportunity Is Often Missed Because It’s Dressed in Overalls and Look Like Work

As I was managing spreadsheets, overseeing CLOs, and navigating the complexities of construction projects, one quote from Thomas Edison kept playing in my mind: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” This quote has never felt truer than in the process of developing Local-Link. What started as small, manual tasks slowly transformed into a massive opportunity—though at the time, it just looked like a lot of hard work.

When I brought … Click here to read more

Project Planning as a CLO

Mastering Project Planning as a Community Liaison Officer: A Comprehensive Guide

As a Community Liaison Officer (CLO), effective project planning is the cornerstone of your role. From initiating public participation to breaking ground and overseeing ongoing developments, your actions significantly influence both the project’s success and the community’s well-being. This guide delves deeper into practical steps you can implement to enhance your project planning skills, ensuring positive outcomes for all stakeholders in the South African context.

1. Begin with Active

… Click here to read more

The Hidden Power of Water:

Have you ever considered how water, over time, can carve canyons, shape mountains, and transform entire landscapes? It’s a gentle force that, given enough time, can move the unmovable and reshape the world. Just as water has the power to transform the earth, it has the power to transform us. In my journey, embracing the simple yet profound qualities of water became a catalyst for change, leading me to discover the hidden benefits of mineral-rich hydration and how it played … Click here to read more

Discovering the heart of Venda: A journey to Thohoyandou

Traveling to Thohoyandou in Venda, Northern Limpopo, brought me to one of the northernmost parts of South Africa, just before the Limpopo River, which serves as the border with Zimbabwe. This journey through the scenic Zoutspanberg mountains led me into a region rich with history and culture.

Embracing Venda Culture

During my stay, I dove deep into the vibrant traditions of the Venda people. I read Bavenda by Hugh A. Stayt, a book published by the University of London. It … Click here to read more

The Legacy of Slavery in South Africa:

A Journey Through the Slave Lodge, District Six, and Bo-Kaap

My recent visit to the Slave Lodge, District Six Museum, and Bo-Kaap Museum in Cape Town was both enlightening and deeply moving. These sites stand as powerful reminders of a history that continues to shape South Africa today. I also visited the Castle of Good Hope, another significant historical landmark that adds layers to the story of this country’s past. Through these visits, I gained a better understanding of the … Click here to read more

Effective Communication Strategies for CLOs

As a Community Liaison Officer (CLO), communication is one of your most powerful tools. The success of your projects and the trust you build within the community depend largely on how well you can convey information, listen to concerns, and resolve conflicts. But communication is more than just talking—it’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and ensuring that everyone involved feels heard and respected.

In this post, we’ll explore strategies to help you become a more effective communicator, drawing … Click here to read more

Knowing the Law as a CLO

Navigating Legal and Regulatory Requirements as a CLO

As a Community Liaison Officer (CLO), especially one with experience working on larger projects, your role extends beyond basic community engagement to include a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that governs your work. This topic is more relevant for advanced CLOs who have been involved in complex projects, such as large infrastructure developments, rather than short-term assignments like road repairs or sidewalk maintenance. However, it’s crucial for all CLOs, … Click here to read more

RE: Continuous Learning and Professional Development for CLOs

The Importance of Continuous Learning in the CLO Role

As a CLO, your role is dynamic. The needs of the community, the demands of the project, and the regulatory environment are all in constant flux. This means that staying static is not an option. Continuous learning allows you to stay ahead of the curve, adapt to new challenges, and ensure that you are always equipped to serve both your community and your project effectively.

Continuous learning isn’t just about acquiring … Click here to read more

A Guide to being a CLO

(Community Liaison Officer)

In many communities, particularly in the context of large infrastructure projects, the role of a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) is essential yet often misunderstood. A CLO serves as a bridge between the community and the companies or organizations working within that community. However, despite the critical nature of this role, few people fully grasp what a CLO does or the impact they can have on both the community and the project.

As someone who has spent many … Click here to read more

Videography Project

Showcasing the Future of South African Boxing

For the past few years, I’ve been on a mission to highlight the incredible talent within South Africa’s boxing community. Traveling to various gyms and events, I film and document athletes who show great promise and potential, many of whom might not yet have the spotlight they deserve.

This project is driven by my passion for the sport and my belief that these athletes have what it takes to make it to the … Click here to read more