The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) has prompted vigorous debate since it was approved by African leaders in October 2001. Some observers have hailed it as a realistic "homegrown" plan to accelerate development and combat poverty across the continent. Others have dismissed it as a thinly-disguised rehash of the elitist economic prescriptions that international financial institutions have foisted on the developing world for the past two decades - to such disastrous effect. Some have urged critical engagement to rectify its flaws, while others have called for it to be rejected completely as unreformable. Most commentators, however, have come down somewhere between these two extremes.
At the moment, NEPAD is the only comprehensive, long-range plan for African development that enjoys the broad support of top officials in both African and industrialised nations. It is likely to be the main vehicle for Africa's regional and international cooperation in the coming years. All of the continent's people should understand NEPAD's strengths, weaknesses and implications and should be prepared to mobilise around changes they consider essential.
Churches have an important role to play in conveying information, stimulating debate and
facilitating action. In February 2002, the South African Council of Churches held an initial
briefing on NEPAD. Following this, the SACC formed a study group to identify the theological
principles that should guide Christians in formulating a response to NEPAD's proposals. At the
same time, various members of the SACC initiated their own processes of reflection and study to
develop coherent positions on NEPAD.
At its June 2002 meeting, the SACC National Executive Committee approved for distribution and discussion a document entitled, Un-blurring the Vision. This was originally drafted by the Justice and Peace Department of the Roman Catholic Church and was then informed by comments generated at a theological consultation convened by the SACC study group in May 2002. That consultation opened with a Bible study on Jesus' parable of the king who, unhappy with the guests attending his son's wedding, sent his servants into the streets to find others to celebrate the wedding in their stead. Once they had done as he had asked, the king soon startled one of the hastily recruited guests by saying, "Where is your wedding garment?" Enraged, the king had the speechless man bound and cast back into the dark streets. (Matthew 22:2-14) The lesson led many participants to ask: What attire should we don to attend the globalisation wedding feast? Do we dress to please the king? What are the consequences of wearing unacceptable garments? Who should set the standards?
Un-blurring the Vision is intended to encourage continuing reflection and debate. It aims to clarify some of the central issues raised by NEPAD and to offer a theological framework for resolving those questions. It does not pretend to have answers. It is a discussion document designed to encourage others to add their own insights. As you read it, you may wish to think about the following questions:
- What unique perspective and beliefs can we, as Christians, contribute to the debate around NEPAD? What theological principles should be emphasised in assessing development
initiatives such as NEPAD?
- What do you see as NEPAD's greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Who will benefit from the policies NEPAD proposes? How can NEPAD help to fulfil
Christ's promise of "life abundant" for all of Africa's people?
- What changes could be made to make NEPAD more relevant for people in your
community? How can people of faith work to bring about these changes?
- How can church and community structures participate more fully and effectively in the
debate around NEPAD and in determining priorities for action?
I urge you to study this discussion document carefully and prayerfully, either individually or with others in your church or community. Additional information on NEPAD, including the main NEPAD policy document and a summary of its proposals, are available electronically from
www.nepad.org. The summary can also be obtained from the SACC Parliamentary Office (Tel. 021 423 4261; Fax. 021 423 4262). Questions, comments and suggestions may be forwarded to the SACC NEPAD Study Group through the General Secretary's Office (Fax. 021 492 1448; PO Box 62098, Marshalltown, 2107).
Rev. Dr. Molefe Tsele
General Secretary
South African Council of Churches
June 2002
[read Un-blurring the Vision]
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