The South African National Defence Force, which today met with the South African Council of Churches, reached a milestone agreement of co-operation on all issues of common interest affecting both organisations.

The meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the SACC, Khotso House, Johannesburg, marked a new chapter, and cordial relationship between the SANDF Chaplains Service and the ecumenical movement.

In a joint statement, the leaders of these organisations described the outcome of their meeting as "a major breakthrough in our relationship since the dawn of democracy in 1994".

"These important exchanges between the SACC and ourselves signify an important development, and emphasise a new of culture of co-operation informed by our new dispensation as a country.

"We are committed to working together with the SACC, promoting a spirit of unity and ecumenism as we move towards a brighter and better tomorrow," said the Major-General Reverend FF Qgiba.

The General Secretary of the SACC, Reverend Dr Molefe Tsele, described the meeting as the first of its kind between the SACC and SANDF.

"No such relationship existed between the SACC and the previous regime, and the benefits of it will result in the senior church leaders visiting Burundi in a fortnight's time to minister to the South African soldiers deployed in Burundi," said Dr Tsele.

The SANDF Chaplaincy Service has extended an invitation to the SACC for a tour of Burundi on September 3-5.

For more details contact Fr Joe Mdhlela at 082 456 5548