The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the South African Council of Churches met at Khotso House on 11 October 2005. The participants discussed a range of issues of mutual concern to the Council's 26 member churches and relevant to the public life of the nation.

Democracy and Political Representation

Floor Crossing

The NEC expressed broad satisfaction with the consolidation of South Africa's democratic institutions and the emergence of a mature and deeply rooted culture of democracy. In this context, however, the church leaders expressed misgivings about the practice of floor crossing. Given South Africa's system of voting and the Constitutional commitment to proportional representation, the Council did not contend that the political mobility of individuals poses any direct threat to democratic representation. However, the NEC remains concerned that the floor-crossing periods have become free-for-alls in which the pursuit of personal power and status eclipses concern for the public good. This can fuel cynicism about politics and politicians, promote voter apathy and ultimately undermine democratic participation.

Regulation of Party Funding

In an effort to dispel pessimism and promote transparency and accountability, the NEC endorsed calls for the disclosure and regulation of significant contributions to political parties. It applauded the African National Congress' commitment to introducing legislation to this effect and urged that this be done expeditiously. Disclosure of donations is consistent with the "right-to-know" principles underpinning the constitutional guarantee of access to information. It enables voters to fulfil their civic responsibilities on an informed and equitable basis, and it also helps to eradicate the brand of corruption that thrives on secrecy. The NEC challenged the Council's member churches to lead by example by ensuring greater transparency in their own financial and administrative practices.

Local Government Elections

The municipal elections expected to occur in early 2006 will represent a critical phase in the development of democracy at the local sphere of government. The recent civil uprisings, reportedly triggered by poor municipal service delivery, have underscored the importance of effective local government. The NEC acknowledged the legitimacy of the grievances that prompted the protests, but expressed concern about their destructiveness. It called on churches to assist Councillors in ensuring effective community participation in policy-making at the local level and the delivery of services that promotes sustainable development.

As in previous elections a group of civil society organisations will be observing the elections under the banner of the South African Civil Society Observation Coalition (SACSOC). On behalf of the SACC, the NEC accepted an invitation to host SACSOC.

Social Development

Circumcision and HIV

The NEC responded cautiously to a recent study among 3 000 men (18 - 24 years old) in Orangefarm, Johannesburg, that found medically circumcised men were 65% less likely to contract HIV. Given continuing evidence of persistently high rates of HIV infection among 20 to 24 year olds (and among women in particular), the Council welcomes any demonstrated success in impeding the transmission of the virus. However, it noted that this particular study must still be corroborated through peer review and additional research. More important, the church leaders emphasised that these preliminary findings should not be used as an excuse to engage in irresponsible or risky sexual behaviour or to refrain from consistently taking steps to prevent infections.

Orphans and Vulnerable Children

The Council has long been concerned about the growing number of orphans and vulnerable children who lack adequate care and resources. These children typically experience difficulty in accessing the state social grant programs that are designed to provide support to caregivers. Consequently, the NEC welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Social Development, Dr. Zola Skweyiya, of the launch of a programme to assist orphans and vulnerable children to improve their access to government services, initially by ensuring that they have proper documentation. The SACC is in the process of exploring how it could most appropriately enter into partnership with the Department to facilitate this programme.

Poverty and Sustainable Livelihoods

The NEC received a report on a R2.4 million partnership between the National Development Agency and the SACC. The one-year project is intended to develop capacity within churches to address the root causes of poverty at local and provincial level in order to ensure food security and sustainable livelihoods. The programme is operating in five provinces and places special emphasis on women, youth and the physically challenged. Project Coordinators are currently providing training on project management and business skills, helping organisations to register as Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisations, and assisting groups to develop markets for their produce. The appraisal committees have been set up and are assisting and supporting the project coordinators in developing these projects into sustainable initiatives.

Operation Hope for Zimbabwe

Nearly 5000 blankets and 37 tons of food donated by South African churches were delivered to Zimbabwe's ecumenical relief agency, Christian Care, in early September, following nearly six weeks of bureaucratic wrangling over various clearance certificates. The supplies were distributed to families displaced by the Zimbabwean government's slum clearance campaign, Operation Murambatsvina. The NEC welcomed the news of the successful completion of this first phase of Operation Hope for Zimbabwe and acknowledged the difficult lessons learned. The Council is currently exploring with its counterparts in Zimbabwe the prospects for procuring future relief supplies within Zimbabwe. It is also reviewing strategies to assist Zimbabwean refugees residing in South Africa.

Conference on Racism

The Reconciliation and Healing Programme briefed the NEC on preparations for a national interfaith consultation on racism that the SACC is hosting during the last week of October. All church leaders and persons dealing with issues of racial and gender justice have been invited, as well as leaders from other faith communities.

16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women and Children

The NEC accepted an invitation from the Department of Correctional Services, which is co-ordinating the government's activities for the annual sixteen days of activism on violence against women and children, to be involved in the campaign. The Council has undertaken to facilitate a joint interfaith statement for the launch of the campaign in December.

National Child Safety Watch

The NEC noted the discussion among concerned leaders with regard to the development of a National Child Safety Watch. The SACC's leadership expressed full commitment to such a programme in principle and looks forward to engaging more detailed proposals in the near future. The NEC expressed concern about the growing incidents of violence against children and saw this as an extremely timely proposal.

For more information contact: Mr. Eddie Makue (082 853 8781)