2007 News & Press Releases

Hedging About: An Assessment of the ANC Conference

Former SACC Communications head Bernard Spong offers a personal assessment of the recent ANC Elective Conference and, in particular, the leadership contest that dominated the event. The key challenge for church and state alike, he argues, is the destruction of walls of separation and privilege, not merely revising the ways that we tend these barrier "hedges".

The Message to the ANC, its Leadership & Delegates

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) has engaged in various interventions and intercessions in view of various developments relating to the 52nd elective Conference of the ruling party ANC. The Council has been particularly concerned with the tone and conduct of the leadership succession processes in the run-up to the Polokwane conference. As part of our concern, the Council has previously issued statements condemning what we have come to call the ‘politics of disgrace’.

Vision & leadership, the challenge we face today

My 14 year old son has taught me many things, from hip-hop to play station two. One of the finer lessons I will always appreciate from him though, relates to a film genre based on a view of the world from the future back to the present. These are the so-called futuristic films in which things are fast-forwarded to fifty or a hundred years or more from now. In such films we get a glimpse of how life will be lived in the future. Inspired and emboldened by the schooling received from my son, find below my attempt to do a futuristic scenario our beloved country of South Africa – sixty years from now.

Consultation on Genetics and New Biotechnologies

The Aide Memoire from the SACC Consultation on Genetics and New Biotechnologies demands that the creativity of science be harnessed to the advancement of the common good, calls for enhanced study and understanding of various aspects and implications of the new technologies and the protection of peoples and cultures.

Consultation on Genetics and New Biotechnologies

An SACC consultation on Genetics and New Biotechnologies agreed that the teachings of the churches need to be developed further in response to the challenges of biotechnology and the impact it has on peoples' lives. At the same time, participants stressed the need for caution in light of the potential for damage and the tendency for commercial interests to eclipse other concerns. Dr Puleng Lenka-Bula, the SACC's Vice President, said "Biotechnology, in many of its current applications, is like the apartheid system; it thrives on and leads to the indignity of persons and communities."

Biko on Religion and Black Liberation

Thirty years after Steve Biko's death in detention, Professor Maluleke analyses the SASO leader and Black Consciousness founder's profound impact on politics, culture and theology and examines the continuing challenges facing South Africa.

SACC Prays for SA, its People and its Political Leaders

South African Council of Churches (SACC) calls on politicians and the media of our country to stop and remember where we come from as a fledging nation and as a people recently formed.

PBC: Expectations from the medium term budget policy statement

The Peoples' Budget Campaign (PBC), a civil society coalition consisting of COSATU, SACC and SANGOCO, has for the past nine years tabled proposals on spending and revenue. The PBC bases its proposals from a pro-poor perspective and within the framework of the realisation of socio-economic rights, including but not limited to the right to dignity and life.

SACC's Conversation on Succession Matters

Representatives from SACC member churches called on the religious community to encourage diversity of opinion and a free, frank and open debate in the processes leading to the selection of the new ANC leadership and all political leaders of our country. Processes relating to elections are critical for the strength of democracy in our country.

Towards a Nation of Black Diamonds

In an address to the Holy Cross Education Trust, SACC President Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke urges South Africans to invest in life and the education of the nation's youth.

SACC salutes the Anglican Church for the election of its new bishop

SACC President Professor Tinyiko Maluleke welcomed Anglican Bishop Thabo Makgoba's election as the Archbishop Elect of Cape Town calling the choice an excellent one for the Anglican Church and the ecumenical movement as a whole.

SACC calls on South Africans to support Burma's democracy activists

The SACC salutes the courage of thousands of Burmese democracy activists and Buddhist monks who have peacefully protested devastating price increases imposed by Burma's military junta. The Council expressed concern about the brutal tactics that have been used to disperse demonstrators.

New SACC Executive Slates "Politics of Disgrace"

At its first meeting, the new National Executive Committee of the SACC, elected at the Council's triennial National Conference in July, deliberated on a wide range of theological, social and economic issues. The meeting issued a communique expressing concern about the growing use of the "politics of disgrace" and commenting on the upcoming ANC Policy Conference and the situation in Zimbabwe.

Vlok Decision May Complicate Quest for Justice

Mr Vlok and his four co-conspirators reached a plea bargain deal with the NPA and pleaded guilty to the crime of poisoning the Rev Dr Frank Chikane. Maluleke expressed concern that this court judgment may set a precedent complicating our national search for justice and subsequent reconciliation and healing.

Activists Call for a "New Vision" of Land Reform

Land activists from churches, communities and civil society have called on government to work with communities to develop a new, more ambitious land reform programme that can ensure that all landless households have access to land, sustainable livelihood and food security.

SACC Calls for Intensified Action to End Public Service Strike

The South African Council of Churches is profoundly concerned about the impact that the current industrial action in the public service sector is having on ordinary South Africans, particularly those living in poor and marginalised households.

SACC Concerned About Strike Action

An SACC delegation, led by SACC President Prof. Russel Botman, met with representatives of both government and striking public sector workers this week to hear their concerns and to impress upon both sides the need for a fair, just and sustainable settlement that minimises the burdens on poor and and marginalised households.

SACC Joins WCC Call for Peace in Palestine and Israel

In preparation for the global week of church action for peace in the Holy Land, the SACC has called on its member to join the initiative and has asked participants to "be peaceful in advocating peace". The Council also announced a schedule of events to take place during the week.

International Church Action for Peace In Palestine and Israel

To highlight the urgency of peace in Palestine and Israel after 40 years of occupation, the World Council of Churches (WCC), member churches and related organizations are organizing a week of prayers, seminars and advocacy to mark this June's anniversary of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Tribute to Sophie Mazibuko

Mrs. Sophie Mazibuko, the former head of the SACC Dependant's Conference during the apartheid era, passed away on 15 May and will be greatly missed by friends and colleagues around the world. The Council remembers Ma Sophie in a tribute prepared by the Rev. Bernard Spong.

Former SACC General Secretary named Ambassador to DRC

Dr. Molefe Tsele, who served as SACC General Secretary from May 2001 to March 2006, has been appointed by the South African government to serve as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The SACC has congratulated Dr. Tsele and commended the appointment in the light of Dr. Tsele's strong commitment to peace and justice.

Is This Really 'A World Fit for Children'?

Ecumenical Accompanier Kimendhri Pillay talks examines the conditions in which most Palestinian children live in light of United Nations' resolutions on children.

10080 Minutes in Paradise - The Ride to Agadir and Other Stories

Michael Oliphant relates some of his experiences as an Ecumenical Accompanier in Palestine.

Its Time to Act for Peace and Justice in Zimbabwe

The SACC expressed concern over the beating and detention of church and human rights activists in Zimbabwe. The General Secretary said that South Africa's silence was aggravating the problem, which he said threatened to destabilise the region. He called on SADC governments to enhance peace and security for all people of the region and he challenged churches to take a stand against xenophobia.