News & Press Releases prior to 2004

*** 2003 ***

Reconsider N2 Toll Road, Says SACC

The SACC has appealed to the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to withdraw approval for the construction of a controversial toll road through the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast to permit broader discussion of the plan.

SACC Responds to Law Commission Discussion Paper on Domestic Partnerships

The SACC articulates a preliminary response to the South African Law Reform Commission's long-awaited proposals to harmonise marriage laws with the Constitution.

World AIDS Day Message

In a message issued to coincide with World AIDS Day, the SACC urges cooperation between government and faith communities to accelerate the delivery of life-giving anti-retroviral medications to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Churches Call for Simpler PBO Tax System

The SACC has asked the Portfolio Committee on Finance to facilitate compliance with the new tax laws for Public Benefit Organisations by creating a simpler system of registration for small PBOs. The Council also asked for relaxation of the limits imposed on trading by PBOs.

SACC Condemns eMsinga Truck Massacre

In the wake of a truck accident that claimed 15 lives in KwaZulu-Natal, SACC General Secretary Dr. Molefe Tsele extended condolences to the families of the victims and called on government to improve road safety and eliminate the need for pensioners to travel long distances to collect their pension payments.

Defence Ministry Fuels Stigma

The SACC urges the Minister of Defence to rethink his recent announcement that people living with HIV/AIDS will no longer be accepted into the Defence Force. "It is immoral to consider a person living with HIV/AIDS as unfit for service within the Defence Force," said the SACC's HIV/AIDS Programme Director, Fr. Gary Thompson.

Social Protection Policy Must Shape Legislative Agenda

The SACC calls for deferment of action on the Social Assistance Bill until an overarching policy framework can be developed to guide new legislative initiatives. The Council noted that key aspects of the proposed Bill were inconsistent with the priorities articulated in the 1997 White Paper on Social Welfare.

Churches Urge Government to Let Prisoners, Citizens Abroad Vote

In comments on the Electoral Laws Amendment Bill, the Council expressed concern about plans to disenfranchise all convicted prisoners and South African citizens resident abroad.

Gambling Policy Must Protect Communities, Strengthen Participation

The SACC urged lawmakers to adopt national gambling legislation that includes stronger measures to promote social responsibility in the industry, to protect vulnerable communities, and to enhance community participation in decisions about the situation of casinos other licensed gambling premises.

SACC Asks Parliament to Make 18 the Age of Consent

In a parliamentary submission on the Sexual Offenses Bill, the Council supports a uniform age of consent, but asks that this be set at 18. The SACC also raised concerns about plans to expand the definition of rape to include otherwise consensual acts where one partner conceals his or her HIV status.

SACC Urges Churches to Participate in Domestic Partnership Debate

In a letter to all SACC members, the General Secretary welcomed the publication of the SA Law Reform Commission's Discussion Paper on Domestic Partnerships and urged the Council's members to take part in the consultative process devised by the Commission to solicit public opinion on its proposals.

SACC Media Release on the UDF and Dr Allan Boesak

The SACC extends congratulations to the United Democratic Front on the occasion of its 20th anniversary and expresses sadness about Dr Allan Boesak's failure to take part in the anniversary celebrations.

A Sportsman Sails His Way Home

The General Secretary expresses shock and sadness over the tragic and untimely death of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker Lesley Manyathela.

Churches Unite Against Poverty

The SACC Central Committee held its annual meeting in Johannesburg 11-12 August 2003 under the theme "Churches Unite Against Poverty". Delegates from the SACC's 24 member churches adopted resolutions on a wide range of issues, including poverty and social security, HIV/AIDS, Zimbabwe, sexual violence, criminal justice, reparations, engagement with the Afrikaner community, the 2004 general election, and South Africa's first decade of democracy.

SACC Wishes Former President Mandela a Happy 85th Birthday

The General Secretary extended birthday greetings to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 85th birthday. "You continue to teach us to be able to live with difference and to accept diversity and otherness. As the community of believers, we are indebted to you," said Dr. Tsele.

Joint SACC/Umsobomvu Youth Fund Media Statement

The SACC and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund announce a joint one-year training programme to provide more than 500 unemployed graduates around the country with training and skills development programmes designed to enhance their marketability.

SACC Condemns "Necklace" Killings

In the wake of the horrifying "necklace" murders of two suspected criminals, the SACC calls on communities to work with the police to apprehend criminals and pledges to send delegation to Braamfischerville to meet with community leaders.

SACC Statement on Sam Ramsamy

The SACC expresses concern about alleged corruption within the National Olympic Committee of South Africa (NOCSA) and calls for a comprehensive investigation of the sports body and its President, Mr Sam Ramsamy.

Property Rates Must Facilitate Redistribution and Social Delivery Says SACC

In a Parliamentary submission on the Property Rates Bill, the South African Council of Churches has called for property rates to enhance economic justice and to create a favourable environment for all public benefit organisations. The Council also called for a continuation of the existing rates exemption for places of public worship.

SACC Responds to President Mbeki's TRC Speech

The SACC responded to President Mbeki's 15 April Speech in Parliament on the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The General Secretary welcomed the government's prompt response but said that the TRC's "closed list" policy threatened to stifle the stories of many victims of apartheid who felt unable to appear before the Commission.

Church Leaders' Resolution on HIV/AIDS

The SACC brought Church leaders together on 11 April at the Nelson Mandela Foundation to discuss the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on children. The participants confessed that the Church has not done enough to stop new infection and called for national and local action to "avert national calamity among our young people".

National Conference on Multinational Reparations

The SACC announced on 10 April that it would work with other popular organisations to convene a national reparations conference to build a coherent strategy for addressing apartheid reparations from domestic and foreign banks and multinationals.

WEC Applaud Extension of UIF Benefits to Domestic Workers

The SACC's Women's Ecumenical Conference (WEC) congratulated the government on the recent extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits to domestic and seasonal workers and called on all employers to comply with minimum wage rulings and unemployment insurance legislation.

Statement of the WCC/AACC Pan-African Ecumenical Consultation on NEPAD

Ecumenical representatives of 24 African nations gathered at the Eskom Conference Centre in Johannesburg 23-26 March 2003 to discuss the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and to develop ways of increasing public awareness of the plan, enhancing popular involvement in its implementation and enriching its spiritual and cultural dimensions.

SACC General Says a General Amnesty for Apartheid-Era Human Rights Violations is "Not the Moral Option"

In an article for the 23 March 2003 Sunday Times, Dr. Tsele suggests that a general amnesty on human rights violations would be "a fatal moral misdemeanor" for political expediency.

Churches Say War Will Not Bring Justice to Iraq

In a statement released shortly after the United States and the United Kingdom commenced the bombardment of Baghdad on 20 March, the South African Council of Churches sharply criticised the attacks, warning that "War holds out little hope for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East." The SACC said that the United Nations was "part of the solution, not part of the problem" and called for the international body to be allowed to play a central role in resolving the crisis.

SACC General Secretary Commends Conviction of Racist Attackers

The General Secretary welcomed the conviction of two officers for setting their dogs on Mozambican immigrants, ostensibly as part of a "training exercise". "We are watching with interest if the sentence on them will match their heinous crime," Dr. Tsele said.

SACC General Secretary Condemns Racist Farm Murder

Dr. Tsele condemned the apparently racially-motivated murder of a farm worker in Mpumalanga province last week. "It is unfortunate that acts of racism still dominate our national life," the General Secretary said. He also raised concerns over suggestions that the police may have helped to conceal evidence.

SACC Signs Anti-War Declaration

The SACC has joined dozens of religious, peace, political, cultural and business organisations in demanding a peaceful resolution of the current dispute between the United States and Iraq. The declaration warns that "war against Iraq is wrong ... because it is the poor who will be its main victims."

SACC Endorses TAC Call for National Treatment Plan

At a press conference in Cape Town on the eve of the State Opening of Parliament, the SACC joined with other religious bodies in endorsing the Treatment Action Campaign's call on the government to sign the framework for a National HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention Plan, negotiated at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC).

*** 2002 ***

Implement TRC Reparations Recommendations, SACC Tells Government

The SACC says that legal challenges to the final sections of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report should not become an excuse to delay the payment of reparations. The SACC offers to assist the government in locating those eligible for reparations and in monitoring the distribution of benefits.

TRC Consultation Resolution

At a consultation on the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, convened by the SACC at end of November, participants called on the government to implement the TRC's recommendations without further delay and urged member churches and provincial councils to facilitate reconciliation, healing, and the payment of reparations.

Church Leaders' Forum Discuss Bombings

The Church Leaders' Forum met in Johannesburg on 29 November 2002 to discuss the recent spate of bombings. They expressed solidarity with Muslim sisters and brothers, called on all political parties to support the government's efforts to address the right-wing threat, and announced an interfaith march of solidarity to take place on 15 December.

SACC Condemns Gauteng Bombs

The General Secretary condemned the "barbaric" bombings in Soweto and Bronkhorstspruit on 30 October, extended the Council's sympathies to the family of the late Mamatsieng Mokone, and pledged continued cooperation with the Muslim and Buddhist communities.

SACC Mourns the Death of Mary Mxadana

The SACC mourns the 10 October death of Mary Mxadana, a former senior employee of the South African Council of Churches, personal assistant to President Nelson Mandela and a leading member of Soweto's Imilonji kaNtu Choral Society.

SACC National Executive Acts on a Range of Issues

The SACC National Executive Committee met at Kempton Park Conference Centre in Bonaero Park, 2-3 October 2002, to take action on a range of issues including Zimbabwe, the National Lottery, Reconciliation, the Basic Income Grant and Iraq.

SACC NEC Statement on HIV/AIDS

The SACC National Executive Committee called on churches to be "Christlike" in responding to those infected and affected by the virus, to explore practical ways to demonstrate God's love and compassion through programmes of care, testing and counseling and to address the issue of stigmatisation as a matter of urgency.

SACC National Executive Calls for BIG Christmas Campaign

The SACC National Executive Committee reaffirmed the SACC's support for the introduction of a universal Basic Income Grant to help combat poverty and food insecurity and voted to make the Grant the focus of the Council's annual Christmas public awareness campaign.

SACC Salutes Steve Biko

On the 25th anniversary of Steve Biko's assassination, the SACC remembers and celebrates the life of a leader with an "insatiable quest" for liberation who inspired a generation of church leaders "to look afresh at the Bible".

SACC Statement on Iraq and 11 September

The SACC joins with the World Council of Churches, the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, Pax Christi, and people of faith around the world in expressing concern about the United States' menacing attitude toward Iraq and calling on the superpower to use diplomatic channels to address its concerns.

SACC Leaders Visit SANDF Peacekeeping Troops in Burundi

A delegation of clergy from SACC member churches made a pastoral visit to South African troops on a peacekeeping assignment in Burundi. The visit also provided an opportunity for interaction between the SACC and the National Council of Churches in Burundi.

General Secretary Meets Swedish Official to Discuss Arms Deal

During the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the SACC General Secretary met with the Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Sweden to discuss South Africa's option to purchase 19 more Saab jet fighters. The following day, an open letter to the people of Sweden, signed by the heads of the SACC, COSATU and SANGOCO, was published in the Swedish press.

Dr Boesak Tells WSSD Delegates: "A Voice is Needed!"

Preaching at an ecumenical service in Alexandra organised by the World Council of Churches and the SACC to mark the opening of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the Reverend Dr. Allan Boesak tells worshippers: "We are here at this world summit to be heard, to speak, boldly and unhesitatingly, for the sake of justice, truth and the survival of humanity." Read his full sermon.

SACC and SANDF Chaplains Commit to Working Together

In an historic meeting, the SACC agreed to work together with the SANDF chaplains' service to minister to members of the armed forces. The first opportunity for cooperation will come at the beginning of September when senior church leaders will visit South African peace-keeping forces deployed in Burundi.

World Summit on Sustainable Development

The World Summit on Sustainable Development takes place in Johannesburg, 19 August to 4 September 2002. Churches and religious organisations, including the SACC, have organised a number of parallel events to highlight the need for a just, people-centred and environmentally-responsible global development path. See a listing of events, day-by-day.

Advocate McCaps Motimele's Resignation as Chair of the UNISA Council

The SACC General Secretary comments on the 14 August resignation of UNISA Council Chair McCaps Motimele.

SACC Responds to Snow Emergency in Eastern Cape

Unprecedented snowfalls have paralysed a number of communities in the Eastern Cape, burying houses and exposing families to extreme cold. The SACC has responded by delivering blankets to the area and has called on member churches in the affected areas to "open their hearts" to those in need.

SACC Statement on the SA Municipal Workers' Union Strike

The SACC deplores the vandalism associated with the current strike and calls on Salga to respond "humanely and in a just manner" to workers' wage demands.

SACC Statement on Environmental Justice

At its meeting of 4 July 2002, the SACC Central Committee called on the world to "live in harmony with nature and each other".

NEC Releases Discussion Document on NEPAD

At its meeting of 5 June, the SACC National Executive Committee received a document entitled Un-blurring the Vision, and commended it to members for discussion and study.

Gauteng Liquor Bill Ignores Church Views

The SACC National Executive Committee has expressed anger about the insensitive manner in which the Gauteng provincial government has pressed ahead with plans to legalise Sunday liquor sales. At a 6 June press conference, SACC General Secretary Dr. Molefe Tsele condemned the decision as "arrogant" and "hurtful".

SACC General Secretary Condemns Student Violence

In a 28 May statement, SACC General Secretary Dr. Molefe Tsele recent vandalism by students at the University of the North and in Johannesburg.

SACC Hails Lesotho Poll

The SACC congratulated the people of Lesotho on the successful completion of their general election.

Church Agencies Say HIV/AIDS Stigma Is "Un-Christian"

SACC Programme Director for Health, Fr. Gary Thompson, tells South Africans: "Do not stigmatise people living with HIV/AIDS. It is wrong to do so; it is un-Christian and another form of injustice." The SACC will team up with Church World Service to convey this message of hope at a musical concert at Soweto's Regina Mundi Catholic Church at 3:00 pm on Sunday, 12 May 2002.

SACC Media Statement on the Death of Shirley Sebenya

The SACC deplores the murder of Shirley Sebenya, wife of Ebenezer Evangelical Church minister Rev. Itumeleng Sebenya, on 21 April 2002 during a brutal hijacking. The SACC General Secretary, Dr. Molefe Tsele, reiterated the Council's support for the Moral Regeneration Movement launched last week and expressed the hope that the Movement will become a "beacon of hope" to all who confront such incidents of brutality on a daily basis.

SACC Consultation Calls on All Stakeholders to Join Hands in the Fight Against AIDS

SACC Communications Head Joe Mdhlela reports on the outcome of the SACC's 8-10 April 2002 consultation on HIV/AIDS.

SACC Disturbed by New Arms Purchases

The SACC responds to the South African government's decision to take up the second tranche of the strategic defence procurement deal signed in 1999.

SACC Media Release on Zimbabwe, NEPAD, AIDS

A 3 April 2002 media release from the SACC addresses a range of topics including the Zimbabwean elections, the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), and recent developments on HIV/AIDS.

Zimbabwe Presidential Election Observers' Reports

Read the report of the team of international ecumenical peace observers from the World Council of Churches and the All Africa Conference of Churches invited to assist the Zimbabwe Council of Churches in observing the Zimbabwe Presidential Elections, 9-10 March 2002. Read also the report of the multi-sectoral South African Observer Mission appointed by President Mbeki. Both teams included representatives of the South African Council of Churches.

SACC Response to the 2002/2003 National Budget

Statement analysing the impact of the 2002/2003 national budget, issued by the SACC at the end of a Budget Week workshop in Cape Town, 18-22 February 2002, sponsored by the Ecumenical Service for Socio-Economic Transformation.

*** 2001 ***

SACC and NLC Convene a National Land Indaba

The South African Council of Churches and the National Land Committee held a national consultation on land reform in Kempton Park, 7-9 December 2001. The indaba adopted a final statement calling for land expropriation, restrictions on land ownership and other measures to promote just and equitable access to land.

SACC Calls for Action on Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

The SACC signals its support for the objectives of the Treatment Action Campaign's law suit against the government and calls for calls for South Africans to "rediscover common ground" in the battle against AIDS.

GS Calls the Church to be a 'Nuisance'

The SACC General Secretary told a Diakonia Council of Churches Breakfast Briefing in Durban on 30 October 2001 that "the Church must once again become a 'nuisance' to the nation".

SACC Meets Minister of Defence

The SACC National Executive Committee and other church leaders met with the Minister of Defence on 26 October to discuss concerns about the strategic defence acquisition programme.

NEC Response to Events of 11 September

The SACC National Executive Committee adopted a statement calling for justice in the wake of the 11 September tragedies in the United States.

Towards an Agenda for New Patriotism and Responsible Citizenship

The SACC General Secretary delivered the opening address to the National Waste Summit in Pietersburg, Northern Province on 25 September 2001. The Summit was convened to discuss plans to implement the government's March 2000 White Paper on an Integrated Pollution and Waste Management Strategy for South Africa. In his address, "Towards an Agenda for New Patriotism and Responsible Citizenship", Dr. Tsele called on South Africans to "recapture the Green Agenda and realign it with Brown issues of landlessness, poverty, migration and underdevelopment.

Triennial Conference

The SACC Triennial Conference was held on August 14-17 at the Liban Conference Centre, Woodmead, Johannesburg (corner of Western Service and Mount Lebanon Roads). The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Dr. Konrad Raiser was the guest of honour.

Statement on Bredell Evictions

Statement of Bishop Mvume Dandala, President of the SACC on behalf of the SACC National Executive Committee on the Bredell Evictions of 12 July, 2001.

International Conference on Racism

Bishop Mvume Dandala, SACC President and Dr. Molefe will lead the SACC delegation to the World Conference Against Racism on August 31 to Spetember 7, 2001.