Latest news with #SouthAfricanCouncilofChurches
Russia Today
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
South African unity government infighting threatens confidence in democracy
Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba used his Easter sermon to not only preach about the meaning of significance of the weekend, but he also warned that Government of National Unit (GNU) 'grandstanding' threatens to create a 'crisis of confidence' in democracy, unless political parties learn to accept one another's legitimacy. Delivering his annual sermon at St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, Makgoba also urged that the 'national dialogue' being planned by the presidency needs to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. 'In South Africa, it is a time during which the credibility and commitment to good governance of our political parties is seriously open to question,' he told the congregation. 'Last week leaders of the South African Council of Churches met with President Ramaphosa and members of his Cabinet, where we registered our protest at the way in which members of the GNU are engaging in grandstanding and political one-upmanship at the expense of resolving the urgent challenges our nation faces. 'For my part, I am concerned that unless our politicians stop playing these dangerous games and develop a proper respect for the legitimacy of their partners in the administration, the very concept of democratic governance in South Africa is headed for a crisis of confidence,' Makgoba said. He added that a section of the African National Congress (ANC) leadership finds it difficult to accept that they no longer enjoy the support of the majority of the electorate, 'and still behave as if they alone enjoy legitimacy'. 'The Democratic Party (DA) sometimes behaves as if its electoral support entitles it just to override the views of those who represented a far bigger proportion of the electorate in the last election. And at municipal level especially, we see small minority parties exercising far more power than their legitimacy entitles them to.' Makgoba said thirty years into democracy, the legitimacy of every party elected to Parliament needs to be respected, and no party should assume a legitimacy greater than their strength at the ballot box gives them. He also said success for the national dialogue depended on 'the process becoming everyone's business, not just the government's'. '...It is critical for the credibility of the dialogue for it to be free from manipulation by political and economic elites. 'To avoid that happening, the President's proposed Advisory Panel of Eminent Persons and the dialogue's steering committee need to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. The relevance of the dialogue will depend on how representative its deliberations are of the full spectrum of South African society,' Makgoba said. 'We will establish true justice in South Africa only if we fulfill the promises of our Constitution by working together for the common good. If we fail to show that democracy can improve the lives of our people, we run the risk of going the way of those countries in the so-called developed world which are threatening to slide downwards into populist autocracies.'First published by IOL
IOL News
21-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Crisis of confidence in democracy looms, warns Archbishop Makgoba
Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba used his Easter sermon to not only preach about the meaning of significance of the weekend, but he also warned that Government of National Unit (GNU) 'grandstanding' threatens to create a 'crisis of confidence' in democracy, unless political parties learn to accept one another's legitimacy. Delivering his annual sermon at St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, Makgoba also urged that the 'national dialogue' being planned by the presidency needs to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'In South Africa, it is a time during which the credibility and commitment to good governance of our political parties is seriously open to question,' he told the congregation. 'Last week leaders of the South African Council of Churches met with President Ramaphosa and members of his Cabinet, where we registered our protest at the way in which members of the GNU are engaging in grandstanding and political one-upmanship at the expense of resolving the urgent challenges our nation faces. 'For my part, I am concerned that unless our politicians stop playing these dangerous games and develop a proper respect for the legitimacy of their partners in the administration, the very concept of democratic governance in South Africa is headed for a crisis of confidence,' Makgoba said. He added that a section of the African National Congress (ANC) leadership finds it difficult to accept that they no longer enjoy the support of the majority of the electorate, 'and still behave as if they alone enjoy legitimacy'. 'The Democratic Party (DA) sometimes behaves as if its electoral support entitles it just to override the views of those who represented a far bigger proportion of the electorate in the last election. And at municipal level especially, we see small minority parties exercising far more power than their legitimacy entitles them to.' Makgoba said thirty years into democracy, the legitimacy of every party elected to Parliament needs to be respected, and no party should assume a legitimacy greater than their strength at the ballot box gives them. He also said success for the national dialogue depended on 'the process becoming everyone's business, not just the government's'. '...It is critical for the credibility of the dialogue for it to be free from manipulation by political and economic elites. 'To avoid that happening, the President's proposed Advisory Panel of Eminent Persons and the dialogue's steering committee need to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. The relevance of the dialogue will depend on how representative its deliberations are of the full spectrum of South African society,' Makgoba said.
IOL News
21-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
GNU grandstanding threatens to create a crisis of confidence in democracy, says Archbishop Makgoba
Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba used his Easter sermon to not only preach about the meaning of significance of the weekend, but he also warned that Government of National Unit (GNU) 'grandstanding' threatens to create a 'crisis of confidence' in democracy, unless political parties learn to accept one another's legitimacy. Delivering his annual sermon at St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, Makgoba also urged that the 'national dialogue' being planned by the presidency needs to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'In South Africa, it is a time during which the credibility and commitment to good governance of our political parties is seriously open to question,' he told the congregation. 'Last week leaders of the South African Council of Churches met with President Ramaphosa and members of his Cabinet, where we registered our protest at the way in which members of the GNU are engaging in grandstanding and political one-upmanship at the expense of resolving the urgent challenges our nation faces. 'For my part, I am concerned that unless our politicians stop playing these dangerous games and develop a proper respect for the legitimacy of their partners in the administration, the very concept of democratic governance in South Africa is headed for a crisis of confidence,' Makgoba said. He added that a section of the African National Congress (ANC) leadership finds it difficult to accept that they no longer enjoy the support of the majority of the electorate, 'and still behave as if they alone enjoy legitimacy'. 'The Democratic Party (DA) sometimes behaves as if its electoral support entitles it just to override the views of those who represented a far bigger proportion of the electorate in the last election. And at municipal level especially, we see small minority parties exercising far more power than their legitimacy entitles them to.' Makgoba said thirty years into democracy, the legitimacy of every party elected to Parliament needs to be respected, and no party should assume a legitimacy greater than their strength at the ballot box gives them. He also said success for the national dialogue depended on 'the process becoming everyone's business, not just the government's'. '...It is critical for the credibility of the dialogue for it to be free from manipulation by political and economic elites. 'To avoid that happening, the President's proposed Advisory Panel of Eminent Persons and the dialogue's steering committee need to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. The relevance of the dialogue will depend on how representative its deliberations are of the full spectrum of South African society,' Makgoba said.
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President Ramaphosa meets with South African Council of Churches over issues of national interest
President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Friday, 11 April 2025, hosted the leadership of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The meeting was the first engagement between Government and the leadership of the church since the start of the 7th Administration under the banner of the Government of National Unity. The meeting presented an opportunity for the SACC to introduce its new and recently elected leadership. 'We welcome the opportunity to be introduced to the new leadership of the SACC and to discuss matters that concern the church and the people of South Africa. The SACC is a cherished institution in our country. Over many decades it has made an invaluable contribution to peace, unity, development and transformation. It has been a source of hope, guidance and inspiration not only to members of the Christian faith, but to all South Africans. The SACC has always been deeply concerned about the conditions in which our people live and has worked to improve their lives. We appreciate the willingness and determination of the SACC to work with Government, with other faith formations and with other sectors of society to address these concerns,' said President Ramaphosa. The meeting discussed a wide range of issues of national interest ranging from the National Dialogue initiative, Government's ongoing fight against crime and corruption and the churches accessing state services. The Government also briefed the SACC on South Africa's G20 Presidency along with regional and international issues of concern. 'We support the National Dialogue initiative but emphasise that for it to have legitimacy, the process must be protected from being hijacked by political, economic, and societal elites. It must be inclusive — incorporating all sectors of society. We must confront our declining values and moral conduct, and address the dehumanisation caused by poverty and inequality. Like many South Africans, we as church leaders and congregants are deeply concerned by the political gamesmanship within the GNU, when urgent national challenges — especially those affecting the poor and vulnerable — demand serious and united attention,' said Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, SACC President. President Ramaphosa committed that the National Dialogue will bring together all sectors of society and encourage the participation of all South Africans. It is envisaged that the National Dialogue will build on the achievements of 30 years of democracy. Among other things, it will need to address challenges of low growth and job creation, poverty and hunger, governance, corruption and fiscal constraints. It will also need to address gender-based violence and femicide, social fragmentation, racism and sexism, violence and the potential for instability. 'Importantly, the National Dialogue must be informed by extensive public consultation in localities facilitated by various sectors of society. It needs to give a voice to those in society who are not often heard, to people who are marginalised, to those who are most vulnerable to poverty, violence and exploitation,' said the President. The meeting heard about Government's ongoing work in implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission. This includes criminal investigations and prosecutions, the recovery of stolen funds, legislative amendments and strengthening institutions. Furthermore, Government remains focused on strengthening and resourcing key institutions in the criminal justice system, like the NPA, Hawks and SIU, this includes the establishment of the NPA's Investigating Directorate Against Corruption as a permanent entity to prosecute state capture and other significant corruption cases. President Ramaphosa committed Government's support for greater cooperation between churches and Government bodies that are on the frontline of providing services to people – most notably the Departments of Home Affairs and Social Development. President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa's drive for an inclusive G20. The President said dialogue with civil society and other non-government institutions will be conducted through various engagement groups. Following the approach of the Brazilian Presidency, a G20 Social Forum will be convened. This will bring together representatives of the existing engagement groups and other segments of civil society including various faith formations. The President assured the church leaders that South Africa will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy and will not align itself with any of the major powers or blocs in the world. South Africa remains engaged in efforts to bring about peace and stability in various parts of our region and continent, especially through SADC and AU initiatives. 'South Africa continues to use its participation in fora like the G20, BRICS, Non-Aligned Movement, African Union and United Nations to advance a rules-based multilateralism that is fair and inclusive. We are committed to the reform of global institutions to ensure that they represent the needs and interests of all countries,' said President Ramaphosa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
See - Sada Elbalad
02-04-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
MCE Receives Delegation from South African Council of Churches
Mohamed Mandour The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Mohamed Abdelsalam, welcomed a South African Council of Churches delegation at the Council's headquarters. The delegation included Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, former General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, President of the South African Council of Churches, and Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of the organization Churches for Middle East Peace. The two sides discussed ways to enhance the role of faith leaders and figures in promoting global peace. At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders welcomed the South African Council of Churches delegation, emphasizing the crucial role that faith leaders and figures can play in fostering global peace and spreading values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He pointed out that the challenges our world faces today require a united effort to promote the values of goodness, justice, love, and human fraternity. He highlighted the importance of preparing generations of leaders to carry the flag of tolerance, coexistence, and peace, praising South Africa's efforts and all efforts that advocate for the protection of innocent civilians in Gaza. The South African Council of Churches delegation expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and its diverse initiatives aimed at enhancing global peace. They expressed their eagerness to collaborate with the Council and other influential institutions worldwide to enhance the role of religious leaders in addressing the wars and conflicts that have claimed thousands of innocent lives. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
