Ramaphosa Hosts
By Thobeka Makume
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the leadership of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, marking the first formal engagement between the government and the church since the start of the Seventh Administration. The meeting took place under the banner of the Government of National Unity and laid the foundation for deeper collaboration on national priorities including the fight against poverty, crime, and corruption, and the advancement of inclusive social dialogue.
Held on Friday, the meeting served as an opportunity for the church to introduce its newly elected leadership and reaffirm the important relationship between faith communities and the state. The President described the occasion as timely and necessary, saying, “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 meeting signalled a renewed commitment to working together to address some of the most pressing issues affecting South Africans, particularly the poor, the marginalised, and the voiceless.
Building a People-Centred National Dialogue
At the centre of the discussions was government’s plan to launch a National Dialogue initiative that will engage all sectors of society on matters of national interest and transformation. President Ramaphosa said the dialogue must reach every community and ensure participation from all corners of society, particularly those who are often excluded.
“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,” he said.
The National Dialogue is expected to reflect on South Africa’s 30 years of democracy while also identifying solutions to persistent challenges. These include slow economic growth, high unemployment, poverty, hunger, weak governance, gender-based violence and femicide, social fragmentation, racism, and systemic inequality.
President Ramaphosa stated that this initiative is not just a political exercise, but a national project aimed at social healing, institutional renewal, and collective problem-solving. The role of the church and other moral voices in guiding this process is regarded as critical.
Church and State Working Together for Public Good
One of the key outcomes of the engagement was a commitment to greater cooperation between churches and frontline government departments, especially the Department of Social Development and the Department of Home Affairs. Churches are often among the first to respond to the needs of vulnerable people, and government sees faith-based organisations as key partners in ensuring that services reach all communities.
The President reaffirmed that churches have historically played a pivotal role in social transformation and nation-building. Their continued involvement is especially important in addressing youth development, gender-based violence, community crime prevention, and moral regeneration.
The SACC welcomed the government’s openness to collaboration, expressing its willingness to participate in programmes that uplift communities and strengthen social cohesion.
Addressing Corruption and State Capture
The President and his Cabinet also used the engagement to update church leaders on progress made in implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
The Presidency confirmed that government has begun acting on several key recommendations, including:
• Ongoing criminal investigations and prosecutions of individuals implicated in state capture.
• The recovery of stolen funds, some of which are being reclaimed through international cooperation.
• Legislative amendments to tighten controls and close loopholes.
• The establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as a permanent structure tasked with prosecuting complex and high-level corruption cases.
“Government remains focused on strengthening and resourcing key institutions in the criminal justice system, like the NPA, Hawks and SIU [Special Investigating Unit],” the Presidency said.
The President assured church leaders that rooting out corruption remains a priority of the Seventh Administration and that accountability processes are gaining traction.
South Africa’s Inclusive G20 Presidency
The church leaders were also briefed on South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency, which officially began earlier this year under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
The Presidency emphasised that South Africa is using its leadership role in the G20 to elevate Africa’s development priorities. These include:
• Access to finance for developing countries.
• Green industrialisation and climate resilience.
• Youth innovation and skills development.
• Fair trade and food security.
• Debt relief and reform of global financial institutions.
President Ramaphosa said: “South Africa remains unwavering in its pursuit of a world where no nation is left behind. Our Presidency prioritises bridging the gap between developed and developing economies, ensuring that Africa’s vast potential in green industrialisation, youth innovation, and sustainable trade is unlocked through equitable partnerships.”
He further explained that dialogue with civil society, including churches, will form part of G20-related engagements. A G20 Social Forum will be convened, bringing together representatives of various sectors and interest 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 added.
A Balanced and Independent Foreign Policy
The President took the opportunity to assure the SACC that South Africa’s foreign policy remains firmly non-aligned and independent. He reaffirmed the country’s position that it will not be drawn into the geopolitical tensions between global powers.
“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,” the Presidency said.
He also noted South Africa’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability across the African continent, particularly through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union (AU) initiatives. This includes mediation and peace support operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Sudan, and elsewhere.
President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of a rules-based multilateral system, and reiterated South Africa’s support for reforms in global institutions like the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank to reflect the voices of the Global South.
“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,” he said.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The engagement between government and the SACC was described by both sides as constructive, visionary, and forward-looking. It reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the church and state, dating back to the struggle against apartheid.
The President acknowledged the moral authority of the SACC and encouraged its leaders to continue playing their part in shaping a just and united society.
As South Africa moves forward under a Government of National Unity, this engagement is expected to set the tone for deeper and more regular consultations between government and various social partners.
President Ramaphosa concluded by saying that the voices of faith communities, civil society, and ordinary South Africans must be central to nation-building efforts. The National Dialogue, he reiterated, would be inclusive, transparent, and driven by the needs and aspirations of the people.
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