Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has hosted the first engagement between government and the leadership of the church since the start of the Seventh Administration. The President hosted the leadership of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday under the banner of the Government of National Unity.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting presented an opportunity for the SACC to introduce its new and recently elected leadership. The President expressed his welcome to the new leadership and discussed matters concerning the church and the people of South Africa.
The meeting addressed a wide range of issues of national interest, including the National Dialogue initiative, the government’s ongoing fight against crime and corruption, and the access to state services. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of the National Dialogue, which aims to bring together all sectors of society and encourage the participation of all South Africans through extensive public consultation.
The National Dialogue is expected to build on the achievements of 30 years of democracy and address challenges such as low growth, job creation, poverty, hunger, governance, corruption, and fiscal constraints. It will also tackle issues like gender-based violence, social fragmentation, racism, and the potential for instability.
The government briefed the SACC on South Africa’s G20 Presidency and discussed regional and international concerns. The meeting also highlighted the government’s efforts in implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, including criminal investigations, prosecutions, and legislative amendments.
President Ramaphosa committed to strengthening cooperation between churches and government bodies, especially in the Departments of Home Affairs and Social Development. He underscored South Africa’s drive for an inclusive G20 and the importance of dialogue with civil society through various engagement groups.
The President assured church leaders of South Africa’s independent foreign policy, emphasizing efforts to foster peace and stability in the region and continent through initiatives by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union.
President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to advancing fair and inclusive multilateralism through participation in international fora like the G20, BRICS, Non-Aligned Movement, African Union, and United Nations, advocating for the reform of global institutions to better represent the needs and interests of all countries.