South African Council of Churches


The South African Council of Churches is an interdenominational forum in South Africa. It was a prominent anti-apartheid organisation during the years of apartheid in South Africa. Its leaders have included Desmond Tutu, Beyers Naudé and Frank Chikane. It is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa.

Values

“The South African Council of Churches exists to lead common Christian action that works for moral witness in South Africa, addressing issues of justice, national reconciliation, integrity or creation, eradication of poverty, and contributing towards the empowerment of all those who are spiritually, socially and economically marginalised.”

Leadership

The SACC is governed by a national conference that meets once every three years. The resolutions of the conference are implemented by a central committee that meets annually. The committee is chaired by either the president or a vice-president of the Council. An executive committee is elected by the central committee and meets at least four times a year. The officers of the Council include a president, vice-presidents, and a general secretary who acts as executive officer.

General Secretaries

  • Rev. Mzwandile Molo, 2024 - current
  • Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, 2015 – 2024
  • Rev Mautji Pataki, 2011– 2014
  • Mr Edwin Makue, 2006-2011
  • Dr Molefe Tsele, 2001–2006
  • Rev Charity Majiza, 1998–2000
  • Ms Brigalia Bam, 1994–1998
  • Rev Frank Chikane, 1987–1994
  • Rev Dr CF Beyers Naudé, 1984–1986?
  • Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu, 1978–1984
  • Rev John Thorne, 1977
  • Mr John Rees, 1970–1977
  • Archbishop Bill Burnett, 1967–1969

    Presidents

  • Bishop Sithembele Sipuka 2024 - current
  • Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Anglican Church of Southern Africa) 2021 - 2024
  • Presiding Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa 2014 - 2021
  • Bishop Jo Seoka, 2010–2014
  • Prof. Tinyiko Sam Maluleke, 2007-2010
  • Prof. Russel Botman, 2003–2007
  • Presiding Bishop Mvume Dandala, 1998–2003
  • Bishop Sigqibo Dwane, 1995–1998
  • Dr Khoza Mgojo, 1990–1995
  • Dr Manas Buthulezi, 1983–1990
  • Bishop Peter Storey, 1981–1983
  • Rev SPE Sam Buti, ca. 1979
  • Rev John Thorne, ca. 1975–1976
  • Rev A.W. Habelgaarn, 1971–?
  • Archbishop Robert Selby Taylor, 1968

    History of the SACC

1988 bombing of Khotso House

The SACC headquarters at Khotso House in Johannesburg were destroyed by a bomb on August 31, 1988. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission later found that State President P. W. Botha had personally ordered the bombing. Former Minister of Law and Order Adriaan Vlok and several senior policemen applied for and were granted amnesty for the bombing. The bombing party was directed by Eugene de Kock, then commander at Vlakplaas, a secret facility of the security branch of the South African Police force.

Alliance with the ANC

During the anti-apartheid struggle, the SACC was in alliance with liberation movements such as the African National Congress. In recent times, there have been claims that the ANC has marginalised the Council in favour of Pastor Ray McCauley's National Interfaith Leadership Council which the SACC was excluded from and that there are also tensions between the two organisations. The SACC has also been extremely critical of the ANC for its role in the September 2009 militia attacks on Kennedy Road informal settlement calling for an independent investigation into police inaction and the release of community leaders associated with Abahlali baseMjondolo and the Kennedy Road Development Committee.