The Defend Our Democracy officially launched as a civil society movement on Saturday, 27 May. Issues flagged by those present included local and global threats to democracy, a lack of active citizenry for transformation and accountability, and the problem of young people having no agency to res.
A Delegation which visited Palestine and Israel from the 24-29 May 2022 consisting of the Rev. Frank Chikane, the Rev. Moss Ntlha and the Rev. Mzwandile Molo (all from South Africa) did so to be in solidarity with the suffering people of Palestine, including those within Israel and the 1948 and the 1967 generations of refugees within the occupied areas and in the neighbouring state who are still hoping to return to their homes in Israel and Palestine. The visit also included attending the “Christ at the Checkpoint” Conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, from 26-29 May 2022, where the Rev. Frank Chikane and Rev. Moss Ntlha were guest speakers. The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has previously sent a Church leaders delegation to Israel/Palestine, as well as participated in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). Their experiences confirm the findings of the present report.
OHANNESBURG: 2 June 2022 - From 24-27 May 2022, a South African Council of Churches (SACC) delegation joined former SACC General Secretary and Vice-President, the Rev Frank Chikane on his pastoral visit to Palestine/Israel, fulfilling his commitment to travel to the Holy Land that had been hindered by the onset of the Coronavirus and the subsequent travel restrictions.