Every Municipality Must Work
Programme Director
Pastor Bret Pretorious, Founder and President of SACOFF
Leaders of the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternal
Leaders of The Institute for Global Engagement (IGE)
International, Regional and Local Religious Leaders
Political Parties Leaders and Representatives.
Honoured Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Members of the Media
Fellow South Africans
It is an honour and a privilege to share this platform with esteemed leaders from diverse religious and political formations. This gathering is not just a meeting; it is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to shape a society that reflects the highest ideals of justice, peace, and human dignity.
This conference represents a vital space for constructive dialogue in pursuit of unity in
diversity and social cohesion. It is the second successful convening of this interfaith initiative, which seeks to strengthen the relationship between faith and state in building 1a united South Africa and a better Africa for all. We are here because we recognise that faith communities are not passive observers; they are active partners in transforming society.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Faith in Action: Strengthening Integrity, Unity, and Development Across the SADC Region,” is both timely and urgent. It calls for translating dialogue into practical partnerships between faith leaders and policymakers to build just, prosperous, and peaceful societies.
Religious formations have historically played a critical role in the struggle against
colonialism, apartheid, and poverty. They provided spiritual guidance, organisational strength, and moral courage during our nation’s darkest hours. Today, they remain central to efforts to eradicate unemployment, inequality, and social injustice.
Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples must continue to serve as pillars of
society, providing education, feeding the poor, and speaking out against corruption, gender-based violence, and substance abuse.
The government values the contribution of faith-based organisations in guiding our mission to unite and develop our country. Your leadership is essential in restoring human values, promoting Ubuntu/Botho, and fostering social renewal. We need faith communities to be champions of ethical leadership, advocates for social justice, and development partners.
Our Constitution enshrines the principles of unity in diversity and mandates institutions such as the CRL Rights Commission to protect and promote cultural, religious, and linguistic rights. This mandate is not symbolic; it is a practical instrument for building a society where every community feels respected and included. We urge faith communities to respect municipal bylaws and ensure compliance with zoning, safety, and building regulations. While the growth of churches in Africa reflects spiritual vibrancy, it also poses challenges, including unregulated establishments, religious intolerance, and exploitation. Addressing these requires collaboration between government, civil society, and faith leaders through interfaith dialogue, sustainable practices, and adherence to the law.
Let me share some realities that underscore the urgency of our work together. South
Africa faces one of the deadliest gender-based violence epidemics globally. Every day, at least 15 women are murdered and 117 report being raped. Between April 2023 and March 2024, 5,578 women were killed. Femicide rates in South Africa are five times higher than the global average, and one in three women has experienced physical violence in her lifetime. These numbers are not statistics; they represent shattered families and broken communities. This is why President Cyril Ramaphosa recently classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster, calling for urgent and coordinated action.
Faith-based organisations are already making a difference. SACOFF, for example, represents over 20,900 faith-based organisations nationwide that work on food security, early childhood development, gender-based violence prevention, and disaster relief. These partnerships demonstrate the power of faith communities to deliver social impact at scale.
As we conclude, let us commit to advocating for peace and stability across the continent; creating safe spaces for women and children, free from fear and violence; promoting tolerance and respect for diversity in race, gender, religion, culture, and language; and mobilising communities to eradicate crime, corruption, and gender-based violence. Together, as leaders in diversity, we have a collective responsibility to build a society rooted in constitutional values, where every human being enjoys dignity, equality, and freedom.
I thank you.