As South Africa continues to face many challenges that are affecting its stability and prosperity, such as power cuts, water shortages, corruption, unemployment, violence and a weak economy. These issues have undermined the trust and confidence of the people in the government and the institutions that are supposed to serve them. The nation has also recently witnessed a wave of unrest, xenophobia and looting, which had further revealed its fragility and vulnerability.
In the midst of the difficulties, a group of South Africa’s religious leaders from different faiths and traditions have stepped up to offer their collective wisdom and guidance to the nation. They are part of the Interfaith Forum of South Africa (TIFSA), a community of leaders from various faith groups, such as Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Christians and African traditional religions.
TIFSA has organised a three-day conference from October 9 to 11 at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Johannesburg. The conference will gather more than 1,000 delegates and religious leaders from diverse faiths and backgrounds to brainstorm and look for solutions to the crises facing South Africa. The conference will also cover topics such as voter education, moral regeneration, social cohesion, nation building and development.
The chairperson of TIFSA, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, said that the forum has been concerned about the state of affairs in the country for a long time and felt the need to intervene. He said that the forum believes that the solutions to the challenges lie with the citizens of this country and that they have a responsibility to use their platform to uphold the moral fabric of the nation.
“We recognise that we have a role to play as religious leaders in shaping the destiny of this country. We have a voice that can influence and inspire people to act in the best interest of the nation. We have a vision that can help create a more just and peaceful society. We have a duty to speak truth to power and hold accountable those who are entrusted with public office,” he said.
He added that the forum hopes to come up with practical and realistic proposals that can be implemented by various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, business and ordinary citizens. He said that the forum also aims to foster dialogue and cooperation among different faiths and communities to promote unity and harmony in diversity.
“We want to see a South Africa that is free from corruption, violence, discrimination and oppression. We want to see a South Africa that is prosperous, inclusive, democratic and respectful of human dignity and rights. We want to see a South Africa that is proud of its heritage, culture and identity. We want to see a South Africa that is a beacon of hope for Africa and the world,” he said.
The conference has also received support from prominent figures such as Ambassador Getrude Mongella, the Tanzanian Member of Parliament who was the Secretary General of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. She urged South Africans to unite for a better nation and spread the Ubuntu philosophy to other African countries and develop the continent.
The conference will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube for those who are interested in following the proceedings. TIFSA invites all South Africans to join them in their quest for finding solutions to the crises facing the country and working together for a better tomorrow.