Led by the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council (KZNCC) and the KZN Inter-Religious Council (KZIRC), various religious leaders gathered to tackle social ills within the province during an Interfaith Summit. The summit took place on Wednesday, 5 November, at the Westville Civic Centre.
Sheikh Rafeek Hassen, founder of the Islamic Interfaith Research Institute (IIFRI), said: “This summit was to gather all religious leaders and government to create a safer and better province. Common themes were discussed ranging from youth, the environment, gender-based violence, poverty and education, to name a few.” Hassen shared that both the eThekwini Municipality and provincial government have an interfaith council, and this summit will help strengthen ties with them.
Rabbi Gilad Friedman, representing the KZNIRC and the Jewish community, spoke on ethical leadership and accountability. “These two issues in South Africa are very topical not only from a government level, but also as low as leadership within families, the workplace and within the religious houses of worship.” Friedman said that this summit was a genuine national dialogue, as it showed the unity among the different religious groups of South Africa.
Alana Pugh-Jones Baranov, also representing the Jewish community, spoke on gender justice and creating protection and safe spaces for marginalised people. “This topic was important because there are many marginalised groups in the country and it is important to highlight initiatives that are happening among the different religious groups in addressing these groups.”
Haley Fudu, KZNIRC secretary and Bahá’í Faith representative, said that with all religious leaders present, the summit would help foster new relationships, provide critical knowledge, and establish new initiatives. “It was great to see the unity from the various groups working together for the common goal of a better KZN.”
Bishop Bheki Buthelezi, representing the KZNCC and the Christian religion, explained a five-year peace-building plan which includes raising awareness, promoting dialogue, healing and reconciliation initiatives, and the formation of peace committees. “KZN is always in the media for violence – whether it’s GBV or gangsterism. This peace project will involve everyone – traditional leaders and healers, faith communities, local businesses, educational institutions, and civil organisations.” Buthelezi said they intend to launch this peace programme before the end of the year.
Paramount Chief Bradley Steenkamp, representing the Oeswana San Tribe KZN, said: “It’s our task as cultural leaders to form coalitions with different interfaith-based structures in KZN. It’s to also get a moral understanding of who we are as the Khoi and San, and explain to them what culture is and where it systemically infuses with the different interfaith based organisations. This will help formulate a positive working environment and it also dispels cultural negativities that might exist.”
Dr Lucky Mvubu, from the Nazareth Baptist Church, said they welcomed this summit as it helps promote sustainable peace programmes, promotes stability, and denounces violence within KZN.
