In a statement shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) communication office, members of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), led by its President Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka of Mthatha Diocese, detailed its recent engagement with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cabinet members at the Union Buildings.

During the Friday, April 11 meeting, church leaders tabled urgent national matters, including the proposed National Dialogue, the fight against corruption, rising crime, national healing, and South Africa’s G20 presidency.

According to the statement, the SACC affirmed the importance of an independent and inclusive National Dialogue to restore public trust and address moral and societal fragmentation.

The Church leaders also voiced concern over the lack of progress on implementing the Zondo Commission recommendations and the increasing sense of impunity. The President and ministers welcomed the church’s prophetic voice and pledged further collaboration to tackle these national challenges.