The executive with management unit is supported by a number of advisory forums that guide the NRASD in negotiations with government to implement the Memorandum of Understanding with the religious sector.
These forums have also created an additional platform to build consensus on joint areas of action in creating a caring society.
We are excited about the commitment of esteemed senior religious leaders that make themselves available for these forums and consultations.
The NRASD Church Leader’s Forum
Coordinator: Fr Richard Menatsi, NRASD Chairperson and Catholic Church in South Africa, Qumbu
Core Group:
Bishop Zipho Siwa, Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church of Southern Africa and Co-Chairperson, National Religious Leaders’ Forum, Bedfordview
Bishop Lunga ka Siboto, Presiding Bishop, Ethiopian Episcopal Church, Port Elizabeth
Most Revd Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Church of the Province of Southern Africa, Cape Town
His Eminence, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Durban
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Catholic Bishop of Johannesburg
Dr Kobus Gerber, General Secretary, Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, Hatfield
Together they represent the most senior leadership of the “mainline churches”. Additional forums with even a broader spectrum also include the following members:
Fr Vincent Brennan, General Secretary, Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference, Pretoria
Dr Isak Burger, President, Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, Centurion
Revd Linda Cibane, General Secretary, Ebuhleni Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe), Durban
Revd Dr Prince Dibeela, General Secretary, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, Brixton
Dr Braam Hanekom, Moderator, Synod of West and South Cape, Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, Bellville
Dr Donald Katts, Moderator, Volkskerk van Afrika, Kraaifontein
Prof S T Kgatla, Moderator, Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa, Polokwane
Dr Japie La Poorta, Deputy President, Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, Kuils River
Archbishop Dr Zandisile Magxwalisa, Archbishop, Jerusalem Church in South Africa, Port Elizabeth
Dr Sibusiso Masondo, Senior Pastor, The People of God Christian Ministries, Bellville
Dr Weli Mazamisa, Board Member, EFSA Institute, Stellenbosch
The Rt Revd Christopher Mkandawire, Moderator, Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, Livingstone (Zambia)
Mr Isaac Mohlaping, General Secretary, Evangelical Church in Southern Africa, Johannesburg
Prof Elna Mouton, Board Member, EFSA Institute, Stellenbosch
Dr Jerry Pillay, General Secretary, Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, Braamfontein
Revd Dr Mary-Anne Plaatjies van Huffel, Vice Moderator, Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa, Robertson
Bishop Dr Joe Ramashapa, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, Gaborone (Botswana)
Bishop Nils Rohwer, Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa (Cape), Cape Town
Major Barry Schwartz, Territorial Secretary for Programme, Salvation Army, Johannesburg
Revd Vusimusi Sigudla, Senior Pastor, Baptist Convention, Kimberley
Pastor Dr Butisi Yakobi, Founder, Assemblies of God South Africa, Sterkspruit
The NRASD African Independent Church Leaders’ Forum
Coordinator: Dr Welile Mazamisa, NRASD Management Unit and Board Member, EFSA Institute, Stellenbosch
This Forum includes members of the largest African Independent Churches, e.g.:
Zionist Christian Church (Star)
Zionist Christian Church (Dove)
Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe)
The Twelve Apostles
Limba Church
They represent the largest membership of all Christian churches in South Africa – especially the rural African population. It is a major breakthrough to have these churches involved in our national process – they are increasingly organising themselves into new national forums for the African Independent Churches.
The National Religious Sector HIV and AIDS Directors’ Forum
(Also referred to as the Religious Sector HIV and AIDS Task Team)
Coordinator: Revd Canon Desmond Lambrechts, NRASD Task Team Representative: HIV and AIDS, Stellenbosch
This forum includes all the directors of the largest religious HIV and AIDS programmes in South Africa:
African Independent Churches, Anglican, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Reformed, Muslim, etc.