Diakonia celebrates 40 years of Social Justice
Join Diakonia Council of Churches this Friday as they celebrate 40 years of Keeping the Social Justice Flame alive at the Greyville Convention Centre.
DIAKONIA Council of Churches celebrates 40 years of working for a transformed society this year and will acknowledge the milestone, with a gala dinner hosted at Greyville Convention Centre next Friday, 25 November.
The theme for the evening is Keeping the Social Justice Flame Alive! and Frank Chikane, the well respected author, activist and cleric will present the keynote address. While local all-round singing sensation and musician, Lloyd Cele, who was a former Idos SA runner-up, will entertain.
“The primary purpose of the commemoration is to reflect on the prevailing challenges plaguing our country and to highlight some of the important signs of hope that present possibilities for the realisation of the South African dream, and to reignite, strengthen and develop a new generation of social justice activists,” explained Diakonia’s executive director, Nomabelu Mvambo-Dandala.
Mvambo-Dandala said the commemoration would also be an opportunity to reconnect with the organisation’s network of friends, past and present. “We also hope to initiate new friendships with a view to increase the pool of ambassadors, primarily for the sustainability of our organisation going forward. More importantly, this will be an opportunity to pass the baton for social justice activism to the emergent generation of social justice activists, regardless of age.
“The event will also re-position Diakonia as a major role player in reigniting the social justice flame, and contribute to its financial sustainability, particularly in light of the much needed services that are adversely affected by the drastically changed funding climate. Against this, tables will be sold to offset some of the commemoration costs and more importantly, to contribute to the long term financial sustainability of our organisation,” she continued.
Photo: Val Adamson
Photo: Illa Thompson
The Diakonia Council of Churches is an ecumenical, inter-church agency, working with churches and church organisations in the pursuit of a more just society striving for an improved quality of life for the poor, as well as changes in attitudes and structures which perpetuate injustice. It was founded in the 70s by the late Archbishop Denis Hurley who shared his vision of an ecumenical organisation to work for justice in the Greater Durban area. It was formally established exactly 40 years ago, headed by Paddy Kearney, who continued to serve Diakonia until 2004.
Call 031 310 3500 or email reception@diakonia.org.za for more information or to book.
