UPCSA: A RECONCILED COMMUNITY OF CHRISTIANS EXCERCISING A PROPHETIC WITNESS TO CHRIST

29th September 2016

The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) is unequivocal in its support of the poor and marginalised of society, understanding this to be in line with the call of the Gospel. As such the UPCSA wishes to express its solidarity with those currently caught up in the protests against University and College fees who, for historical reasons or otherwise, find themselves disenfranchised because of the high level of tuition fees preventing many from pursuing a tertiary education.

Through its Consultation of Presbytery Moderators, Clerks and Treasurers, having been challenged in their role as shepherds of the people, the UPCSA makes the following statement:

  1. The UPCSA condemns, in the strongest possible terms the vandalisation of State, University and private assets and calls upon all the stakeholders and the ecumenical bodies to unanimously condemn this behaviour.
  2. Whilst fully understanding the frustrations of many students who have been presented with what they believe to be an untenable solution to student fees by government, the UPCSA will not condone the willful destruction of property and/or any acts of violence as a means to resolve this current impasse.
  3. The UPCSA is against the hijacking of the #Feesmustfall student protest by any political party to advance their own agenda or to score political points.
  4. The UPCSA condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the inflammatory and disruptive language used by political leaders in public gatherings and other meetings, which may further incite violent protests.
  5. The UPCSA further condemns the use of excessive force and brutality by private security and the South African Police Services.
  6. The UPCSA encourages dialogue between the students, University management, and the State, to find an amicable solution in ensuring the right of everybody to quality education.
  7. The UPCSA as part of the Ecumenical Community commits itself to be available to participate in this dialogue.
  8. The UPCSA urges the State to stop making unrealistic and ambiguous promises and commitments that provoke these political unrests.
  9. The UPCSA calls upon the leaders in government and University management to find each other and speak with one voice, so as to avoid contradictions that may cause confusion.
  10. The UPCSA calls upon parents to actively participate in formations that seek to find a permanent solution towards the future of the education system in the country.
  11. The UPCSA therefore urges students at all the Universities to commit themselves to peaceful and constructive engagement with the relevant representatives from both the learning institutions and government. At the same time, we implore those in government and from the Universities to find an amicable way forward; one which will lead to peace and stability at our places of learning.

The Rt Rev Dr Robert Munthali - Moderator of General Assembly

Rev Lungile Mpetsheni – General Secretary

Rev Vusi Mkhungo – Clerk of General Assembly

Rev Paul Neshangwe

Rev Rod Botsis

Rev Reuben Daka

Rev Zwai Mtyhobile

Rev Xolani Mzendana

Rev Mpho Khetsi

Rev Zolani Stuurman

Rev Nigel Fuller

Rev Maxwell Machachamise

Rev Thabo Mohale

Rev Thembinkosi Nopapaza

Rev Melanie Cook

Rev Thabani Masikane

Rev Petson Kabala

Rev John Gordon

Rev Mamolotji Magagane

Rev Royden Blackwell

Rev Ayanda Magula

Rev Edward Chirwa

Rev Mathemba Tati

Rev Nonyamezela Tati

Rev Tinashe Chemvumi

Rev Abraham Nkhata

Rev Khonanani Maselesele

Rev Sauros Phaika

Rev Vusi Mabo

Rev Phindile Nqakwana

Rev Garikai Mufanebadza

Rev Peter Mpeke

Rev Ndiphiwe Qupuna

Mr Knowledge Gondwe

Rev Frikkie Botha

Rev Micah Nthali

Rev Amos Nyirenda

Rev Dumisani Mchunu

Rev Nobuhle Mbatha

Rev Mike Muller

Rev Garikai Mufanebadza

Mr Benson Njobvu

Mrs Nonkonyana

Mrs Anna Chulu

Mr Herman Booysen

Mr Robert Bones

Mr Happy Msiza

Mrs Veronica Chatikobo

Mr M Dubula

Mrs Thembi Nxumalo

Mrs Joan Botha

Ms Christine Kasambara

Tiyo Soga House PBO 18/11/13/1612

28 Rhodes Ave, Parktown, 2193 Moderator: Rt Rev Dr R Munthali PhD (UP)

PO Box 96188, Brixton 2019 General Secretary: The Rev L Mpetsheni PGDSS MTh

Tel: +27 11 727 3500 Clerk of Assembly: The Rev WV Mkhungo DipTh

Fax: +27 11 727 3506 General Treasurer: Mr R Johnson MCom (UP) MIRMSA

Email:

Celebrating the160th Anniversary of Tiyo Soga’s Ordination