Month: Aug 2025

Johannesburg, South Africa – August 24, 2025 – The Pavilion at Sandton Convention Centre was filled with vibrant energy as nearly 300 faith leaders, peacebuilders, and community representatives gathered for the inaugural Africa Religious Peace Academy, under the theme “Bridging Beliefs: Advancing Peace Through Interfaith Harmony in Africa.”The gathering was hailed as a historic milestone, transforming Africa’s spiritual and religious diversity into a powerful network for peace and reconciliation.

Jointly hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and the Sikh Council of Africa, the academy provided a unique platform for interfaith networking, where religious leaders transcended denominational boundaries to share visions for addressing Africa’s common challenges through peace and cooperation.

Opening the event, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, underscored the role of faith leaders in advancing a harmonious society: “This gathering, affirms our unwavering commitment to fostering social cohesion, interfaith dialogue and cohesive governance and it is indeed a compass setting moment not only for us in South Africa, but for the continent and the world at large by those who have dedicated to advance this important process of creating peace in the world.”

Congratulatory remarks by Shri Prabhat Kumar, High Commissioner of India to South Africa reinforced the message that interfaith cooperation is essential in addressing Africa’s shared challenges.

Spiritual reflections from diverse traditions enriched the program. Imboni Dr Uzwi-Lezwe Radebe‘s representative, Sam Langa highlighted African Indigenous Spirituality’s call to restore harmony with ancestors and the earth, while Moulana Ebrahim Bham spoke on justice as a divine mandate in Islam. Reverend Gift Moerane invoked the Christian message of reconciliation, and Mr Harbinder Singh Sethi of the Sikh Council of Africa emphasized “Sarbat da Bhala”, seeking the welfare of all.

A key highlight was the presentation of the “Charter for Forgiveness” by Prof. Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, which offered a framework for reconciliation and healing in divided communities. This moment resonated strongly in South Africa, where “unity in diversity” remains both a constitutional value and a daily pursuit.

HWPL Regional Director, Mr Beom Jun Park, urged leaders to see peace not only as today’s mission but as tomorrow’s legacy: “A peaceful and secure Africa is not only the vision of Agenda 2063, it is a vision we all share. Perhaps you and I may not live long enough to see its full realization, but we must walk the path and lay the foundation for those who will come after us.” HWPL envisions a world where religious leaders rise above differences to become one voice for peace, recognizing that harmony among faiths is the cornerstone of lasting unity. Guided by the values of reconciliation, dialogue, and shared responsibility, HWPL hopes to see faith leaders stand together as partners in shaping a peaceful legacy for future generations.

The academy concluded with the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), formalizing collaborative commitments between HWPL and the CRL Rights Commission, the Eswatini Women Muslim Organisation, and the Sikh Council of Africa. These agreements mark a significant step forward in strengthening interfaith partnerships and advancing peace across Africa.

This landmark event proved that Africa’s spiritual richness, when united, can become a force for peace, justice, and sustainable development. Delegates departed with a renewed sense of collective responsibility to transform Africa’s diversity into a legacy of unity through interfaith networking and collaboration.

[Cape Town] – The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) convened its 2nd Annual Critical Conversation on August 22 at the Bellville Campus, bringing together students, academics, policymakers, and civil society to debate the role of education. The theme was “Beyond Liberation: Is Education a Liberator or an Oppressor in the Struggle for Peace, Gender Equity, and Economic Justice?”

The event coincided with International Youth Day, South Africa’s National Women’s Month, and World Humanitarian Day, adding timeliness and significance to the discussion. It was hosted by the CPUT Central Student Representative Council (CSRC) in collaboration with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace organization, alongside other partners.

Opening the session, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nhlapho gave encouraging words to the students gathered, stating, “Live a life of honesty, of honor and the world around you will thank you.” The CSRC followed by affirming students’ demand for an education system rooted in justice, inclusivity, and care.

Speakers highlighted diverse perspectives on education. HWPL’s Rachael Nyirongo stressed the importance of peace education, stating that, “This is the power of peace education, it changes individuals and changes communities. The question is what kind of society are we building for education to flourish in?”

In a keynote address, Deputy Minister in The Presidency Hon. Nonceba Mhlauli urged a reimagining of education beyond employability. “Education can be a catalyst for transformation in our households and in our communities as well,” she declared, calling for systems that disrupt cycles of violence and exclusion while prioritizing dignity, care, and community.

HWPL played a central role in the collaboration, bringing its international expertise in peace education and grassroots advocacy. The organization leads the Legislate Peace Campaign, which promotes the adoption of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)—a proposed international legal framework aimed at ending conflict, disarmament, cessation of hostilities, and the protection of religious and ethnic rights. Through initiatives like peace education programs and intergenerational dialogues, HWPL works to cultivate youth leadership and foster sustainable, people-centered peace. Its involvement in the Critical Conversation underscored the importance of linking local educational debates with the global movement for justice and peace.

The day’s highlight was a panel discussion titled“Not Yet Uhuru: Decolonizing Education Through Student Activism and Collective Action.” Panelists included Dr. Melanie Swanson (Student Affairs Coordinator in HIV/AIDS), who presented on “Empowering the Forgotten: Rethinking Education to Uplift Women, Youth, and Vulnerable Communities” and Mr. Chumile Samson (South African Youth Council), who spoke on “Youth at the Forefront: Redefining Leadership for Humanitarian and Social Justice.”

Dr. Swanson emphasized the critical role of communication, highlighting its impact across different spheres of student life. She spoke about the importance of personal brand management on social media to enhance employability, and the need to prevent the spread of harmful narratives, likening it to “releasing feathers at the top of a mountain—once scattered, they are nearly impossible to retrieve.” She issued a passionate call to students, declaring “we can do it,” and challenged them to be pioneers not only as future employees but also as business leaders and responsible drivers of societal progress.

Mr. Samson shared a structured framework outlining pillars for a thriving education system, including Capability and Mobility as key drivers. Following challenging questions and remarks from the audience, he expanded on these points, offering practical insights on issues raised during the discussion. He emphasized the importance of strengthening student-led organizations and went further to suggest that institutions and organizations reassess their financial models—even restructuring income sources if necessary—to better support and sustain student-driven initiatives.

As the host institution, CPUT reaffirmed its commitment to being a site of transformation and inclusive dialogue. The university has positioned itself as a platform where students and partners from diverse backgrounds can critically examine pressing social issues while building pathways toward peace, justice, and equality. Through initiatives like the Critical Conversation series, CPUT continues to play a leadership role in fostering debates that link academia to activism and policy change.

In closing remarks, CSRC representative Aphiwe thanked all participants for joining the event and reminded participants that peace, gender equity, and economic justice are lived experiences, not abstract ideals. The MC shared, “It’s clear that this event has highlighted that the education system has a lot of potential but also still has a lot of problems to overcome.”

The 2nd Critical Conversation concluded with a shared commitment to take insights beyond the campus and into broader partnerships, policymaking, and educational culture, with the aim of advancing justice and unlocking the leadership potential of South Africa’s youth.

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