Category: Beyond the Port

SAWID Completes Transformative Peace Education Program with IWPG Johannesburg

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Johannesburg has announced the successful completion of an eight-session Women’s Peace Education program conducted in partnership with South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID).

The program was designed to guide participants through a comprehensive journey from understanding peace as a personal value to embracing it as a collective responsibility and global imperative. Throughout the educational sessions, participants developed a deeper awareness of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and explored why women’s unity across borders is essential for global stability and the dignity and safety of every individual and community.

The curriculum covered sessions titled Peace and I, Virtues of a Global Peace Citizens, Culture and War, The 10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the DPCW, and The Role of Women. Participants explored how peace is not an abstract ideal but a daily practice rooted in empathy, justice, and courageous action. The program was intentionally designed to invite reflection on lived experience, identity, and agency, encouraging participants to see themselves as shapers of history rather than merely witnesses to it.

The impact of the program proved both moving and measurable, with many participants expressing new clarity, renewed purpose, and a deepened commitment to becoming active peacebuilders in their families, neighborhoods, and beyond.

One participant stated that the DPCW is more than a document but rather a promise of accountability, hope, and a world where war is no longer inevitable, expressing full conviction behind its realization. Another participant emphasized that peace education empowers women to speak with truth, act with courage, and lead with love, noting that they are not waiting for peace to arrive but are actively building it through conversation, community engagement, and individual action.

Faith Van Wyk, IWPG Peace Lecturer in Johannesburg, offered a reflection on the resilience and vision of African women. She noted that African women have long been the quiet architects of survival, holding families together, bridging divides, and nurturing hope amid adversity. She expressed her belief that when such resilience is intentionally channeled toward peace as active, organized, and unwavering commitment, the ripple becomes a wave that will reshape the world. IWPG—an international women’s NGO in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC and affiliated with the UN Department of Global Communications—currently operates in 122 countries through 115 branches and collaborates with over 800 partner organizations in 68 nations. Its mission is unequivocal: to grow women’s global solidarity, embed peace as a lived culture, equip women as peace educators and advocates, and realize the DPCW as enforceable international law.

Rustenburg, South Africa – 18 November 2025 – Zinniaville High School hosted an awards ceremony to acknowledge students who participated in peace education initiatives. The event highlighted the implementation and outcomes of the school’s Peace Education activities.

Zinniaville High School has implemented the HWPL Peace Education Curriculum over the past several years. The programme is designed to help students develop self-understanding, conflict resolution skills, and community awareness. HWPL supports educators through a teacher training approach that enables them to understand and apply the curriculum in their classrooms.

HWPL Peace Education has been presented as an educational approach to addressing gender-based violence and femicide, issues that remain prominent in South Africa. The programme promotes non-violence, empathy, and understanding as key components of its learning outcomes.

The school awarded Peace Ambassador Certificates to the Matric Peace Prefects who had participated in promoting peace values on campus. The recognition reflects their involvement in peace-related activities during the academic year.

During the event, student representatives delivered remarks addressing sources of conflict in school life and areas for improvement. The winning essay by student Tahir Ousman, which focused on the importance of individual peaceful behaviour, was also presented.

Zinniaville Primary School has implemented HWPL Peace Education since 2023 under the leadership of Peace Educator Ms Marise Le Roux, with approximately forty students participating. These students are expected to receive Certificates of Appreciation. A new partnership has also been established through a recently signed MOU with Gerrit Maritz Primary School in Pretoria. During the event, the HWPL SADC Manager delivered a message acknowledging Mrs Zuleikha Limalia’s involvement in international events and her contributions to peace education.

The closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued implementation of Peace Education and further collaboration with community partners. Zinniaville High School stated its intention to continue expanding student participation in peace-related activities.

In a historic moment for faith education, 59,192 students worldwide graduated from the Zion Christian Mission Center on 2 November 2025, completing an in-depth study of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The ceremony marks the largest Bible graduation in recorded history and the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment.

Across a continent home to more than 760 million Christians, the graduation drew thousands of believers who had long sought a deeper understanding of Scripture. Among them were 875 graduates from Southern Africa, including 214 pastors, who joined 10,081 students across Africa in celebrating this milestone of faith and learning.

In Southern Africa, celebrations were held simultaneously at several branch churches, including in Cape Town, honouring students who persevered through months of rigorous study while balancing work, family, and ministry commitments.

“When I first encountered these teachings, the words of Revelation were very different from what I had known,” said Pastor Nceba Mkatshane of Cape Town, a representative of the Southern African graduates. “But the perfection of the Word gave me courage. It was flawless and alive. That truth kept me going even through hardship.”

The graduation was hosted by the Zion Christian Mission Center, the educational arm of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which has experienced remarkable global growth. Over the past four years, more than 13,500 pastors worldwide have completed the programme, with enrollment and graduation numbers continuing to rise despite ongoing challenges and misconceptions surrounding the church.

“Despite severe misunderstandings and prejudice, more and more people are being renewed through the Word,” said Director General Tan Young-jin. “This is evidence that God is with us.”

Coinciding with the graduation was the 3rd World Invitation Revelation Special Lecture, held in South Korea. The event served as a platform for interreligious dialogue and education under the theme “The Path of Understanding Led by the Bible, the Path of Peace Walked by Religions Together.” Over 1,000 participants, including 440 religious leaders from 59 countries, gathered to study the Book of Revelation together, representing Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism in a shared pursuit of understanding and peace.

Addressing graduates worldwide, Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus stated:

“Our church has mastered the Book of Revelation. If you truly want to know God’s will, come and learn the Word that leads to eternal life.”

Pastors Nceba Mkatshane, who now operates three Zion Christian Mission Centers, and Makuliwe Thomas Nzweni represented Southern Africa as guest speakers during the special lecture, underscoring the region’s growing participation in global Bible education.

Together, the record-breaking graduation and the international lecture underscore the expanding impact of structured Bible study and the shared pursuit of unity, truth, and peace through Scripture, which is a testament to faith that transcends borders and transforms lives.

Under the theme “Ubuntu for Peace: Restoring Our Humanity, Rebuilding Our Communities in the City of Choice,” the 11th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit was celebrated in Pietermaritzburg with an atmosphere of reflection, unity, and shared purpose. The regional gathering formed part of global commemorations hosted throughout October across Southern Africa, marking over a decade of HWPL’s commitment to peacebuilding, dialogue, and community transformation.

The commemoration opened with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by warm acknowledgements of the many faith leaders, educators, youth representatives, and community members who gathered in solidarity for peace. Representing the Msunduzi Municipality Mayor, a local government delegate conveyed the city’s support for HWPL’s work and reaffirmed Pietermaritzburg’s commitment to being a city that values coexistence and collective progress.

The HWPL Southern Africa representative welcomed attendees and reflected on the significant peace efforts achieved across the region over the past year. They spoke on the organisation’s ongoing dedication to creating spaces where dialogue leads to transformation — from interfaith understanding and youth empowerment to peace education initiatives that nurture a culture of empathy and respect.

The programme featured a vibrant cultural performance, symbolising the harmony and diversity that define the region. A powerful HWPL presentation titled “The Road to Peace – A Legacy for Future Generations” highlighted how citizens can continue building sustainable peace through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

A lively panel discussion followed, featuring thought-provoking contributions from Professor Nomagugu Ngobese representing Indigenous Faith, Robert Khumalo from Hope Church, Sempe Mahapang of Gents with Brains and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), as well as Sbonelo Ngcobo, the UKZN Campus Chairperson. The panel explored the importance of intergenerational learning, peace education, and Ubuntu as a guiding principle for rebuilding communities fractured by inequality and division. Their shared reflections underscored the idea that peace is not a distant ideal but a daily practice grounded in understanding, education, and human connection.

The event concluded with the Peace Commitment Statement, a symbolic collective signing by all participants, affirming their dedication to advancing HWPL’s global mission of legislating peace and fostering harmony within their communities. The ceremony closed with remarks of gratitude from HWPL, followed by light refreshments and networking among attendees, reinforcing a sense of togetherness and renewed purpose.

The Pietermaritzburg event not only commemorated 11 years of the HWPL World Peace Summit but also reignited hope for the future — reminding all that “when one rises in peace, we all rise together.”

The Johannesburg Branch of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) on 24 October on zoom.

SAWID is a national women’s organization that brings together the voices of women from diverse backgrounds across South Africa and reflects their perspectives in national and local decision-making processes.

SAWID’s long-standing commitment to social cohesion and women’s leadership aligns seamlessly with IWPG’s mission to promote peace education globally.

Through this partnership, the two organizations agreed to collaborate on the successful implementation of the Women’s Peace Education (WPE) pilot project, aiming to strengthen women’s leadership in peacebuilding and promote a culture of peace within communities.

The cooperation is also expected to expand into other areas, including Peace Cultural Arts initiatives, school-based peace clubs, and joint efforts in resource mobilization and fundraising to further advance peace education across South Africa.

Together, IWPG and SAWID aim to create sustainable pathways for women’s empowerment and peace advocacy across South Africa

IWPG Johannesburg Branch Director Faith stated,

“We hope this agreement will help South African women become key agents of peace and foster the spread of peace values throughout society. Our collaboration with SAWID will further strengthen the influence of women within their communities.”

Thoko Mpumlwana, Chairperson of SAWID expressed strong support for the partnership, saying,

“We deeply resonate with IWPG’s vision of uniting women around the world to realize peace. This agreement will serve as an important opportunity to amplify the voices of South African women on the international stage.”

Cape Town, South Africa – October 11, 2025 – The Southern African branch of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) successfully hosted a regional commemoration of the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit in Cape Town this past weekend. The event brought together community members, youth leaders, educators, policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and the media to reflect on over a decade of peacebuilding and chart pathways for the region’s future.

Held under the theme “Citizen-led Institutionalization of Peace in Southern Africa’s Evolving Landscape,” the gathering highlighted the urgent need for community-driven approaches to addressing challenges such as youth unemployment, gender-based violence, social unrest, and the lingering legacies of conflict and inequality.

The commemoration built on the global summit held in Cheongju, Republic of Korea, where 800 international leaders gathered, including representatives from Southern Africa. Delegates from South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Botswana joined the discussions in Korea, underscoring the region’s active role in shaping the global peace agenda. Their contributions in the local summit emphasized the state of violence and conflict in the region and the need for Ubuntu, restorative justice, and community solidarity as guiding values for building sustainable peace.

In Cape Town, participants reflected on how to strengthen youth leadership through the International Peace Youth Group, expand women’s participation in conflict resolution via the International Women’s Peace Group, and broaden the reach of peace education across schools and communities. They also advanced the Legislate Peace campaign, calling for peace and human rights to be firmly embedded within national legal systems. Together, these focus areas created a unified framework that places young people, women, education, and legal advocacy at the heart of Southern Africa’s peacebuilding vision.

In an interview, Mrs Noangelina Debeshe, the Principal of Morifi Community High School in Lesotho shared: “Gatherings like these empower educators to take information back to our schools and our country too… The HWPL curriculum has transformed school and working with HWPL has even transformed the village around us. We sometimes, go out to the area around our school and sow the seed. I am telling you now, in the area around the school, fights and conflict has stopped… I wish everyone in their schools can realise, accept and realise the value of peace education, that they can do everything they can to bring about the teaching of HWPL peace education curriculum, for it helps transform students. They [The students] will therefore, become better citizens and the world will be changed.”

The Cape Town commemoration concluded with a renewed call for collaboration across borders and sectors, with participants committing to strengthen partnerships in peace education, youth leadership, women’s empowerment, and inclusive dialogue. The event served as both a celebration of 11 years of global peace efforts and a powerful reminder that lasting change begins with citizen action at the grassroots level.

Showcasing Achievements and Future Vision of Cooperation among International Organizations, Governments, and Civil Society for Peace

Cheongju, Republic of Korea — September 18, 2025 — Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO based in South Korea, hosted the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit on September 18–19 in Cheongju under the theme “Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity’s Duty Together.” The commemoration will continue across 78 major cities worldwide through October.

This year’s summit gathered more than 800 global leaders—including former and current presidents, prime ministers, speakers of parliament, chief justices, cabinet ministers, and leaders in education, religion, media, and youth sectors—who voluntarily traveled to Korea, demonstrating expanding global support for HWPL’s peace initiatives.

Since the inaugural HWPL World Peace Summit in 2014, the organization has pledged practical approaches for conflict resolution through international law, interfaith cooperation, and peace education. At this 11th anniversary, HWPL presented its key achievements from the past year, notably the development of public–private partnership models for embedding sustainable peace within diverse national contexts.

A central agenda item was the global expansion of support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), HWPL’s proposed legal framework to end wars and establish lasting peace. The DPCW sets out principles such as the prohibition of the use of force, conflict prevention and mediation, and ensuring sustainable peace.

Over the past year, 17 international and regional bodies—including the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), the legislatures of Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and South Sudan, as well as local governments in the Philippines, Mongolia, the U.S. state of Georgia, Madagascar, Mali, and India—adopted resolutions in support of the DPCW.

Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL emphasized global cooperation for peace, saying, “Conflict can never be good. Only the achievement of peace is truly good. If we fail to establish a peaceful world in our time, we will burden future generations with conflict. What we leave behind must be a world of peace, not one of conflict. The work before us today is to commit ourselves to acts of goodness.”

Former President of Croatia H.E. Ivo Josipović gave congratulatory message saying, “all of us must be aware that our activity for banning war throughout the world is more important now than ever.” and stressed that this year’s achievements are the guarantee that humankind will one day achieve eternal peace.

In the religious sector, the launch of the Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee (SRPC) was highlighted as a milestone. HWPL currently operates 292 WARP Offices across 132 countries, facilitating scripture-based dialogue and interfaith discussions. Since 2023, the HWPL International Religious Peace Academy has been implemented as an interfaith learning program, formally recognized in several countries as a platform for leaders and citizens to engage in peace-centered dialogue.

In education, progress was made in institutionalizing HWPL Peace Education into public school curricula. Zambia introduced the program across schools in its capital Lusaka, and announced plans for nationwide expansion in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Mongolia also reported advancements in integrating HWPL Peace Education into both lifelong learning institutions and public education.

At the Global Peace Education Conference, Mr. Ian Miyoba, Director of Education Policy at Zambia’s Ministry of Education, stated, “Through peace education, we are amplifying citizens’ voices for peace and fostering a culture of peace. It can prevent issues like child rights violations, child marriage, and drug use, creating tangible change in the community. That’s what makes the HWPL Peace Education so unique and why it was the perfect fit for Zambia.”

The summit also featured the 2025 International Conference on Preparing for Peaceful Korean Reunification, where discussions centered on “Inter-Korean Free Movement Through Public-Private Partnership.” Following the launch of the Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula (PCPUK) in March, this year’s conference discussed action plans focusing on inter-Korean exchanges, unification education, international cooperation.

Over the past year, HWPL’s global membership increased by 140,000, surpassing 580,000. HWPL Secretary-General Kang Tae-ho noted in his progress report, “Citizens worldwide, suffering from wars and conflicts, strongly yearn for genuine peace beyond the current order. This collective aspiration has directly led to the rapid growth of HWPL’s membership.”

While the Cheongju summit served as the centerpiece, HWPL emphasized that anniversary events will continue in 78 countries through October. More than 15,000 leaders from international organizations, governments, and civil society are expected to participate in in-depth discussions on long-term strategies for sustainable peace, tailored to their respective national contexts.