A renewed vision

In 2004 the Diakonia Council of Churches worked with external evaluators to look at how relevant our work is today and what we could be doing to make our efforts more effective.

Subsequently, we adopted new mission and vision statements, as well as changing our strategic focus and programmes. Working together with our member churches and organisations, we believe that this will enable us to play our part in taking up the opportunities and meeting the challenges of the new South Africa.

Mission statement

In partnership with our member churches and organisations we are inspired by our Christian faith to play a transformative role enabling people to take responsibility for their lives and to promote prophetic action on social justice issues. 

Our context

While a great deal has been achieved in the first decade of freedom and democracy in South Africa, many challenges remain. In spite of the houses built, the water and electricity provided, and the growing black middle class, low economic growth and job losses have made it difficult to make much difference to the poverty that existed under apartheid. Illiteracy and insufficient skills development prevent people from finding jobs or starting their own businesses. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is taking a massive toll on our people. Global economic policies favour the rich nations over the poor, and entrench and extend inequality. 

Our core business

The core business of the Diakonia Council of Churches is the pursuit of justice: meaning an improved quality of life for the poor, as well as changes in attitudes and structures which perpetuate injustice. This is fundamental to our identity as an organisation.

The churches have a unique contribution to make to the struggle against injustice and poverty. Our task is to facilitate, enable and equip the churches for the task of making this unique contribution.