Celebrate Diakonia’s 40th Anniversary

Celebrate Diakonia’s 40th Anniversary: Commemoration Gala Dinner

Greyville Convention Centre: Friday 25 November

Diakonia Council of Churches celebrates 40 years of working for a transformed society. To acknowledge this important milestone, a gala dinner will be hosted at Greyville Convention Centre on Friday 25 November, themed Keeping the Social Justice Flame Alive!

The keynote address will be presented by respected author, cleric and activist Frank Chikane. Entertainment will be provided by musician Lloyd Cele, who was runner-up in the 2010 South Africa version of Idols.

“The primary purpose of the commemoration is to reflect on the prevailing challenges plaguing our beloved 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,” suggests Nomabelu Mvambo-Dandala: Executive Director of Diakonia Council of Churches.

“And of course, the commemoration will be an opportunity to reconnect with our 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 reposition 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 continues. 

Diakonia is probably best known for its annual ecumenical Good Friday Service which involves a silent early morning procession through the streets of Durban.

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.

The evening will boast a plated gala dinner and an opportunity to hear author / activist and cleric, Frank Chikane whose former appointments include Deputy President of the United Democratic Front, member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress, commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission, director-general in the presidency and general secretary of the South African Council of Churches. He will be reflecting on the theme of Keeping the Social Justice Flame Alive!

Entertainment for the evening will be courtesy of bubbly local musician: Lloyd Cele who has won a SAMA award for Best Pop Album, a MetroFM, ChannelO and Wawela nominee. He is an executive producer, a diverse artist who plays guitar, piano, bass and saxophone best known for being the runner up in the 2010 Idols.

For more info, or to book, ph 031 310 3500 / reception@diakonia.org.za.

Nomabelu Mvambo-Dandala: Executive Director of Diakonia Council of Churches with staff and volunteers Pic Val Adamson
Nomabelu Mvambo-Dandala: Executive Director of Diakonia Council of Churches with staff and volunteers
Pic Val Adamson
Volunteer Kim Ly Lam and dancer Nothando Maphumulo communicate the theme of the 2015 Diakonia Good Friday Service. Pic Val Adamson
Volunteer Kim Ly Lam and dancer Nothando Maphumulo communicate the theme of the 2015 Diakonia Good Friday Service.
Pic Val Adamson
A scene from the 2016 Diakonia Good Friday Service – taken from the Durban City Hall balcony with participants below Pic Illa Thompson
A scene from the 2016 Diakonia Good Friday Service – taken from the Durban City Hall balcony with participants below
Pic Illa Thompson