The Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency (SADRA) recently concluded a conflict mediation training workshop for 57 church leaders in Mbizana, Eastern Cape. This initiative is part of SADRA’s ongoing efforts to promote nonviolent conflict resolution within South African communities.
Mbizana, the birthplace of notable figures such as Winnie Mandela and Oliver Tambo, hosted the training sessions in the Local Municipality’s Council Chambers, made available to support this capacity-building endeavor.
The decision to focus on church leaders stems from the impactful results observed five years ago when four Mbizana church leaders traveled eight hours to receive similar training. Their success in resolving local conflicts highlighted the potential benefits of expanding the program to include more religious leaders.
SADRA has established a network of mediators across various towns in the Eastern Cape, including Komani, Ngcobo, Mthatha, Willowvale, and Butterworth. Plans are underway to train 60 additional mediators in Qonce (King William’s Town) and another 60 in Flagstaff. Future training sessions are also scheduled for Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
SADRA’s mission is to build a society that embraces nonviolent, peaceful methods of resolving conflict through training and research. Their programs focus on community conflict transformation, peace education in schools, church leadership development, and election support through monitoring and observation.
The organization extends gratitude to supporters and requests continued prayers to help realize the vision of fostering peace in Southern Africa.
