About Us

Who we are

SAFCEI (Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute) is a multi-faith organisation committed to supporting faith leaders and their communities in Southern Africa to increase awareness, understanding and action on eco-justice, sustainable living and climate change.

It was launched in 2005 after a multi-faith environment conference which called for the establishment of a faith-based environment initiative. We have a broad spectrum of membership, including African Traditional Healers, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Quaker, and a wide range of Christian denominations.

We emphasise the spiritual and moral imperative to care for the Earth and the community of all life. We call for ethical leadership from all in power and speak out on issues of eco-justice, encouraging citizen action.

Our vision

People of faith caring for the living Earth

Our mission

As an Institute of many faiths, we are united in our diversity through our shared commitment to caring for living Earth.

What we do

Through collaboration, networking, training and learning, research and action, SAFCEI seeks with people of faith to:

Raise environmental awareness;
Promote environmental responsibility and action;
Facilitate and support environmental advocacy;
Confront injustices and advance eco- and socio-economic justice;
Influence and formulate environmental policies and ethical guidelines.

We do this by

Acting to replenish living Earth in a way that is balanced and informed by prayer, contemplation, and meditation.
Working to build community among and between the Earth community and the Divine.
Striving to empower and encourage people of faith to act and become agents of change.

MEET OUR STAFF

Muzeena Amien

Bookkeeper
Tamzyn Pamplin

Communications Coordinator
Zainab Adams

FLEAT Coordinator
Portia Biggar

Office Manager
Kate Davies

Resource & Liaison Officer
Francesca de Gasparis

Executive Director
Mandla Gqamlana

Company Relations & Campaigns Coordinator
Wayne du Plessis

Programmes and Operations Manager
Vainola Makan

Energy Justice Programme Coordinator
Nokuthula Ndlovu

Finance and HR Manager
Robyn Bowden

Food and Climate Justice Coordinator
Lydia Mogano

Regional Coordinator
Jan Arkert

Science Advisor
Linda Arkert

Karoo Outreach Coordinator

Board

SAFCEI Board, Patron, staff members and facilitators (Board-Staff Retreat, Goedgedacht, June 2018)

SAFCEI Board, Patron, staff members (SAFCEI AGM 2019)

PATRON

Bishop Geoff Davies

BOARD DIRECTORS

Francesca de Gasparis – Executive Director (ex officio member) Kirtanya Lutchminarayan (Hindu)
Sister Usha Jevan (Brahma Kumaris) Shaun Cozett (Anglican) Clare Hendry (Christian)

Moulana Shuaib Appleby (Muslim)
Venerable Tsondru Sonam (Buddhist) Stephen Jacobs (Jewish) Dr. Braam Hanekom (Dutch Reform Church)