Faith in Action
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) is a multi-faith environmental justice organisation. We support leaders and their faith communities across Southern Africa to raise awareness, build skills and take decisive action on eco-justice, sustainable living and climate justice.
Our Story
SAFCEI launched in 2005 following a multi-faith environment conference that called for the establishment of a faith-based eco-justice initiative.
We work with people and communities of all faiths and none, including African Traditional Healers, Baha’i, Buddhist, Indigenous faiths, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Rastafarian, Quaker, various Christian denominations and many others.
We are Earthkeepers. All faiths emphasise a spiritual and moral imperative to care for living Earth and all her creatures. We speak out on issues of eco-justice and call for greater leadership on ethical action.
What are Earthkeepers?
Earthkeepers are green champions who take action for environmental justice, sustainable living and climate justice. We are people from all walks of life who are actively engaged, and encourage others to act for the whole earth - online or in person.
The Earthkeeper network includes individuals, communities and congregations.
Together, we are a movement for Earthkeeping. We’d love you to join us.
Our Mission
To support faith leaders and their communities in Southern Africa to increase awareness, understanding and action on eco-justice, sustainable living and climate change.
Our Vision
People of faith caring for living Earth.
What we do
Through collaboration, networking, training, learning, research and action SAFCEI works with people of faith to:
- Raise environmental awareness.
- Promote environmental responsibility and action.
- Facilitate and support environmental advocacy.
- Confront injustice and advance eco- and socio-economic justice.
- Influence and formulate environmental policies and ethical guidelines.
Our approach
- We act to replenish living Earth in ways informed by prayer, contemplation and meditation.
- We aim to build community among people and the whole earth community.
- We empower and encourage people to be agents of change.
Why it’s important
- Faith leaders have influential voices to speak out against socio-ecological and economic injustice.
- Empowering people and communities with knowledge and skills enables them to actively participate in the transition to a just and sustainable future.
Meet our team
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Afikile Ndude
Training Coordinator
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Francesca de Gasparis
Executive Director
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Friederike Subklew-Sehume
Advisor of Organisational Development, Monitoring and Evaluation and Gender
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Gabriel Manyangadze
Food and Climate Justice Manager
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Khayakazi Matanda
Communications Coordinator
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Mishkah Moerat
Campaigns Officer
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Mmathapelo Mosekedi
Social Media Coordinator
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Nadia Youlou-Youlou
Finance and Operations Manager
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Ntombizodidi Mapapu
Senior Energy and Climate Justice Coordinator
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Olwethu Mbuthuma
Programmes Administrator
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Phindile Mangwana
Programmes Manager
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Portia Biggar
Office Manager / Bookkeeper
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Sean Brown
Donor Compliance and Reports
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Tamzyn Pamplin
Communications Manager
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Tara Van Ryneveld
Climate Policy Coordinator
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Zwelisha Shobede
Cage-Free Campaign Coordinator
Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors are appointed according to our governance needs and are of many faiths.
- Kirtanya Maharaj (Hindu)
- Queen Munyai (Christian)
- Kholeka Ngubeni-Henderson (Christian)
- Sister Usha Jevan (Brahma Kumaris)
- Barnard Steyn (Dutch Reform Church)
- Imam Salieg Isaacs (Muslim)
- David Munene (Catholic)
- Deon McDillon (Anglican)
- Dr. Braam Hanekom (Dutch Reform Church)
- Francesca de Gasparis – Executive Director (ex officio member)
