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.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2023

Click here to download a copy of our strategic plan.

MEET OUR STAFF

Tamzyn Pamplin

Communications Coordinator
Zainab Adams

FLEAT Coordinator
Portia Biggar

Office Manager / Bookkeeper
Kate Davies

Resource & Liaison Officer
Francesca de Gasparis

Executive Director
Wayne du Plessis

Programmes and Operations Manager
Nokuthula Ndlovu

Finance and Human Resources Manager
Rev Berry Behr

Faith Leader Liaison
Georgina Blumears

Cage-Free Eggs Campaign Coordinator
Gabriel Manyangadze

Climate Justice Coordinator
Tlou Mpai

Social Media and Project Administrator
Sandra Mandaza

Climate Policy Coordinator
Khulekani Magwaza

Energy and Climate Justice Coordinator

Board

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

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

SAFCEI Board, Patron (SAFCEI Policy Conference 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 (Church of England in South Africa)