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1. Founding and vision
2. Basic approach
3. Methodology
4. Institutional framework
5. Legal framework
1. Founding and vision
The EFSA Institute was founded in 1990 with the support of a special grant from the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) in Hannover, Germany.
The institute was founded with the vision to create an ecumenical academy that can serve as forum and platform to bring different sectors and role-players together to reflect on the main challenges that a divided South African society was facing.
In general, the focus was placed on the public responsibility and developmental role of the church and theology in the transformation of society. As part of this focus, the contribution of the church and theology had to be located within the broader public debate on national issues.
2. Basic approach
In pursuit of its vision, the EFSA Institute promotes dialogue and consensus between different sectors and role-players (religious, academic, political, business, media, community organisations) on the challenges facing our diverse society.
The institute strives to play a facilitating role by providing a platform for the public debate of issues – even controversial issues – thus focusing public attention on specific problems in society.
The interaction between reflection (via dialogue) and practical service delivery (via concrete project implementation) has and continues to enrich all our programmes.
We challenge the church and religious sector, government, business and civil society to respond to public issues and challenges that are important for the entire South African society via our methodology.
3. Methodology
3.1 Research
As a theological and interdisciplinary research institute, our research has been complemented and integrated with research from fields such as economics, education, law and psychology.
Our research papers have been read and discussed at EFSA Institute consultations, conferences and workshops. Research papers have also been disseminated electronically and published to stimulate broader discussion. The findings of research have remained important for the formulation of proposals that the institute has made to the national and provincial government.
As part of the ecumenical movement, the EFSA Institute is responding to the challenge to formulate its own positions, based on its basic values and understanding of the gospel as well as quality research. The institute recognises that the movement cannot rely solely on social research by other actors – it has to generate its own alternatives. The quality of such research determines how serious these positions are taken in the public sphere.
3.2 Expert consultations, conferences and workshops
The EFSA Institute’s consultations, conferences and workshops strive to involve participants from different disciplines and sectors in the same event. It encourages an exchange of ideas as part of the public debate.
3.3 Lobby and advocacy
The institute’s findings are presented in consultations – as part of an ongoing lobbying and advocacy process. This process tries to contribute to the formation of public policy, specifically regarding social development policy.
3.4 Educational programmes
Our programmes have an impact on the educational programmes of university-based conferences and communities.
This is exemplified in the conferences on public issues – in which postgraduate students and pastors participate. By creating public events, these conferences provide opportunities for public participation in university-based conferences.
A further example is the training programmes of the Community Leadership Academy (CLA) where youth and community leaders benefit from intensive courses in leadership and management skills. More than 600 participants have attended these courses over the past few years. The effect of the courses is evident in the strengthening of several community projects.
The impact of these programmes is seen in the published reports and booklets from conferences that are used by religious communities, non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) and universities as training material.
3.5 The facilitation, coordination and implementation of development projects
This component has constituted a significant addition to the EFSA Institute’s methodology. It has extended the institute’s work from dialogue, research and advocacy to the practical implementation of community development projects. In this regard the institute’s programmes have focused mainly on combating poverty, HIV and AIDS.
Note: The various activities are not ad hoc but part of a comprehensive approach and strategy intended to have a sustained effect regarding specific areas.
4. Institutional framework
Founded as an independent ecumenical institute (not linked to a specific church) the EFSA Institute exists as a unique network of participating institutions that include:
- the South African Council of Churches Western Cape (SACCWC);
- the University of Cape Town (UCT), especially the Department of Religious Studies;
- the University of Stellenbosch (US), specifically the Faculty of Theology; and
- the University of the Western Cape (UWC), specifically the Department of Religion and Theology.
These institutions are represented on the board (general oversight) and executive (management) of the EFSA Institute. With a view to the composition of the board, it is evident that the institute attempts to utilise the academic expertise and infrastructure available in the Western Cape, as well as the link to churches and religious communities through the South African Council of Churches Western Cape (SACCWC).
Although the infrastructure and basic support are located in the Western Cape, the EFSA Institute has always focused on issues that are of national importance.
Over the past years this has resulted in new regional and national networks, the formulation of key focus areas, as well as regional and national programmes that are now an integral part of our work.
5. Legal framework
The EFSA Institute functions under the legal and financial framework of the Cape Development and Dialogue Centre (CDDC) Trust. The CDDC Trust is a registered trust (IT661/95) and a registered non-profit organisation (016-588 NPO).
Subsidiaries of the CDDC Trust include the EFSA Institute, the Community Leadership Academy (CLA) and the National Religious Association for Social Development (NRASD).
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