On 3 September 2025, the Tshwane Ecumenical Leadership Forum (TELF) hosted its annual Ecumenical Clergy Day, gathering church leaders from across the city to reflect on the urgent issues facing Tshwane and to chart collective responses grounded in faith and social responsibility. Held during the Season of Creation, the day served as a powerful reminder that ecological justice is inseparable from the church’s mission to serve both people and planet.
TELF, a network of church leaders and ecumenical partners in Tshwane, works to strengthen the role of faith communities in civic life. Its Clergy Day creates a unique space for leaders across denominations to discern, share, and act together on challenges affecting the city.
This year’s programme featured reflections on disaster response, ecological justice, and the role of the church in addressing systemic social and environmental crises. Archbishop Dabula Mpako opened the proceedings, while keynote contributions included Boshoff Grobler on disaster response and, Sifiso Ndwandwe, Executive Director of Shared Futures, who spoke on the key challenges of the care of creation facing the city of Tshwane.
A Prophetic and Practical Call
In his presentation, titled “Laudato Si’ @ 10: A Prophetic and Practical Response for Tshwane”, Mr. Ndwandwe reflected on the ten years of momentum generated by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. He reminded the clergy that the “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” are inseparable, and that faith communities in Tshwane are uniquely positioned to respond.
Drawing from both global and local signals, he highlighted:
- The cholera crisis in Hammanskraal, linked to failures at Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works.
- Chronic pollution of the Hennops and Apies Rivers, eroding human dignity and public health.
- Urban flooding in Mamelodi and Centurion, leaving vulnerable communities displaced.
- Energy insecurity, driving poor households to rely on expensive and harmful fuels.
Mr. Ndwandwe also pointed to the national context—devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, wildfires in the Western Cape, and ongoing drought threats—arguing that Tshwane cannot afford inaction.
From Vision to Action
Importantly, his message was not only prophetic but also practical. He called for the churches of Tshwane to become hubs of ecological transformation, outlining three flagship opportunities:
- Solar Pilots and Energy Audits – parishes reducing bills and emissions by generating their own power.
- Waste-to-Value Initiatives – recycling, composting, and stewardship embedded in parish life.
- River Stewardship – coordinated clean-up and restoration days for the Hennops and Apies rivers.
To drive this forward, he proposed the establishment of an Ecumenical Creation Care Committee, mandated to coordinate projects, advocate to city leadership, and track measurable progress on public dashboards. He urged leaders to nominate parish representatives immediately and to commit to at least one practical eco-action.
Why He Was Invited
Mr. Ndwandwe’s invitation to address TELF reflects his leadership at the intersection of faith and ecological justice. He is a passionate advocate for environmental justice and ecological conversion, serving as the Chapter Lead of the Laudato Si’ Movement South Africa Chapter and in the Justice and Peace Commission of Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish in Midrand, where he helps mobilize faith-based and secular communities around ecological issues.
His work as the the Laudato Si’ Movement South Africa Chapter lead brings together individuals, parishes, and organisations inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ to care for our common home.
This includes the promotion of ecological awareness, prayer, and action rooted in faith, encouraging communities to live sustainably, protect creation, and stand with those most affected by environmental and social injustices.
Through Shared Futures, he is pioneering initiatives that foster environmental literacy, youth empowerment, and sustainable development across South Africa and the SADC region. His vision is to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious leaders who advance both ecological responsibility and social justice.
Shared Futures in Action
His contribution to the Clergy Day demonstrates how Shared Futures works across all spheres of society, from civic organizations to faith communities. By equipping clergy with both the theological grounding and the practical tools to respond to ecological crises, Shared Futures is extending its impact into the spiritual heart of communities.
As clergy committed themselves to joint action on solar energy, river clean-ups, and waste stewardship, it became clear that this was more than a conference, it was the beginning of a movement.
Looking Ahead
The day concluded with a commitment to establish the Ecumenical Creation Care Committee, set quarterly targets, and prepare a public dashboard within six months. Shared Futures will continue to walk alongside clergy and communities, ensuring that faith remains not only a source of comfort but also a force for ecological transformation.
In the words of Mr. Ndwandwe:
“When the church speaks with one prophetic voice and acts with practical conviction, it becomes a beacon of hope for both people and the planet. The cry of creation is urgent and together, we can answer.”
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