'Winds of Change' initiative with King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation

This press release was issued on 8 May 2012

Archbishop of Cape Town and King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation promote ‘Winds of Change’ upliftment initiative at the World Economic Forum Africa Summit

The Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Kgosi Leruo T Molotlegi, King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, will this week present proposals for a new initiative, called ‘Winds of Change’, in Addis Ababa at the Africa Summit of the World Economic Forum.

Speaking in both private and public sessions of the summit, they will outline their ideas for pursuing collaboration between the private sector and faith-based NGOs to bring upliftment to communities marginalised from mainstream economic engagement.

In developing the initiative, they look to draw on resources, knowledge, experience, and networks from the African diaspora and other friends, especially in the US, where, among others, they are in touch with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Deloitte and Touche are helping ensure sound financial accountability.

Speaking before leaving Cape Town, Archbishop Makgoba said ‘His Majesty Kgosi Leruo and I are both committed to providing just, effective and innovative leadership in our time. In this, we aspire to follow the best example of our forefathers, both the Bafokeng kings, and my ancestor King Makgoba.’

‘Institutions must outlast their incumbents if they are to be sustainable, which is why they must be durable, organized, and efficient,’ explained Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi. ‘While using the mechanisms of the free market to grow our assets and secure investment, our real aim is to build institutions, and ensure that they continue to benefit the entire community equitably.’

By working with the Royal Bafokeng Nation, the initiative aims to pioneer new partnership models between the private and not-for-profit sectors, which can help people help themselves. They hope to forge new tools for helping impoverished communities achieve social, economic, and environmental sustainability true to its African heritage and traditions – tools which can then be employed elsewhere on the continent. Health, education, poverty reduction and employment creation are particular goals.

A formal launch of the Winds of Change initiative will be held later this year.


Note for editors: The World Economic Forum Africa Summit runs from 9 to 11 May 2012.

Issued by the Office of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town

Further details of the Winds of Change initiative can be obtained from
Pumeza Magona: archpa@anglicanchurchsa.org.za, +27 21 763 1320