South Africa
South Africa’s vast mineral wealth, including gold, silver, coal, platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, and chrome, continues to underpin the national economy.
Yet many communities living closest to operations experience limited development, historical inequalities, and uneven access to benefits. These pressures contribute to local tensions, mistrust, and periodic conflict.
Our work
Following the 2012 Marikana tragedy, where 34 people were killed during unrest at a platinum mine, a new model for national dialogue was established: Courageous Conversations.
Under the leadership of His Grace Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Courageous Conversations has become a trusted platform tackling the country’s most challenging issues related to mining, equity, and social cohesion.
Impact & Activity
- National level: Courageous Conversations, a nationally recognised forum enabling dialogue on mining, justice, and long-term development.
- Regional level: Processes launched in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, bringing together companies, communities, and local leaders.
- Local level: Faith leaders in Richard’s Bay have helped de-escalate tensions and support mediation during outbreaks of violence.
Institutional Support
The work is supported by a joint trust—the Institute for Committed Action (IFCA)—backed by industry partners and the Church of England Pensions Board, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Courageous Conversations: Timeline
2012
2013 – 2014
2015
2016 – 2019
2020 – 2023
2024 – 2025
2026
Our current programmes
Learn more of the GCPB’s approaches in different countries:
Cornerstone Churches
The Cornerstone Churches, St Mary’s Warwick, St John’s Edinburgh, and Christ Church Winchester, play a central role in anchoring the GCPB’s work to build a movement in support of peacebuilding and reconciliation in conflict-affected communities, ensuring that peacebuilding is both locally rooted and globally connected.
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