ESSET is an independent ecumenical organisation established in 1996 with a mandate rooted in the quest for a just society that prioritizes the needs of the poor. This we seek to attain through interlinked processes aimed at challenging the churches to be more involved in the work for socio-economic justice but also through building of the capacity of the same churches to do this work as desired.
While ESSET has been set up to work nationally, it has resolved to restrict much of its work in four provinces which has the most impoverished communities. It is hoped that this, would deepen the work we do and hopefully enhance prospects for sustainability. The targeted provinces are the Free State, Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal, and Gauteng. The choice to work in these areas was informed by the need to consolidate work started in these areas in previous years. While these provinces receive priority, ESSET continued to work in other parts of the country when a specific need arises or through invitations.
ESSET identified community based organisations and local church groups to participate in its programmes. Such organisations identify with the broad thrust of ESSET’s work and are willing to do follow up work within their own communities. These organisations ranged from social movements campaigning for particular issues; church youth groups; traders associations; ministers’ fraternals and provincial councils of the South African Council of Churches.
ESSET works with other faith based and civil society organisations with similar interests. The South African Council of Churches remains a key programme partner. We also collaborate with other faith based agencies throughout the country and beyond. This commitment to working with others helps to maximize impact and broaden the reach.
Effort is continually made to involve women and youth in activities of our processes. On average 40% of participants have been women. Most of the participants are unemployed and come from either rural villages or informal settlements around the major cities. They therefore represent the lowest socio-economic strata of society. Racially they almost all black. Such participants help ESSET to live up to its commitment to being solidarity with the marginalized and vulnerable.
ESSET's vision is to attain a transformed society promoting a just economic system that prioritises the needs of the poor.
It's purpose is to advocate for social and economic justice by supporting the struggles of communities of the marginalised.