ABOUT ESSET

Background:  
ESSET is an independent ecumenical service agency founded in 1996 with a mandate of building the capacity of the churches to work for socio-economic justice. Working for socio-economic justice is understood as working for the transformation of socio-economic process, systems and structures so that the quality of life of the poor is enhanced in a sustainable manner. Inherent therefore in ESSET’s mandate is the challenge to work outside normal relief (poverty alleviation) and development (poverty reduction) work. This means continually identifying and combating factors that cause and perpetuates poverty, and proposing alternatives that would eradicate poverty and promote the wellbeing of all.

ESSET’s mission is grounded on the conviction that working for social and economic justice is a Gospel imperative that values and promotes the wholeness and fullness of life, God’s preferential option for the poor and responsible stewardship for all creation.

ESSET is structurally autonomous from, and yet programmatically rooted in the ecumenical movement from where it derives its mandate and locates its praxis.

 

  

Vision:

 

It envisages a transformed society promoting a just economic system that prioritises the needs of the poor.

 

  

Mission:

 

Its mission is to enable and challenge the church and other social formations to work for socio-economic justice.

 

  
Role:  
ESSET understands its role as:
Facilitating processes to help the church and society work for socio-economic transformation
Capacitating leaders in the church and society to impact on policymaking and practice in the public and private sector
Linking the church and society with resources and information on socio-economic issues
Coordinating church based socio-economic justice campaigns with other stakeholders
Advocating for alternative policies and practices in the church and society in the interests of the poor
Creating spaces for the voices and experiences of the poor to inform policy formulation and implementation		  
Processes:  
The work of ESSET revolves around three interlinked processes.

Promoting Dialogue
Through the promotion of action orientated exchange of knowledge and experiences on social and economic justice issues

Strengthening Leadership for Socio-Economic Justice
By expanding the base of socio-economic justice activism in the ecumenical movement

Advocating for Socio-Economic Transformation
By articulating pro-poor socio-economic policies and practices

  
Stakeholders:  
ESSET’s work is intended to benefit the church community in South Africa with special focus on developing the capacity of the clergy, women and youth leaders to understand and engage with socio-economic issues. In practise, the national and provincial structures of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) and its member churches are the primary beneficiaries and programme partners. The Government, targeted communities and other civil society organisations also stand to benefit from the processes and work being carried out. ESSET also maintains regional and international ecumenical programme partnerships as part of its work.  
Board of Directors:  
The work of ESSET is overseen by a diverse Board of Directors consisting of:

1. Bishop Ivan Abrahams: Chairperson
2. Rev Mautji Pataki
3. Rev Bafana Khumalo
4. Mr Eddie Makue
5. Ms Puleng LenkaBula
6. Rev Ebenezer Ntlali
7. Dr Graham Philport
8. Ms Barbara Manthata
9. Rev Desmond Lesejane Executive Director