Initiatives of Change - Creators of Peace

Peace Circle Participants in Garankuwa (Photo: Jackie Euvrard)

This initiative grew directly out of the Peace Circles held in Johannesburg in March/April. The group consisted mainly of church ministers, retired teachers, nurses and housewives - all of them concerned about the needs in their communities and eager to discover how to play their part as peacemakers and builders.

The outcomes were very positive and constructive, resulting in some of the following experiences:

Rachel - After a time of introspection at the Peace Circle workshop, she had an inner conviction that she has cared more for the community than she has for her own children. She said even though it was one of the hardest things she has had to do, she found the courage to apologise to her daughter. She is still in the process of meeting up with her son to have a talk with him and apologise.

Salim Tabudi and Motsei Khiba from Mabopane (Photo: Jackie Euvrard)

Salim - Before he came to the workshop, he said he was quite impulsive, not thinking before he spoke. Now he stops and has a time of introspection and then acts.

Mary - Her daughter is addicted to gambling, borrowing and taking money wherever she can. Mary felt her daughter had developed the same tendencies as her father, but in a time of reflection, she was reminded that she used to steal money from her husband’s pockets when he was drunk. To make peace, she prayed and managed to tell him what she had done. He was furious but fortunately forgave her.

Before the Peace Circle, she said she was arrogant, self-centered and quite emotional. In the past Mary hardly listened to her husband as she always had to have the last word. Through this process she has found a new respect and care for him and listens more and speaks less.

During the three weeks of the workshops, Mary spent time reflecting on her life and remembered how she had overcharged people in the organization she was involved in, depositing the funds in her own bank account. Mary went to the members and admitted what she had done and promised to pay them back before the end of the year. They were angry, but some believed in her and warned her not to do it again.