Derrick Marko, an officer of the Independent Electoral Commission will talk on the subject, “Equality is the Best Ingredient for Reconciliation” at 18h00 on Sunday the 15th December at the Methodist Church, Marine Drive, Plettenberg Bay.

DATE: 15 December 2019
TIME: 18h00 – 19h00
VENUE: Methodist Church, Marine Drive, Plettenberg Bay
TICKETS: FREE

This is the first in an annual series of talks under the Banner of the Watercourse History Fest in Plett and sponsored by the Bitou Municipality.

We are also grateful to Hog Hollow for accommodation.

Derrick Marko

RESUME of DERRICK MARKO

Name: Derrick Cyril Marco

Nationality: South African

Introduction:

Derrick C Marco is a Democracy Activist that honed his skills in shaping South African Democracy from the late 1970’s. Trained as a theologian he went on to practice in the field of conflict management with a special focus on election related conflict mitigation. The resume’ provides a brief overview of the work, educational and work related African experiences.

Education:

• 2013 University of South Africa, “Management of Democratic Elections in Africa”: College of Graduate Studies; Institute for African Renaissance Studies
• 1991 University of the Western Cape, Masters Degree in Theology
• 1986 University of the Western Cape, Licentiate in Theology
• 1985 University of the Western Cape, Diploma in Theology

Countries of Work Experience:

Shorter term contracts in Ethiopia, Zambia, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ghana and Kenya. Also visited different countries in Europe and the USA on theological, conflict management as well as electoral related matters

Long term engagements include South Africa (professional and experiential grounding), 7 years in Nigeria (West Africa region base) and 3 years in Uganda (East and Great Lake Region base).

Theological and faith-based related experiences:

As a church historian and pastoral theologian there are specific interests in the development of religion and its critical role in shaping of identities in South Africa.

As part of the Belydende Kring there were continued attempts to understand alternative history as opposed to mainstream sending werk Pre-80’s that led to the eventual adoption of the Belhar Confession … as a confession seeking Unity based on the pillars of Reconciliation and Justice.

The journey of the mission churches within the Reformed family in Southern Africa was a lengthy, painful but also victorious one. It remains ambivalent and shaky but through perseverance we all will overcome.

The journey of the South African nation in its search for one nation remains unequal and bumpy. but again the road to genuine nation building will need some firm and clear building blocks anchored on solid foundation and here I hope the discussion of the confession can shed light on how to navigate the future.