MAKSA - Mainzer Arbeitskreis Südliches Afrika / Southern Africa Committee Mainz (MAKSA)

Since 1972, the Work Group on Southern Africa of Mainz, MAKSA, has, with other solidarity groups in Germany, advocated justice in the relations with the people of Southern Africa. The group was founded in Mainz.

The leading idea for the work of MAKSA is the conviction that Christians are obliged to side with the poor and the suppressed. "God creates justice and right to all who suffer from injustice" (psalm 103.6). As a church work group, MAKSA has especially made an effort for the program of the Ecumenical Council to gain recognition in its fight against racism in church and society.
Even today, after apartheid has officially ended, the important issues remain on the agenda, amongst others the degrading poverty of the majority, the problem of violence, the respect of the relevant governments for social and economic human rights as well as land reform.

The people in Southern Africa still pay the cost caused by the system of the apartheid. Therefore – and since we ourselves were and still are to some extent co-profiteers of the apartheid and the unfair international economic system – we ask together with KOSA and KASA (church committee on Southern Africa) for the remission of debt caused by apartheid in the region and reparation payments by those governments, companies and banks that made a profit from apartheid in a particular way.

Churches and missions in Germany bear special responsibility due to their strong connections with the churches in South Africa and Namibia. Consequently, MAKSA advocates that especially in the area of the church, work has to continue that is equal to that done by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

Truth must be revealed on the multiple support given to apartheid by church institutions and groups in the past, especially in view of the continuous personal and financial assistance to the rich, mainly white and German Lutheran churches in Southern Africa by the Protestant Church in Germany.

MAKSA is in close contact with the newly formed African parishes in Germany and thus stands up for an ecumenical approach, especially in its own church context.
Twice a year, MAKSA organizes a conference that gives an insight into the latest developments in Southern Africa and into the relations with churches, society as well as trade and industry both in Germany and the EU.