C&SAYM Introduction

Because of the small numbers and the large geographical area that is covered, C&SAYM has developed its own structure. C&SAYM crosses national boundaries and has members living in 8 Countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa,  Zambia and Zimbabwe). The structure must accommodate this internationalism. It has become necessary for Friends in the area to develop this C&SAYM handbook / Book of Discipline to describe the structure and function of C&SAYM.

The largest number of Friends who belong to Central and Southern Africa Yearly Meeting live in South Africa and Zimbabwe. There are smaller Meetings in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Zambia. There have been Meetings in Malawi and Swaziland, and there was, for a period, the presence of Friends in Mozambique.  The state of the small group of Friends in Madagascar is uncertain.  However, there was historically a robust group there with close links to Britain YM, and a concerted attempt has been made to include those remaining Friends within C&SAYM.  It has been the experience of many Meetings in Southern Africa, that expatriates from Europe and America come and go – which has been both a strength and a weakness of the small Meetings.  A strength in the skills resources and dedication these Friends have brought, and a weakness in their transience.

The Society is not affluent and depends a lot on foreign financial help to fund projects.  Many projects could not function were it not for the generosity of overseas donors.

Because of the small numbers many Friends know each other  well at a personal level.  Intervisitation is encouraged and welcomed, especially by isolated Friends living distant from the main centres. 

In some Meetings there are persons who have known only the local version of Quakerism. Some Friends have had exposure to Quakerism in other countries. One of the aims of this handbook is to stimulate Friends to find out about the Society of Friends while providing guidance on the functioning of  C&SAYM. 

(C&SAYM Quaker Handbook)