Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on the church and government to work together to address the country’s challenges as he attended the Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church’s Easter Friday service at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Speaking alongside church leaders, Mashatile emphasised that a strong partnership between faith and state is essential to tackle issues like crime, violence, and service delivery, and to improve life for all South Africans.
He was among several politicians attending worship services of different denominations across the country, primarily to hear the sermon delivered by church leader Bishop Marcelo Pires. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli started his day on Friday by attending Diakonia Council of Churches’ Good Friday prayer service, which started at about 6am at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and ended at the City Hall.
In the Durban event, Ntuli was accompanied by Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, and the city’s Speaker Thabani Nyawose. At Ellis Park, Mashatile was accompanied by his wife Humile, former ANC Women’s League president Bathabile Dlamini, and City of Johannesburg Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku.
Unity Against Crime and Violence
Mashatile pleaded with God to help the country deal with its challenges. “I want to say to Bishop that the government and the church must work together as we are busy trying to resolve the problem of the country, as we are trying to resolve the problem of electricity and water, the government and church must work together.”
He said the unity between the church and the government would be able to win the fight against crime, violence, gangsterism, and gender-based violence. “Because when we partner and hold each other’s hands, there is nothing that can defeat us. We need to unite and stand together because if we are divided, we shall fall,” he said.
Government-Church Partnership
He pledged that the government will continue to work with the church. According to the South African Government website, partnerships between government and faith-based organisations are essential for promoting social cohesion and addressing social ills.
Some of the key areas of collaboration between the government and the church include:
- Crime prevention and community safety
- Social development and welfare services
- Education and skills development
- Health and wellness services
Outside the Durban City Hall, Ntuli told hundreds of members of various denominations affiliated to the Diakonia Council of Church that they should use the commemoration of Easter Weekend to address poverty and inequality.
