Johannesburg – President Jacob Zuma has appealed to religious leaders to support initiatives such as the Moral Regeneration Movement and the Charter of Positive Values to change things for the better in South Africa.
Speaking during the National Interfaith Thanksgiving Ceremony at Regina Mundi Church on Friday, President Zuma said South Africa is fortunate that its religious leaders have continued to work for the common good since the dawn of freedom.
“Religious leaders know best what is happening in our communities, because you live with the people. You are the first port of call for many families in the event of difficulties.
“We need your help to build a society where children respect their elders, where they know the difference between right and wrong, and where they grow up to become responsible citizens. It must also be a society where adults respect and protect children,” said President Zuma.
He also urged religious leaders to help strengthen families, as they are the core building blocks of healthy societies.
“Protecting families from disintegration and vulnerability is a key national task. Stronger families are a recipe for a successful, secure and stable democratic society.”
The ceremony was organised by the Department of Social Development to celebrate 20 Years of Freedom and also celebrate the smooth transition to the fifth democratic administration.
During his State of the Nation Address in June, President Zuma emphasised the need to prioritise healing and nation building more than ever.
This followed a similar call he made during his inauguration as the fifth President of South Africa, where he said: “Government will promote nation building programmes to rebuild the soul of our nation. Many South Africans still bear the emotional scars arising from decades of apartheid divisions and hatred.”
During the ceremony, attended by religious leaders from various denominations, government and faith-based organisations (FBO) renewed their partnership to build a better life for all between government and the sector.
Salute to past religious leaders
President Zuma applauded the past generation of religious leaders, including the likes of Sister Bernard Ncube, Reverend Motlalepula Chabaku, Dr Beyers Naude, Imam Abdullah Haroon, Archbishop Dennis Hurley, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Alan Boesak, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa and many others from diverse religious backgrounds, who defied the apartheid regime and mobilised people to join the struggle on the side of the oppressed.
“We salute them for practising a theology that accepted that an oppressed people could never be spiritually free. That liberation theology took us many steps forward towards our freedom. We also acknowledge the contribution of the church to the social development of our people.
“The schools and hospitals that were built by religious missions during the apartheid era offered opportunities and services for many of our people, who were denied these during that period of repression,” President Zuma said.
He further acknowledged the support of religious leaders in the fight against HIV and Aids, drugs and substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and many social ills.
“We have valued your support immensely in helping government to identify orphans and vulnerable children and adults for social grants and other forms of social assistance by government. Our religious leaders have not been spectators in either the struggle or the reconstruction and development of the country.
“Today, we are able to say that we have made great strides and that life is better for millions more people in 20 years, even though others are still waiting, given the backlogs. We have reason to be hopeful that tomorrow will be a better day because our country can only succeed when we work together.”
At the height of apartheid, Regina Mundi opened its doors and the church became a platform to mobilise people and take the struggle forward. The church earned a reputation as a worldwide symbol of the determination of South Africans to free themselves from the clutches of the oppressive government.
“In this very church that was our refuge, we give thanks and praise, and recommit ourselves collectively to rebuild and heal our country. We also, in this very church, take the opportunity to recognise outstanding and progressive clerics, who were in the frontline of the liberation struggle,” President Zuma said.
Killing of children caused lot of pain
Shifting to incidents of violence against children, especially in Johannesburg recently, the President said the killing of children has caused a lot of pain and frustration in communities.
He said the Gauteng Provincial Government has taken a stand against these horrible incidents.
“Since 1994, we have built and maintained an admirable reputation globally with regard to protecting and promoting the rights of children. We must not allow criminal elements to tarnish this reputation. ..We must protect our children, together.
“We would also like to work with the faith-based sector to take forward the process of healing, reconciliation, tolerance and a common nationhood in our country. We need your support in building a truly caring society, where all will treat one another with tolerance, respect and dignity,” President Zuma said.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura said: “We come as wounded people and as leaders, who need healing. In order to heal our country, we would like you to pray for us, not condone us. We rededicate to work with you.” – SAnews.gov.za
