Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called for stronger partnerships between government and faith-based organisations to address unemployment, crime, inequality, poverty, and other challenges facing South African communities.
Lesufi was delivering the keynote address on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the United Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) Southern Synod Day 2026.
Held at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus on Sunday, Lesufi said the annual commemoration is more than an occasion for worship and fellowship, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the shared responsibility of government, churches and communities to build a society founded on justice, peace, human dignity and prayer.
He drew on the philosophical principle known as “Chesterton’s Fence”, which warns against removing established institutions or practices without first understanding their purpose and value.
Speaking under the theme: “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set,” Lesufi said the message is a reminder of where the country comes from, and all the struggles the nation encountered in the past and overcame.
“Ubuntu is a moral landmark we must preserve and pass on to future generations.
“It reminds us to care for and respect one another, because strong, morally grounded communities are built not by individuals alone, but by all of us working together and playing our part,” he said.
He warned that rapid technological advancement risked eroding cultural and social values if modernisation was not balanced with respect for traditional values.
“It is therefore important that we preserve our cultural landmarks by ensuring that modern progress does not completely erase our traditional values of respect, humanity, compassion, accountability and the shared responsibility of uplifting our communities.”
The Premier said the country’s challenges, including unemployment, crime, inequality and poverty, require collective action, with faith-based organisations playing an important role alongside government.
“Government alone cannot build the South Africa we desire,” he said, adding that government has seen the contribution of faith-based organisations in raising awareness about gender-based violence, bringing opportunities closer to communities, restoring hope and unity, and supporting vulnerable people.
He called for greater focus on young people and other previously marginalised groups, saying churches and other places of worship can become platforms for economic inclusion.
“With millions of young South Africans seeking economic inclusion, faith-based organisations can change that by transforming places of worship into hubs for skills training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship mentorship.”
Such partnerships, he said, can help address poverty, restore hope and tackle substance abuse.
He stressed that collaboration between government and faith-based organisations must be underpinned by transparency and mutual accountability.
He said both government and faith-based organisations have a responsibility to ensure that public and social resources are used for community upliftment and the protection of vulnerable people.
He also called on citizens to become active participants in improving their communities.
“This is a direct call to action for every member of our communities; change does not belong to the Government or faith-based organisations alone; it belongs to us all,” Lesufi said.
He also urged communities to report gender-based violence incidents, support local entrepreneurs and hold local leaders accountable, while encouraging people to use churches and community halls as hubs for local development.
The Premier welcomed URCSA’s commitment to sustainable community outreach, youth and women’s ministry development and poverty alleviation. –SAnews.gov.za
