Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) participated in a prayer session led by Apostolic religious leaders to seek spiritual guidance and pray for free and peaceful national elections slated for May.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi, accompanied by MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomomo-Ralehoko, who also serves as the Convener of Faith-Based Organisations (FBO), attended the session on Sunday at the Change Bible Church in Katlehong.
Recognising the significant role of religious leaders in educating society about moral principles such as tolerance, respect, and peaceful participation in electoral processes, the gathering emphasised the importance of fostering a harmonious atmosphere during elections.
During the session, Bishop Lebina of the Apostolic Church appealed for peace and tolerance among political parties. He highlighted the historical challenges of electoral violence, intolerance, and character defamation and stressed citizens’ need for unity and courage to navigate the electoral period peacefully.
“We are facing a very tough period of the general elections, and historically, elections are led by atrocities, the killing of people, political intolerance, character assassinations and all those negativities.
“We are here to pray for the elections, to pray for tolerance amongst yourselves and to give courage to soldier on as the sons and daughters of the soil,” said Lebina.
Lebina also commended the GPG for various initiatives, including the Nas’iSpani Mass Recruitment Programme, which has created job opportunities for youth, efforts to address the energy crisis, and the recent employment of 800 doctors.
In the same vein, he urged the provincial government to address challenges faced by churches, such as access to land for building churches, equal opportunities, and registrations.
“As the Apostolic church, we are not apologetic that we have been marginalised for a very long time. Opportunities have been created for Pentecostal churches, opportunities have been created for charismatic churches. What kind of opportunity are you creating for Apostolic churches?
“As the Apostles, when we go and apply for sites to build our churches, we do not get them, but what is strange is that our vote is equal to that of any other person within the constitution of this country; all of us are equal,” said the bishop.
Responding to Lebina’s concerns, Premier Lesufi acknowledged the challenges faced by the religious community and pledged support from the government.
Lesufi also urged the church community to collaborate in combating youth drug abuse, emphasising the need for collective action to protect future generations.
“I urge you to work with us to help our children. We are standing on a verge where an entire generation is going to be wiped out by drugs, and if we can’t raise our voices, our hands as a church, as government and combine our hands (efforts), we will be defeated by the drug lords.
“Let us come together and fight as drugs damaging and killing our children. Our young people are the contested terrain; we must defend and protect the Children. They should be in church, not in taverns,” said Lesufi.
Furthermore, Premier Lesufi announced plans to make non-functional schools and land available for church use and revealed the launch of a training program in various careers for the unemployed in April 2024.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko used the occasion to highlight the significance of seeking divine guidance through prayer as the nation prepares for the elections.
“As we eagerly anticipate the national and provincial elections, we recognise the importance of seeking divine guidance through prayer every step of the way in our African culture.
“This election is not about choosing our leaders; it is about shaping the future of our country. We are faced with numerous challenges, both internal and external, and the decisions we make at the ballot box will have far-reaching implications for the generation to come,” the MEC added.
SOURCED FROM THE GPG WEBSITE.
