Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Paul Mashatile, spoke to the media on Friday after attending a Good Friday service at the Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church. The service, which was hosted by the church in Johannesburg, was a powerful and moving experience for all who attended.
Mashatile, who is also the African National Congress (ANC) provincial chairperson in Gauteng, used the opportunity to reflect on the significance of Good Friday and the importance of unity and social cohesion in South Africa.
As he addressed the media, Mashatile spoke passionately about the need for all South Africans to come together and work towards building a better future for the country.
“Good Friday is a time for reflection and renewal. It is a time for us to remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers and to recommit ourselves to the values of freedom, equality and justice,” he said.
The MEC also stressed the importance of religious institutions in promoting social cohesion and bringing communities together.
“The Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church is a shining example of how religion can be a unifying force in our society. This church welcomes people from all walks of life and promotes a message of love, unity and social responsibility,” Mashatile added.
He also commended the church for its efforts in uplifting and empowering the community through various social projects, such as feeding schemes and skills development programs.
During the service, Mashatile joined in the prayers and hymns, and was moved by the powerful message of hope and unity preached by the church’s leader, Bishop Sipho Ngwenya.
In his sermon, Bishop Ngwenya emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, and urged South Africans to let go of past grievances and work towards a brighter future together.
“Today, as we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, let us also remember the power of forgiveness and the need for reconciliation in our society. We must learn to forgive and move forward as a united nation,” he said.
Mashatile echoed these sentiments, stating that forgiveness and reconciliation are key to building a peaceful and prosperous South Africa.
“As we celebrate Easter, let us remember that forgiveness and reconciliation are not just religious concepts, but essential values for a united and prosperous nation. We must learn to forgive and work towards a better future for all,” he said.
The Good Friday service at the Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church was a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, forgiveness and social responsibility in South Africa. It served as a call to action for all South Africans to come together and work towards a brighter future for the country.
As the service came to an end, Mashatile expressed his gratitude to the church for hosting such a meaningful and impactful event.
“I would like to thank Bishop Ngwenya and the Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church for this beautiful service and for their tireless efforts in promoting unity and social responsibility in our society. May we all be inspired by their message and work towards a better South Africa for all,” he concluded.
In conclusion, Mashatile’s address to the media after the Good Friday service was a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, forgiveness and social responsibility in South Africa. It was a call to action for all South Africans to come together and work towards a brighter future for the country, guided by the values of love, unity and social responsibility.
