Category: Africa

Posted on

SAPS remembers fallen officers

Source: Government of South Africa

SAPS remembers fallen officers

The 12 South African Police Service (SAPS) members, who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, have been remembered with high praise, with Acting Police Minister noting sombrely the impact of their loss on the fallen members’ families and colleagues. 

This was at the heart of this year’s SAPS National Commemoration Day, as Cachalia paid tribute to the men and women, who left their homes to serve South Africa but never returned.

“We remember their lives. We remember the families who loved them and now live with their unbearable loss,” Cachalia said.

Addressing families, friends and colleagues gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday, Cachalia said the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the occasion reflects the importance the nation attaches to the safety and security of its people, as well as to those who dedicate themselves to protecting them.

“It is fitting that this solemn commemoration takes place in the presence of the President of the Republic,” Cachalia said.

The annual SAPS National Commemoration Day is held on the first Sunday of September to honour police officers who died in the line of duty during the preceding 12 months. The ceremony has for years brought together the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers at the SAPS Memorial Site at the Union Buildings, where the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered.

The tradition is a stark reminder that behind every name on the memorial is a life, a family and a community left to carry on without a loved one.

This year, 12 members are being honoured for losing their lives while on duty between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Cachalia acknowledged that no ceremony could ever erase the pain of loss.

“No words can undo the pain of losing a husband or wife, a mother or father, a son or daughter, a brother or sister.

“Your loved ones have not been forgotten. Their service mattered. Their sacrifice mattered, and their names will remain part of the story of our country and of the South African Police Service.”

Providing ongoing support

Cachalia stressed that government’s responsibility to the families of fallen officers does not end when the funeral is over.

“Our commitment must continue in the practical support we provide in benefits, counselling, welfare and, importantly, in the education of their children.”

Cachalia also acknowledged the important role played by the South African Police Service Education Trust, which supports the educational needs of children of fallen police officials.

“The work of the Trust speaks to something deeply important: when we care for a police official, we must care for the family that stands behind that official.

“Education is one of the most meaningful ways we can do this. By helping to secure educational opportunities for the children of our members, the Trust provides not only financial assistance, but hope, dignity and the possibility of a better future.” 

To serving police officers, Cachalia said the best way to honour their fallen colleagues is to build a police service grounded in professionalism, discipline, integrity and courage.

He called for a service that protects its members, while earning the trust of the communities it serves.

“Let us care for one another. No police official should feel that they must carry trauma, grief or hardship alone. Today, we mourn. We remember. We give thanks.

“But above all, we recommit ourselves to the noble responsibility for which our fallen colleagues gave their lives, to protect the people of South Africa and to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.” 

Family members, friends and relatives braved the cold and rainy weather to gather at the Union Buildings and honour those whose lives were cut short in the line of duty.

This year’s commemoration also comes against the backdrop of a sharp decline in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty. The 12 members being honoured are fewer than the 27 officers commemorated in the previous 12-month period.

The fallen officers being remembered this year are Constable Gift Mota, Sergeant Sello Raymond Sema, Sergeant Matome Rapetsoa, Sergeant Simon Masenye, Constable Mwazkhe Khoza, Warrant Officer Mosesi Moswana, Constable Moselalelelo Montja, Constable George Hlekiso, Sergeant Sanele Dlamini, Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa, Constable Sharon Hlangoane and Sergeant Lawrence Mtsweni.

Their names now form part of the enduring record of those who gave their lives while serving the people of South Africa. 

Cachalia said their service, sacrifice and memory remain part of the story of the South African Police Service and the country. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

0

Posted on

Shakhboot bin Nahyan Meets Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lesotho

Source: APO

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, met with His Excellency Limpho Justice Tau, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of strengthening and developing bilateral relations to fulfil the shared interests of both countries and their peoples. They also exchanged views on several topics of mutual interest.

H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan affirmed the UAE’s commitment to continuing to enhance its relations with the Kingdom of Lesotho and advance cooperation across various fields, which would contribute to the development and prosperity for both countries. 

For his part, H.E. Justice Tau expressed his appreciation for the relations between the two countries, affirming his country’s commitment to expand cooperation with the UAE and strengthen partnership between both sides.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Media files

.

Posted on

Sierra Leone: Shakhboot bin Nahyan Receives Invitation on Behalf of United Arab Emirates (UAE) President from President of Sierra Leone

Source: APO

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, received a letter on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, from His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, containing an invitation to attend the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS), to be held in Freetown, from 17 to 18 November 2026. 

The letter was delivered during a meeting in Abu Dhabi between H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan and His Excellency Rashid Sesay, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the UAE. The two sides discussed strategic bilateral relations and ways to develop them across various fields in support of the shared interests of both countries and their peoples. They also exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Media files

.

Posted on

Churches urged to help build resilient communities

Source: Government of South Africa

Churches urged to help build resilient communities

Social Development Minister Dina Pule has called on churches and faith-based organisations to continue playing a leading role in building resilient communities and supporting South Africa’s most vulnerable people.

Pule said church leaders had played a critical role during South Africa’s transition to democracy, helping to foster reconciliation, peace-building and nation-building at a pivotal moment in the country’s history.

“At a critical moment in our history, churches and faith-based organisations came together with community structures and political leaders to promote reconciliation, peacebuilding and nation-building,” Pule said.

The Minister was speaking on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Church Leaders Gathering in Unity (CLGU) at the Future Africa Campus of the University of Pretoria in Gauteng on Saturday.

She said churches had helped facilitate dialogue, healing and social cohesion, while faith-based organisations had worked alongside healthcare workers and government departments to provide care, counselling, awareness programmes and support services to individuals and families.

Pule said this spirit of collaboration remains essential, as South Africa confronts persistent social challenges.

She urged faith communities to remain partners in reaching vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, reducing stigma and strengthening prevention and treatment efforts in communities.

She pointed to the ongoing contribution of churches and faith-based organisations in tackling poverty and supporting vulnerable households.

“Through partnerships with the Department of Social Development and other government institutions, many churches have operated feeding schemes, community outreach programmes, shelters, substance-abuse interventions and support services for children, older individuals and people living with disabilities.”

However, Pule acknowledged that much more needs to be done to improve the living conditions of South Africans.

“Regardless of the past successful collaboration, much still needs to be done to improve the living condition of our people. South Africa continues to navigate a complex social and economic landscape.” 

The Minister said poverty, unemployment, inequality, gender-based violence, substance abuse, crime and the erosion of moral values continue to place pressure on communities.

“These challenges require more than government intervention alone; they require a united society, anchored in compassion, ethical leadership and active citizenship.”

Pule called for all sectors of society to work together to build resilient communities and restore hope where there is despair.

Drawing on the Christian teaching of “loving one’s neighbour”, Pule urged communities to support people struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.

She also called for stronger action against those who engage in harmful activities in communities, saying no one should be above accountability, including those who occupy positions of religious leadership.

At the same time, Pule said addressing unemployment requires a collective effort to create opportunities, support skills development and encourage entrepreneurship.

“The Church, together with all sectors of society, has a responsibility to teach about the consequences of violence and the importance of respecting one another,” she said.

Pule also reflected on a recent Spring Day celebration that resulted in the death of a young man, describing it as a painful reminder of the need for greater responsibility in communities.

“I must state this clearly: No one deserves to die at the hands of another person, regardless of the circumstances. Equally, no one should take the law into their own hands.”

She said the Church has an important role to play in reinforcing the message that violence is never an acceptable response to conflict.

“The Church must continue to proclaim that violence is never an acceptable response to conflict and that every person is created with inherent dignity and deserves to be treated with respect,” the Minister said. 

The gathering took place as South Africa continues to commemorate 30 Years of the Constitution this year. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

0

Posted on

Bénin : Rentrée scolaire 2026-2027 : L’enseignement secondaire en mode dialogue et action

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Ministre de l’Enseignement Secondaire, Monsieur Adéyèmi Clément KOUCHADE, a poursuivi, le vendredi 4 septembre 2026, sa tournée de prise de contact avec les acteurs du système éducatif de l’Ouémé et du Plateau. Au cœur des échanges : les défis et priorités de son sous-secteur. 

La volonté de proximité et d’efficacité dans l’action publique est clairement affichée dans la démarche du Ministre. Au lycée Béhanzin et au lycée de jeunes filles Toffa 1er de Porto-Novo, dans le département de l’Ouémé, plusieurs préoccupations ont été abordées, notamment le manque de ressources humaines, de salles de classe et de bibliothèques, les effectifs pléthoriques d’élèves, le reversement des Aspirants au Métier d’Enseignant (AME), ainsi que l’amélioration des conditions de travail et de vie des enseignants. 

Au lycée technique de Pobè dans le département du Plateau, les acteurs ont plaidé pour le recrutement de nouveaux enseignants, le renforcement de la formation continue et du recyclage du personnel, ainsi que la mise à disposition d’équipements informatiques au profit de certaines directions. En réponse, le Ministre Adéyèmi Clément KOUCHADÉ a indiqué qu’il convient de capitaliser sur les acquis et d’explorer de nouvelles approches pour relever ensemble les défis du système éducatif. Il a réaffirmé la volonté du Gouvernement du Président Romuald WADAGNI d’améliorer les conditions de travail dans ce sous-secteur. 

Selon le Ministre, la tournée entreprise constitue un cadre d’écoute, de dialogue et de partage avec les différentes structures déconcentrées du Ministère. L’objectif est clair : échanger avec les responsables et acteurs éducatifs sur les défis et priorités du secteur, en vue d’une nouvelle année scolaire réussie et apaisée. Les échanges dans les départements de l’Ouémé et du Plateau ont permis de faire un point détaillé, d’identifier de commun accord les difficultés persistantes et d’envisager les mécanismes susceptibles d’améliorer les performances du système éducatif. 

Le Ministre Adéyèmi Clément KOUCHADÉ s’est donc personnellement engagé à poursuivre les efforts entrepris par l’État au profit de tous les acteurs. Pour ce faire, il mise sur le dialogue permanent avec les acteurs de terrain et le renforcement de la coordination des actions à engager. Après le Couffo, le Mono, l’Ouémé et le Plateau, la tournée ministérielle se poursuivra dans les départements du zou-collines et du septentrion.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Media files

Posted on

Police seized counterfeit goods worth more than R1.5m

Source: Government of South Africa

Police seized counterfeit goods worth more than R1.5m

The South African Police Service (SAPS), together with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, has seized more than 1 700 counterfeit sports apparel and footwear items, as well as manufacturing equipment with an estimated value of more than R1.5 million.

Acting on intelligence, the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Uni, led a multi-disciplinary takedown operation at a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD this past week.

The operation involved members of the Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing (POP), the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division and brand protection representatives.

“The team executed several search-and-seizure warrants and uncovered a significant quantity of counterfeit goods, including sports apparel and footwear bearing protected and well-known brands, including Springboks-branded merchandise.

“In addition to the counterfeit merchandise, police seized manufacturing equipment and materials believed to have been used in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods. These include counterfeit labels and stickers, an embossing machine and silkscreen plates,” the police said.

The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by SAPS and its law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit goods.

SAPS urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to purchase sports merchandise from legitimate and authorised retailers. The public is also encouraged to report suspected counterfeit goods to the relevant authorities. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

2

Posted on

Discovery of ancient DNA from antelope fossils in South Africa opens a new window on the past

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Deon de Jager, Researcher in ancient DNA, University of Copenhagen

Over the past 50,000 years, many of the world’s large mammals have gone extinct. Until recent decades, all we knew about them came from fossils. Now, analysis of ancient DNA is adding to the picture.

Ancient DNA is damaged and degraded genetic material often obtained from fossils thousands of years old. It’s giving scientists insights into hidden species diversity and the way populations expanded and contracted, based on changes in genetic diversity across time.

These ancient DNA studies have in large part been carried out in cold regions at northern latitudes, where low temperatures and permafrost mean DNA is better preserved – think woolly mammoths.

Across Africa, climates are warmer and DNA preservation in fossil remains is generally much poorer. As a result, there have been few ancient DNA studies of African large mammals, and the few that have been done were focused mainly on humans and domestic species within the past 2,000 years or so.

Ancient DNA allows us to study extinct species and their genetic relationships to living species, and to measure the genetic diversity of past populations. It can tell us something about how species respond to changes in their environment and reveal details about the mechanisms of evolution, population loss or species extinction.

As researchers with expertise in African hoofed mammals and in ancient DNA, we set out with collaborators to investigate how long ancient DNA is preserved in mammal fossils from archaeological sites in South Africa. Our goal was to test the possibility of obtaining ancient DNA from multiple individuals of the same species that lived at different times in the past. This would allow us to compare patterns of genetic diversity within a species through time, to understand the impact of past environmental changes.

A selection of the fossils screened for DNA preservation. Deon de Jager, Author provided (no reuse)

We tested 144 fossils aged 1,500 to 110,000 years old, and found that DNA can be preserved for up to 50,000 years, although most of the fossils with preserved ancient DNA were younger than 11,700 years old. This age marks the transition between the Pleistocene, or the last ice age, and the Holocene, our current geological epoch, where climates are warmer.

The oldest DNA in our sample belonged to a mountain reedbuck and was found at Boomplaas Cave, in the Swartberg mountains of the Western Cape province, South Africa. It may be the oldest animal DNA to be found in Africa so far, by 30,000 years (a finding we are still confirming via radiocarbon dating).

Our findings mean two main things:

  • we can retrieve ancient DNA from the fossil remains of large mammals that are tens of thousands of years old, something considered nearly impossible until now

  • we can investigate past population dynamics of African species within the Holocene.

We thus show it is possible to genetically study African mammals that went extinct during or after the last ice age. This represents a breakthrough in African palaeontology and opens a new window into how Africa’s extinct mammals can be studied.

We also show that it is possible to investigate genetic changes that happened in animal populations during the Holocene. Data like this can serve as a baseline of genetic diversity before the major declines caused by human activities during the past two centuries. Baseline data are crucial to monitoring biodiversity change and conserving African wildlife.

DNA from animals in South African caves

In our study, we tested for DNA in teeth and bones from four antelope species (Cape grysbok, grey rhebok, reedbuck and eland), the African buffalo, and the extinct giant long-horned buffalo. The fossils were excavated from six archaeological cave sites in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. This enabled us to investigate differences in DNA preservation among species and across sites.

We presume the bones were left in the caves by ancient humans who ate the animals. We know how old they are through radiometric dating of charcoal and other material in the layer of the cave they were found in.

Archaeologists excavated the sites between 1950 and 1995, and the fossils have since been kept at the Iziko Museums of South Africa in Cape Town. We subsampled the fossils by drilling with a dentist drill to obtain 50mg of tooth or bone powder for DNA extractions.

Our results showed no major differences in the preservation of DNA among the six species. However, we did show that some sites, like Nelson Bay Cave in Plettenberg Bay on the southern Cape coast, preserved DNA better than others. The oldest African animal DNA sequenced before our study, a blue antelope tooth about 9,300 years old, was also from Nelson Bay Cave. So were three teeth from the extinct giant long-horned buffalo, aged 12,000-21,000 years old, from which we successfully obtained ancient DNA.

But there’s a catch with ancient DNA: not all the DNA we extract belongs to the fossil. This is because the animal’s DNA degrades over time, and the DNA of microbes that decompose it and other organisms in the environment becomes more abundant. Sometimes the DNA of the people who handle the fossil also get into the mix.

Read more: What’s next for ancient DNA studies after Nobel Prize honors groundbreaking field of paleogenomics

In our 65 African fossils that had ancient DNA, we found that on average, only 2% of the DNA we retrieved was from the target species. Fossils younger than 2,000 years old tended to have more (as much as 30%), which makes sense as there’s been less time for degradation and mixing.

Collagen as a proxy for DNA

We also evaluated how well collagen, the protein that makes up 22%-50% of vertebrate teeth and bones, is preserved in these fossils.

Collagen can be used for radiocarbon dating, to directly estimate the age of a fossil.

Read more: Explainer: what is radiocarbon dating and how does it work?

Previous studies have shown a correlation between the preservation of collagen and that of DNA. Our analysis showed a 77% correlation, but only in some sites. Still, this is an encouraging finding as measuring collagen content is less costly than retrieving and sequencing ancient DNA.

Thus, collagen preservation can be used as a proxy for DNA preservation. This can assist researchers in selecting which fossils to target for DNA sequencing and for radiocarbon dating.

Overall, our study gives researchers who want to use ancient DNA and collagen in their work on African fossils an idea of what they can expect and what to consider when designing future studies.

– Discovery of ancient DNA from antelope fossils in South Africa opens a new window on the past
– https://theconversation.com/discovery-of-ancient-dna-from-antelope-fossils-in-south-africa-opens-a-new-window-on-the-past-289848

Posted on

Réseau africain des personnels des parlements (RAPP) : une nouvelle dynamique pour relancer le réseau des personnels des parlements africains

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


  • Réunis à Abidjan du 1er au 3 septembre 2026 autour du thème « Vers la redynamisation du RAPP », les membres du Comité exécutif du Réseau africain des personnels des parlements (RAPP) ont posé les bases d’une relance durable de l’organisation.
     
  • Au terme de trois jours de travaux, plusieurs orientations structurantes ont été retenues, notamment l’adoption d’une politique commune de cotisations, la redéfinition des modalités de contribution des pays membres, l’élaboration d’un manuel de procédures financières et l’établissement d’une feuille de route commune pour les différents organes du réseau.

Organisée par la Section nationale de Côte d’Ivoire du RAPP, la rencontre s’est ouverte le mardi 1er septembre 2026 à Abidjan, dans la commune de Cocody Riviera-Abatta, par une cérémonie officielle.

Dans son mot de bienvenue, M. Akissi Roland, président de la Section nationale de Côte d’Ivoire, a rappelé les difficultés qui ont marqué la vie du réseau au cours des dernières années. Il a notamment relevé que six années s’étaient écoulées depuis la dernière Assemblée générale, tenue à Lomé en 2019, une période caractérisée par une baisse des rencontres, des échanges et des initiatives de solidarité entre les différentes sections nationales.

Pour le président de la Section nationale de Côte d’Ivoire, la réunion du Comité exécutif devait ainsi constituer un véritable « sursaut collectif », destiné à permettre aux membres de porter une réflexion commune sur l’avenir du RAPP et sur les moyens de lui insuffler une dynamique nouvelle.

Intervenant au nom du président de l’Assemblée nationale de Côte d’Ivoire, M. Patrick Achi, le secrétaire général de l’Institution, M. Addra Alain, a salué la tenue de cette rencontre en Côte d’Ivoire. Il a mis en lumière le rôle essentiel des personnels parlementaires, qui concourent quotidiennement à la préparation des travaux législatifs, à l’accompagnement des parlementaires et à la continuité du fonctionnement des administrations parlementaires.

Il a également rappelé la vocation originelle du RAPP, créé il y a près de vingt-quatre ans pour contribuer à la professionnalisation des personnels parlementaires africains et favoriser le partage d’expériences, de pratiques et de savoir-faire entre les administrations des parlements du continent.

Durant les trois jours de travaux, les participants ont procédé à un diagnostic de la situation du réseau et échangé sur les conditions nécessaires à la reprise et à la pérennisation de ses activités.
Les discussions ont porté notamment sur le fonctionnement des organes du RAPP, le financement de ses activités, la participation des différentes sections nationales ainsi que les mécanismes susceptibles de renforcer la régularité des échanges entre les personnels parlementaires africains.

La question des cotisations a constitué l’un des principaux enjeux de la rencontre. Les participants ont convenu de l’adoption d’une politique commune de cotisations et d’une redéfinition des modalités de contribution applicables aux pays membres.

Cette nouvelle approche vise à favoriser une participation plus régulière des différentes sections nationales et à mieux adapter les mécanismes de financement aux réalités des pays membres, afin que les contraintes liées aux cotisations ne constituent plus un frein au fonctionnement du réseau.

Sur le plan financier, les participants ont également recommandé l’élaboration d’un manuel de procédures financières, destiné à mieux encadrer les mécanismes de financement, de gestion et de suivi des ressources du RAPP.

Autre avancée majeure : l’établissement d’une feuille de route commune pour les différents organes du réseau. Celle-ci doit permettre de structurer les prochaines étapes de la relance, de clarifier les responsabilités et de donner davantage de visibilité aux actions à conduire.

Au-delà des décisions administratives et financières, les travaux d’Abidjan traduisent une ambition plus large : réinstaller le RAPP comme un espace permanent de coopération, de professionnalisation et de partage d’expériences entre les personnels des parlements africains.

La relance du réseau apparaît ainsi comme une opportunité de renforcer les liens entre les administrations parlementaires, de favoriser la circulation des bonnes pratiques et d’accompagner les mutations auxquelles sont confrontés les parlements africains, notamment en matière de modernisation, de professionnalisation et d’innovation administrative.

En posant les bases d’un cadre financier plus clair, d’une organisation mieux structurée et d’une programmation commune, le Comité exécutif réuni à Abidjan entend ainsi ouvrir une nouvelle étape dans la vie du RAPP.

Une étape placée sous le signe de la responsabilité collective, de la solidarité professionnelle et d’une coopération parlementaire africaine davantage structurée.

Distribué par APO Group pour Assemblée nationale, Republique de Côte d’Ivoire.

Posted on

Ethiopia: His Excellence (H.E.) Ambassador Eshete Tilahun Holds Bilateral Meeting with H.E. Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel

Source: APO


.

H.E. Ambassador Eshete Tilahun held a courtesy call and bilateral meeting with H.E. Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union institutions, at the Embassy of Ethiopia on 5 August 2026.

Ambassador Eshete underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral consultation between the Ethiopian and Nigerian Embassies within the framework of the Group of African Ambassadors in Brussels (GAAB).

He emphasized the value of working collectively to advance south-South cooperation and priorities through such platforms, noting Ethiopia’s presidency of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) from 1 August 2026 to 31 January 2027.

Ambassador Adeyemi, for his part, expressed his views on the need to work together and  appreciated  for Ethiopia’s constructive role in championing African causes. He also stated his commitment to strengthening engagement and cooperation between the two Missions. Furthermore, he commended Ethiopia’s ongoing development progress and the transformative changes taking place in the country.

Both Ambassadors agreed on the need to  maintaining open and constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest for the success of their tenure in brussels.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels.

Posted on

Keynote address delivered by Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Church Leaders' Gathering in Unity (CLGU), Future Africa, University of Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director;
Leadership of EAM Global;
Bishops, Apostles, Pastors and Ministers of the Gospel;
Representatives of various faith-based organisations;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

Good morning.

It is a great honour to join you today at this Church Leaders Gathering in Unity (CLGU), convened by EAM Global to create a platform where pastors and church leaders can come together across denominational and organisational lines in the spirit of fellowship, collaboration and shared purpose.

When the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Paul Mashatile, requested that I represent him at this important gathering, I was both humbled and delighted by the opportunity. At the same time, I was reminded of the words of Psalm 133:1, which declares, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

It is in this same spirit of unity that the Deputy President had wished to be with you today, gathered in one accord as leaders of faith to connect, pray and engage on the vital importance of unity within the Body of Christ and within our broader society.
Unfortunately, following the advice and instructions of his medical team, he was unable to attend this gathering in person.

Nevertheless, he has entrusted me with a message that I am honoured to convey to you as you gather under the theme:
“Unity, Prayer, Relationship and Kingdom Collaboration.”

This theme could not be more relevant to the challenges and opportunities of our time. It reminds us that no institution, community or nation can succeed in isolation. Lasting progress is built on partnerships, mutual respect, collective action and a shared commitment to the greater good.

The call for unity and collaborative action is not a new one in South Africa. Our democratic journey bears testimony to what can be achieved when faith leaders, communities and Government work together in pursuit of a common purpose.

One of the most powerful instances is the role that church leaders played in South Africa’s transition to democracy. At a critical moment in our history, churches and faith-based organisations came together with community structures and political leaders to promote reconciliation, peacebuilding and nation-building. Their work facilitated conversation, healing and social cohesion at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.

Despite the ongoing challenges, we have also observed successful collaboration in addressing the HIV and AIDS pandemic. We have also witnessed successful collaboration in responding to the HIV and AIDS pandemic. 

Across our provinces, churches, faith-based organisations, healthcare workers and government departments joined hands to provide care, counselling, awareness programmes and support services to affected individuals and families.

The faith communities should continue to be our partners in reaching vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, reducing stigma and strengthening prevention and treatment efforts in our communities.

Another example can be found in the ongoing work of churches and faith-based organisations in combating poverty and supporting vulnerable households.

Through partnerships with the Department of Social Development and other government institutions, many churches have operated feeding schemes, community outreach programmes, shelters, substance-abuse interventions and support services for children, older individuals and people living with disabilities. These collaborative efforts have strengthened the social safety net and brought hope to communities facing hardship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Regardless of the past successful collaboration, much still needs to be done to improve the living condition of our people. South Africa continues to navigate a complex social and economic landscape. Many of our people continue to face difficulties that test the very fabric of our society.
Poverty, unemployment, inequality, gender-based violence, substance abuse, crime and the erosion of moral values remain pressing concerns in many communities.

These challenges require more than Government intervention alone. They require a united society, anchored in compassion, ethical leadership and active citizenship. They require all sectors of society to work together to build resilient communities and restore hope where despair has taken root.

With the same love that the Lord has instructed us to show by loving our neighbours as ourselves, we must put that love into practice when we see young people struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.

We must take a stand against those who perpetrate these harmful activities in our communities, even when they occupy the holy pulpit, and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.

We also need to work together to create opportunities, support skills development, encourage entrepreneurship and join hands to build stronger and more prosperous communities for all as we face the high levels of unemployment that we see in our country.

The Church, together with all sectors of society, has a responsibility to teach about the consequences of violence and the importance of respecting one another. The recent Spring Day incident, which tragically resulted in the death of a young man during a dispute that escalated into violence, serves as a painful reminder of this responsibility.

I must state this clearly: No one deserves to die at the hands of another person, regardless of the circumstances. Equally, no one should take the law into their own hands.

The Church must continue to proclaim that violence is never an acceptable response to conflict and that every person is created with inherent dignity and deserves to be treated with respect. At the same time, families, schools, community organisations, and Government institutions must work together to promote values of tolerance, self-control, and peaceful conflict resolution. It is commendable that many church leaders like yourself continues to be a source of hope, healing and moral guidance. 

As I have said, throughout our country, churches feed the hungry, care for vulnerable children, support families in crisis, mentor young people and provide comfort to those facing adversity. Faith communities are often present and steadfast where institutions may have trouble going.

Government deeply appreciates these contributions. The partnerships we have forged with churches and faith communities demonstrate what can be achieved when we work together in service to our people.

Programme Director,

Reverting to the theme before us, I have noted that it begins with unity.

Unity does not mean uniformity. I know that when I mention uniformity, I am speaking to the converted, because the Bible reminds us that we are many members of one body. Though we may differ in our gifts, backgrounds, and perspectives, we are called to stand together in faith and in service to others.

This simply means that unity does not require us to abandon our unique traditions, theological perspectives or organisational identities. Instead, it calls us to recognise our shared humanity and common purpose.

In a world that is becoming more divided, polarised and conflict-ridden, unity is a spiritual imperative and a practical necessity.

As church leaders you have the opportunity to be models of unity and reconciliation crossing divides of race, culture, language and socio-economic status. When pastors and church leaders speak with one voice on issues that affect society the impact is multiplied and the witness is strengthened.

The second pillar of today’s theme is prayer.
Prayer remains one of the most powerful tools available to believers. Through prayer, communities find strength during seasons of uncertainty. Through prayer, leaders remain grounded in humility and purpose.

Our nation continues to need the prayers of its faith leaders. We need prayers for peace in our communities, for ethical leadership, for economic growth, for social cohesion and for the wellbeing of our families.

We need to pray for peaceful, free, and safe local government elections. We must ask God to guide our nation, protect voters, candidates, and election officials, and ensure that the democratic process is conducted with integrity and respect.

We should also pray against the rise in political killings and violence associated with the election period.

We also need prayers that inspire action.

The third pillar is relationship.

Strong relationships form the foundation of effective leadership and sustainable collaboration. Trust is built through genuine engagement, mutual respect and a willingness to listen to one another.

The gathering today provides an important opportunity to strengthen relationships among church leaders, across denominations and between faith-based organisations and other sectors of society.

As a government we want to build a relationship based on honesty, transparency and mutual respect. We thank partners who provide honest feedback, hold us accountable and take care of our failures in our duties. We do not see constructive criticism as adversarial, but as an important part of good governance. We treasure dissenting voices that make us do better, serve the public better and stay true to the basic tenets of justice, integrity and accountability.

Let me conclude by urging you once more as leaders in different dominions to continue collaborating with us and working with each other. Collaboration calls upon church leaders to move beyond individual interests and institutional boundaries to embrace a shared mission.

It prompts us to consider not what we can accomplish individually, but what we can achieve collectively. When churches collaborate, resources are used more effectively. Knowledge and experience are shared. Most importantly, communities are better served.

As Government we believe that faith-based organisations remain strategic partners in our efforts to build a caring, just and inclusive society.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As South Africans, we are heirs to a remarkable legacy of reconciliation and nation-building. Our Constitution envisions a society founded on human dignity, equality and freedom. These values resonate deeply with the principles promoted by faith communities across our nation.

The task before us is to ensure that these ideals find practical expression in the daily lives of our people.

This requires leaders who are committed to integrity, accountability and service. It requires citizens who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities. It requires institutions that place people at the centre of development.

As you deliberate during this gathering, I encourage you to reflect on how the principles of unity, prayer, relationship and Kingdom Collaboration can contribute to addressing the challenges facing our nation and continent.

May your discussions generate innovative ideas, strengthen partnerships and inspire renewed commitment to serving communities with excellence and compassion.

In closing, and on behalf of the Deputy President, His Excellency Mr Paul Mashatile, and the Government of the Republic of South Africa, I wish you a successful and productive gathering.

May God bless the Church, and may His hand be upon our wonderful land.

I thank you.