The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature came to a standstill on Friday, 23 August 2013, when different religions from all walks of the province assembled in the Raymond Mhlaba Chamber to discuss issues pertaining to their beliefs.
About 500 delegates from different religions such as Inkolo Kantu, Bahai Faith, Muslims, Icamagu Institute and Christians at large attended the third Religious Parliament held at the Legislature. The past two Religious Parliaments were hosted by the institution on 11 July 2011 and 30 July 2010 respectively.
The Speaker of the Legislature, Honourable Fikile Xasa told delegates that the legislature hosted the event to promote unity amongst the people of the province. He spoke about the importance of uniting and respecting each other’s beliefs. “Madiba taught us not to fight against each other but respect one another and unite in building a better South Africa. If all faith based organisations can stick together and help the government in rebuilding our country, we can all enjoy a better life,” he said.
The Honorable Speaker noted that there are challenges that still reflect the past, such as poverty and unemployment. He said the government and the society must unite in fighting these. ‘It’s like poverty and unemployment knows the color of our skin because it is with us black people. That is why we have called all religions today to share ideas on how best to eliminate these social challenges,” the Speaker added.
Pearl Kupe who was the guest speaker applauded the legislature for hosting the sectoral parliament and involving the public in decision making. “Involving ordinary citizens in legislative processes is a fundamental factor to transparency, accountability and to the spirit of Ubuntu,” she said while speaking at the legislature under the topic “public participation and law making”.
With loud applause from the gallery, Pastor Kupe saluted women and urged the communities to respect and celebrate women all year round. She said people cannot celebrate women in August and rape and kill them in September.
The woman of God cited the lack of moral accountability as the flame that ignites moral degeneration in South Africa. She said government need to reconsider some laws such as the legalization of termination of pregnancy and prostitution as they infringe religious rights and kill the dignity of women.
She also took a swipe at Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) for granting Top TV rights to air a 24-hour pornography channel. “How can we allow pornography in our society when we know that it leads to rape? Pornography is a theory and rape is a practice and we need to stand up and defend the dignity and reputation of women and children,” she said.
Messages of support from different faith based organisations were read by representatives before the packed chamber. Presentations from District and Metropolitan municipalities of the province were also tabled.
Responding to some of the issues raised, the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Honourable Noxolo Kiviet acknowledged the role played by the faith based organisations in obtaining democracy in South Africa. “One of the rights that Madiba fought for and achieved is the right to freedom of religion, which is entrenched in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution,” she said.
The Premier also acknowledged the backlog in service delivery and said there is a huge gap between the haves and the have not. She said government alone cannot win the battle of affording better life for all if there is no partnership with faith based organisations.
The Chairperson of the Legislature Public Participation and Petitions Committee, Honourable Imamile Pikinini assured the delegates that the resolutions would be consolidated, tabled in the House and be dealt with by different Portfolio Committees and encouraged representatives to be part of House proceedings.
