Ubuntu has an important role to play in our quest to combat moral decay and advance social and economic transformation, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in outlining the purpose of the Provincial Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Summit that commenced in Mahikeng on Monday.
Premier Modise said that the multicultural and multilingual nature of the North West Province is a unique asset in the province’s endeavour to promote social cohesion and nation building.
“The summit is aimed at creating a platform in the pursuance of the ideals of peace and compassion, advocacy work for community safety and security from malice that continue to plaque our country including crime, substance abuse, diseases especially HIV and AIDS, poverty and moral decay,” said Modise.
In his address, Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile commended the North West Province for being the first province to host a summit on Social Cohesion following the resolutions of the National Summit on Social Cohesion.
Minister Mashatile said it was appropriate that the North West was hosting the Provincial Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Summit during Moral Regeneration Month.
“We must use this period also to recommit ourselves to building moral communities, grounded in positive values such as respect for human dignity, equality, concern for other, peaceful coexistence as well as the upholding of honesty, integrity and loyalty,” said Minister Mashatile.
Patron of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is scheduled to address the summit later in the day. Other speakers include Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Justice President Honourable Moniccal Leeuw and Representative of South African San Institute, Dr William Langveldt.
