Speaking notes for the Hounourable KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr Senzo Mchunu during the launch of Shembe Unyazi Television
Programme Director Brothers and Sisters in Christ, thank you very much for inviting me to the launch of Shembe Unyazi Television. I attend this launch today as a long-time admirer of all that this Church has achieved as it walked in the footsteps of the Right Reverend Isaiah Mbombela Shembe.
But, I am also attending today as a fellow Believer in Christ to celebrate what my brethren have achieved. To launch a television channel is a ground-breaking initiative by the Church. This is a platform that many organisations still contemplate about, with no real courage to begin a process leading to it.
This is a clear indication of the Church that is very close to the needs of the community, and which is keen to keep in touch with its members who are in and out of our Province. The fact that the Nazareth Baptist Church, EBuhleni recognised the changing needs and its organisation’s ability to communicate instantly with its own members, and the need to offer an alternative voice to the rapidly changing society, is welcomed indeed.
The Nazareth Baptist Church, EBuhleni with followers all over South Africa and the SADC, with history stretching over 100 years, is the custodian of good morals, African culture and tradition that need to be passed on from generation to generations.
Whilst, mainstream media do carry news across the length and breadth of our country, to tell your own story, in your own perspective as Shembe Unyazi Television will do, will go a long way in instilling the sense of pride not only to the Nazareth Baptist Congregation, but to all South Africans.
The need to communicate the message of the Church, to give spiritual guidance and to positively influence society is what is expected from all religious sectors. The launch of this 2 channel is a major contribution to the rest of the nation. The nation is always in perpetual search for truth and spiritual guidance. This platform will afford the Church the ability to spread its wings in the battle against social ills which are the direct results of the changing society.
The channel will also imbue our people with the sense of Ubuntu and the African Philosophy. We are aware that many people still turn to the Church for spiritual upliftment, ailments and everyday life. Others find it difficult to contend with the fast pace of modernisation, yet they have no place from where to draw inspiration.
This channel will perfectly fill this gab. The Church play a pivotal role in building and moulding communities and families. But due to the distance, some people are unable to tap in this fountain of wisdom. I am very glad that this initiative has come to this stage. I am looking forward to its first broadcast on 19 July 2015. I would like to congratulate the Church for the launch of this channel.
I am confident that you will achieve your objectives as the Church. And you will be able to be the voice of reason and direction in this confused society of ours. On behalf of the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal and its people, I would like to wish Shembe Unyazi Television and the Nazareth Baptist Church, EBuhleni all the best in their pursuit to spiritual reconstruction of our Nation.
I thank you!
