Close to 400 group of inter-faith leaders and more than 7 500 congregants will gather at Qokololo Stadium in UMgungundlovu on 17 September, for the provincial Prayer Day.
The new Provincial Executive Council was sworn in on 11 May 2009 following the national elections held on 22 April. This event will provide the opportunity to introduce the new executive to the religious leaders and their congregation. This will ensure that the leaders and their community will know who to approach when they wish to raise issues or engage with government on any matter that affects them relating to the various portfolios of government.
Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize commented: "I wish to thank them personally for the positive role which they played during the recent elections in encouraging communities to participate peacefully and exercise their democratic right to vote in the April election."
"As government we appreciate your prayers in support of peaceful elections, and we are sure that the successful outcome of the elections in this province, marked by a huge voter turnout had much to do with your positive influence and spiritual guidance."
Mkhize further noted that government needed the continued support and prayers of the religious leaders as it embarked on a campaign of fulfilling the mandate given by the electorate in this province.
"Government wishes to actively partner with you during this term to pursue our common objectives in terms of the core values of Ubuntu, namely honesty, integrity, hard work and moral values. We would like to partner with you in eradicating the scourges of poverty, hunger, unemployment, and homelessness from our society, and providing compassionate care to orphans and those suffering from serious illnesses such as HIV and AIDS and TB," Premier noted.
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
E-mail: sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za
For pre-media (radio and print) interviews contact:
Rev Selby Khumalo
Cell: 083 633 9404
For media RSVPs contact:
Jeff Hassan
Cell: 082 884 1872
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
14 September 2009
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za)
