Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Honourable Des van Rooyen, delivered a key note address at Mmakau Village, in the North West Province during the occasion of the Bi-Centenary of the Foundation of Stigmatine Fathers. The Minister praised the role of the religious in our developing democracy, which dates back years when churches played a significant role in the struggle for liberation.
They have for years been at the forefront in all the political struggles of our country. During the anti-apartheid struggle, they fought for social and economic justice and they have also been torch-bearers in education.
“With the church marking such an important milestone, this is also a moment for self-enlightenment about how such an institution can contribute to the development of our communities”, said Minister van Rooyen.
The Minister appreciated the invitation that the church extended to government, to be part of this important celebrations. This is further testament that government and the church have to continue working together as partners who share a common vision to create a better society. The Minister indicated that our country can advanced at a much faster pace, and if all of us can make an input in ensuring that we build a country and the society that will be able to advance and move our country forward.
Through all our plans, we have continued consulting all stakeholders including the religious sector. The Minister indicated that even with the finalisation of the National Development Plan, government consulted with the religious formations, among many other stakeholders, because they are one sector that can give us an all-embracing picture about the needs of the society, without being side-tracked by partisan views and interests.
“The Minister also appreciated the missionary education and a significant it played role during the apartheid era to assuage the effects of Bantu education in communities and provided good quality education, especially to the black majority who were excluded”, said the Minister. Most political leaders and those from other sectors of our society have been greatly influenced and socialised by missionary education which became the oases of good education.
The Minister commended the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata (CSS) for the various projects that they undertook in the communities since their arrival a little over fifty years ago in Mmakau. This church has over the years been an integral part of the communities around Brits, Winterveldt and the townships of Ga-Rankuwa and Mabopane. In addition, the church has built churches, clinics, old-age homes for the poor communities and schools which have changed communities across the country.
“This church demonstrated its responsiveness to the needs and challenges of various segments of our population, most critically the youth who are in a stage where they needed a focused guidance.
“The fact that you are rooted in communities is an important element that made it easy for you to engage and understand the needs of communities you have diligently served for decades”, said Minister van Rooyen.
As government, we commended the Church for the role they play in developing society and urged them to continue assisting those in need of help.
Enquiries:
Legadima Leso
COGTA Communications
Cell: 083 378 9495
