The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) joined hands with Apostolic religious leaders for a prayer meeting to ask for spiritual help and pray for free and peaceful national elections coming up in May.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi, together with MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomomo-Ralehoko, who’s also in charge of Faith-Based Organisations (FBO), attend the meeting on Sunday at the Change Bible Church in Katlehong.
They know that religious leaders play a big role in teaching people about important things like respect and peace, especially during elections.
At the meeting, Bishop Lebina from the Apostolic Church talks about the need for peace and respect among political parties during elections. He reminds everyone about the problems in the past, like violence and insults, and says we need unity to get through this election time peacefully.
“We’re facing a hard time with the elections. In the past, there has been fighting, intolerance, and bad talk. We’re here to pray for the elections, for people to respect each other, and to give each other strength as South Africans,” says Lebina.
He also praises the GPG for things like creating jobs for young people and dealing with the energy crisis. But he asks the government to help churches too, especially with things like finding land to build churches and treating all churches fairly.
“As the Apostolic church, we’ve been left out for a long time. Other churches get opportunities, but what about us? We apply for land to build churches, but we don’t get it. But we all have the same vote in this country,” says the bishop.
Premier Lesufi listens to Lebina’s worries and promises help from the government. He also asks churches to work with the government to fight against drugs among young people because it’s destroying their future.
“I beg you to join hands with us to save our children. Drugs are ruining their lives. We need to fight together against this. Our kids should be in church, not in bars,” says Lesufi.
He also says they’ll make unused schools and land available for churches, and they’ll start a training program for unemployed people in April 2024.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko talks about the importance of praying as the country gets ready for the elections.
“As we get ready for the elections, we need to pray for guidance. This election is about our future. We have many challenges, and the choices we make will affect the next generation,” says the MEC.