eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and Speaker Thabani Nyawose carrying a cross from Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre to the City Hall as part of commemorating Good Friday.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Media
Deputy President Paul Mashatile called on the church and government to work together to address the country’s challenges as he attended the Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church’s Easter Friday service at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
Speaking alongside church leaders, Mashatile emphasised that a strong partnership between faith and state is essential to tackle issues like crime, violence, and service delivery, and to improve life for all South Africans.
He was among several politicians attending worship services of different denominations across the country, primarily to hear the sermon delivered by church leader Bishop Marcelo Pires.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli started his day on Friday by attending Diakonia Council of Churches’ Good Friday prayer service, which started at about 6am at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and ended at the City Hall.
In the Durban event, Ntuli was accompanied by Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, and the city’s Speaker Thabani Nyawose.
At Ellis Park, Mashatile was accompanied by his wife Humile, former ANC Women’s League president Bathabile Dlamini, and City of Johannesburg Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku.
Mashatile pleaded with God to help the country deal with its challenges.
“I want to say to Bishop that the government and the church must work together as we are busy trying to resolve the problem of the country,
“As we are trying to resolve the problem of electricity and water, the government and church must work together.”
He said the unity between the church and the government would be able to win the fight against crime, violence, gangsterism, and gender-based violence.
“Because when we partner and hold each other’s hands, there is nothing that can defeat us. We need to unite and stand together because if we are divided, we shall fall,” he said.
He pledged that the government will continue to work with the church.
“The Bishop reminded me this morning that the first time he met me was eight years ago here (Ellis Park), and I said to him that yes, I remember, and I don’t want to come only when we have the function at Ellis Park, and he said I can also come to Soweto.
“Therefore, we are going to be with you, as I was saying to the Bishop that I am enjoying myself so much today,” said Mashatile.
He described himself as a man of God who frequents various churches, as they all follow one God.
Outside the Durban City Hall, Ntuli told hundreds of members of various denominations affiliated to the Diakonia Council of Church that they should use the commemoration of Easter Weekend to address poverty and inequality.
“It calls for us to extend a hand to those who are suffering.
“As we witness poverty, inequality and the effect of injustice, let us strive to be the inspirers of new hope by working towards a society that reflects the divine love we celebrate today,” said Ntuli.
He said God blessed KwaZulu-Natal with cultural, social, and spiritual diversity, which he said was the province’s strength, providing people with the opportunity to learn from one another and work together toward a common vision.
“It is essential that we embrace our differences and unite in the spirit of cooperation and understanding to build a brighter future for all. As we celebrate Easter, let us also remember those who are most in need, marginalised, or forgotten.
“We must continue to advocate for justice and equality, and ensure that each voice is heard and valued, especially the voice of a woman who is subjected to gender-based violence and femicide,” said Ntuli.
Ntuli also attended Shri Mariammen Temple Society in Mt Edgecombe, Durban North, African Gospel Church Passover Conference at City Centre Port Dunford in Mpangeni, north coast, and ended the day at the Fruit that Remains Passover Convention at Esikhaleni TVET College, which is also in Empangeni.
KwaZulu-Natal ANC Provincial Task Team leaders also visited various church events across the province.
They include its provincial coordinator, Mike Mabuyakhulu, who was at Eshowe and Esikhaleni, and second deputy convenor, Weziwe Thusi, in Ixopo.