Deputy President Mashatile spoke at the Thanksgiving celebration at the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ, emphasizing the important link between religion and politics. He called for inclusivity and unity in addressing societal challenges like gender-based violence and HIV infection rates among the youth. Mashatile also encouraged the Church to educate its members about safe sex and the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 elections. Overall, the celebration highlighted the progress made by South Africa as a nation and the role of the Church in promoting social cohesion and addressing social problems.
Deputy President Mashatile delivered a meaningful address at the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ Thanksgiving Celebration, highlighting the inseparable bond between church and politics and the significant role of the church in achieving democratic freedom. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and joint efforts in addressing societal challenges, including gender-based violence, quality education access, and the high HIV infection rate among the youth. Mashatile encouraged the Church to participate in imparting knowledge about safe sex and educate their members about the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The Twelve Apostles Church in Christ (TACC) hosted a stunning spectacle of faith and unity during their International Thanksgiving Day celebration. This event was honored with the presence of Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile. Mashatile, who is a son to a Bishop and a Sunday school teacher in his own right, shared his thoughts and beliefs with the congregation during his meaningful address.
Invited by Chief Apostle, Professor Caesar Nongqunga, Mashatile expressed his delight at the invitation, showcasing a close connection between the two influential individuals. He was there not just as a political figure but as a fellow worshiper, immersing himself in the spiritual ambience of the Twelve Apostle Church of Christ.
In his address, Mashatile conveyed his thanksgiving to God and underlined the necessity of acknowledging the worth of our existence. This sentiment struck a chord with those present. He quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Despite the numerous hurdles South Africa is grappling with, Mashatile expressed his faith in God’s divine plans for the nation.
Thanksgiving Celebration: A Reflection of South Africa’s Progress
The celebration served as a prompt of the advancements South Africa has made as a nation, particularly the democratic freedom it now enjoys, which ensures everyone’s right to practice their religion free from fear. Although acknowledging the substantial progress South Africa has made over time, Mashatile also indicated that the path to absolute economic freedom for all its citizens continues.
Mashatile’s remarks brought to the foreground the inseparable bond that exists between the church and politics. He gratefully acknowledged the pivotal role the Church played during South Africa’s liberation struggle, which offered hope, help and refuge to those opposing the oppressive apartheid system during its darkest days.
The Church’s role extends beyond the achieving democratic freedom. It shoulders the duty of challenging social problems and improving the lives of the less privileged, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all. The Deputy President recognized the Church’s support in his official duties and expressed his gratitude for their solidarity.
Promoting Social Cohesion and Addressing Societal Challenges
In his plea for social harmony, Mashatile underscored the importance of inclusivity among individuals, transcending racial, religious, or cultural differences. He encouraged the active involvement of interfaith leaders in fostering social harmony and a strong sense of community unity.
Additionally, the Deputy President focused on the pressing issue of gender-based violence, calling upon the Church to voice the victims’ plight, stand firm against sexual violence, and safeguard women’s and children’s rights.
Mashatile also emphasized the requirement for joint efforts to address societal challenges like quality education access, unemployment, drug and substance abuse, crime, corruption, housing shortage, teenage pregnancy, and the high HIV infection rate among the youth. The responsibility to combat these issues is not the government’s sole obligation but extends to churches, communities, and traditional leaders too.
Highlighting the significance of sexual education, Mashatile urged the Church to participate in imparting knowledge about safe sex, especially due to the high HIV infection rates in young people.
As the 2024 elections draw near, Mashatile encouraged the Church to educate their members about the importance of voting and pray for a peaceful electoral process while maintaining South Africa’s democratic system.
Wrapping up his address, the Deputy President congratulated Chief Apostle Nongqunga on the Thanksgiving celebration and expressed hope for the Church’s prosperity.
Mashatile’s profound speech illuminated the mutually beneficial relationship between the Church and the State, a relationship that fosters the evolution of a harmonious and inclusive South Africa where citizens can flourish. This International Thanksgiving Day celebration was not merely an event but a rallying call for unity, responsibility, and progress for South Africa.
1. What was the message of Deputy President Mashatile’s address at the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ Thanksgiving Celebration?
Deputy President Mashatile spoke about the important link between religion and politics and called for inclusivity and unity in addressing societal challenges. He emphasized the Church’s role in promoting social cohesion and addressing social problems, such as gender-based violence and HIV infection rates among the youth.
2. What societal challenges did Deputy President Mashatile focus on in his address?
Deputy President Mashatile focused on gender-based violence, quality education access, high HIV infection rates among youth, unemployment, drug and substance abuse, crime, corruption, housing shortage, and teenage pregnancy.
3. What role does the Church play in addressing societal problems according to the Deputy President?
The Church shoulders the duty of challenging social problems and improving the lives of less privileged people, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all. The Deputy President recognized the Church’s support in his official duties and expressed his gratitude for their solidarity.
4. What was the significance of the International Thanksgiving Day celebration at the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ?
The celebration served as a prompt of the advancements South Africa has made as a nation, particularly the democratic freedom it now enjoys, which ensures everyone’s right to practice their religion free from fear. It was also a rallying call for unity, responsibility, and progress for South Africa.
5. Why did Deputy President Mashatile urge the Church to educate their members about safe sex and the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 elections?
Deputy President Mashatile highlighted the high HIV infection rates among the youth and the importance of South Africa’s democratic system. He encouraged the Church to participate in imparting knowledge about safe sex and educate their members about the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 elections.
6. What was Deputy President Mashatile’s message about social harmony and inclusivity?
Deputy President Mashatile underscored the importance of inclusivity among individuals, transcending racial, religious, or cultural differences. He encouraged the active involvement of interfaith leaders in fostering social harmony and a strong sense of community unity.
