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Date : 05/12/2004
Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Title: Makwetla: Inter-Denominational Churches’ Conference


Remarks by Premier Thabang Makwetla at the Inter-Denominational Churches’ Conference, Siyabuswa

Master of ceremonies
Church leaders
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen.

I feel extremely honoured to be part of your conference; honoured because, like you, government recognises the central role that the churches, mosques and temples can, and must, play in fighting poverty and under-development in our communities.

In South Africa, it is important to acknowledge the role that the churches have played as agents of social change and transformation in pursuit of freedom and the creation of a human rights culture. Some religious leaders were persecuted, driven from their people, jailed and even killed. But you persevered because you knew that the road, on which we had set ourselves, was the right one. And we thank you for that.

Ladies and gentlemen, in the history and development of nations in the world, religion has in many ways formed the basis for defining social consciousness and value systems that shape the identity of people as a nation.

It has defined a sense of worth and a collective sense of destiny and self-determination. In many instances, religion shaped the evolution and nature of the political landscape, the design of governance systems and the moral foundation of societies.

In some unfortunate developments in the history of nations, religion has also formed the basis for theories supporting exclusionism and discriminatory practices that seek to alienate and define as sub-human those individuals or groups that happen not to share the beliefs of what is considered ‘mainstream’ religion in any given definition of nationhood.

For instance, the notion ‘ethnic cleansing’ that characterises the nature of some political conflicts in the world today is in part a result of differences in religious beliefs and value systems and failure to tolerate religious diversity and equality.

All of us here today, black and white, still bear the scars of South Africa’s recent past – a past where religion was abused to justify the discrimination of others. All that has changed. For the first time in the country’s history, we have a Constitution that recognises the cultural and religious diversity of our society. And no one religion enjoys privilege above all others. South Africans are now free to follow the dictates of their conscience.

This state of affairs, of course, brings with it enormous responsibilities. For one, it means that those who practice their religion or observe their cultural rituals must do so with due regard for the rights of others. They must learn about and come to understand the significance of the religious and cultural lives of their neighbours. Cultural diversity is best practiced in an environment where there is tolerance and mutual respect.

The Constitution affirms that South Africa is a state founded on the values of “human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedom…” The relationship between values and religious beliefs has to be mutually reinforcing. Religion often brings with it certain ethical values and norms. In other words, religion cannot simply be confined to the performance of rituals. It is pre-eminently a matter of lifestyle as well.

The intention to do well, which lies behind all religions, ought to be the value system that shapes one’s life. Because of this supposition, a guide about religious and cultural observance in South Africa needs to be developed. It will serve as an educational and informational tool.

It will help South Africans to be conscious of the richness and glorious diversity that is a gift to our country. Such a guide will also enhance respect for human rights.

Programme Director, it was made explicitly clear to us that because this event is organised by the Department of Justice, we must not fail to bring in the aspect of Justice and the Constitution. Although significant progress has been made in restructuring and transforming our society and its institutions, systemic inequalities and unfair discrimination remain deeply embedded in social structures, practices and attitudes, thus undermining the aspirations of our Constitutional democracy.

It is therefore essential that the State, civil society and the church among others co-operate and collaborate with each other in working towards the entrenchment of our fledgling democracy. Let me hasten to point out that although religious organisations and the State should collaborate on matters of mutual interest, it is not expected of religious organisations to enforce legislation. Government and its structures must enforce legislation.

Religious organisations must not only promote and propagate compliance with and adherence to legislation, but must also actively create an environment that is conducive for compliance with and adherence to legislation by promoting and enhancing the values of fairness, even-handedness, reasonableness, non-discrimination and no bias.

Through the co-operation, assistance and guidance of our religious organisations, we must strive to attain a society, which has a sound and strong moral basis.

People should adhere to and comply with legislation, not because they have to, but because they want to. Adherence to, and compliance with legislation, should become a natural extension of the principles, beliefs and values of the individuals concerned and the way they conduct their lives.

That is why I would like to take this opportunity to urge the churches and other religious organisations represented here today, to actively encourage their members to adopt sound moral principles.

They must adopt and practise the values of fairness, tolerance, respect for others, even-handedness, reasonableness and non-discrimination.

My leaders, your sector must play an important role in ensuring that we improve people’s access to government information so that citizens are aware of their rights and take advantage of opportunities provided by 10 years of freedom and democracy. Your sector must also help us to expand the opportunities to build a better life for all, which we have been doing for the past decade.

As we continue to deepen democracy in a Developmental State and address poverty, unemployment, disease and underdevelopment, constructive partnerships between churches and the Government are necessary to create a caring Nation. We must continue to create a Nation that takes care of the poor, the elderly, children, women and people with disabilities.

We must strengthen and encourage churches to participate in public service delivery. Government and churches must undertake joint programmes aimed at alleviating the plight of needy communities.

Churches are better positioned in playing a critical role in strengthening the moral fibre of society and enhancing a culture of respect for human rights. Government has prioritised Moral Regeneration as one of the key programmes where it seeks partnerships in ensuring that the implementation of these programmes is successful. The partnership between churches and the government will go a long way in dealing with problems of domestic violence and the abuse of women and children.

Churches must contribute to the strengthening of the family as a foundation of moral consciousness of a caring society. Stronger families make better communities and a moral Nation.

South Africa has joined the rest of the world in marking 16 days of activism to end violence against women and children, which ends on Friday. As churches you must help us to ensure that the voices of the majority of men are heard on this matter, and that efforts be made to challenge notions of 'manhood' which condone violence and abuse.

But I must hasten to add that the majority of men are not abusive in their relationships. As a church we must ensure that the work to end violence against women and children forms part of the broader effort to tackle violence and criminality within society.

The HIV and AIDS pandemic have devastating impact on communities. A constructive partnership between government and the churches will ensure that churches can contribute in building social values that contribute to changing behaviours that result in the spread of HIV and AIDS. Churches have a major role in the moral development of our communities so that we create a healthy society.

Government can promote the values of the Constitution and create laws to protect citizens' rights. Government can provide more households with electricity and water; it can provide resources and introduce quality health care as well as comprehensive plans to fight HIV and AIDS; improve school infrastructure and put aside money for social grants. But for all these programmes to succeed requires public servants who serve the people with respect and efficiency, and active citizenship and a spirit of responsibility and volunteerism amongst all of us. The majority of our public servants are members of your churches.

The success of all these measures depends however on the cooperation and participation of all stakeholders, from the private sector to organised labour, from institutions of learning to the public servants who need to implement much of this work. It depends on the contribution that every community and every citizen makes in building a people's contract to build a better life for all South Africans.

As we go into 2005, we must continue to do everything possible to push back the frontiers of poverty and expand access to a better life for all, and to realise the people-centred progress we have to achieve.

I thank you

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
5 December 2004

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