In a historical move, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the church sector on 29 August to address social ills.
The Premier signed an agreement with the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council (KZN CC) aimed at eradicating a slew of social ills facing the province.
The move hopes to see the two parties work in partnership to address crime, poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and moral decline challenges.
Concerted efforts between the collaborators are set to address four key pillars. This is how matters are set to be tackled:
- Food security – advocating for community-based agriculture programmes by way of setting up gardens on church and residential land. The government’s support will include fencing, seeds, tools, and technical assistance.
- Crime fighting and survivor support – launching peacebuilding programmes to 11 municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. Offering victims of crime psychosocial services and legal advice.
- Shelter and Rehabilitation for the Homeless – utilising government buildings that may not be in use as a haven for the homeless. Also, using church facilities for shelter, rehabilitation programmes, and reintegration initiatives.
- Moral Regeneration and Community Mobilisation – engaging with relevant provincial government departments to deliver community-based engagement and social renewal initiatives that are faith-led.
Large following of Church Council will help fight social ills
The KwaZulu-Natal legislature believes that with a following of over 3.4 million, the KZN CC is ideally positioned to garner grassroots support and drive meaningful community-based transformation.
Premier Ntuli said: “This is a bold step towards restoring the moral compass of our society. The church has always been a beacon of hope and healing. Through this agreement, we are empowering it to lead in rebuilding communities and fostering peace and dignity across KwaZulu-Natal.”
The Premier indicated that the MOU signified a call to action among leadership, faith, and civic responsibility to unite and “reshape the future of the province.”
He further indicated the KwaZulu-Natal government’s commitment to collaborating with diverse sectors to build safe, resilient, and morally grounded communities.
Do you believe a partnership will this Church Council will overcome social ills?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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