Pretoria: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called for stronger partnerships between government and faith-based organisations to address unemployment, crime, inequality, poverty, and other challenges facing South African communities. Lesufi was delivering the keynote address on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the United Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) Southern Synod Day 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event was held at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus on Sunday. Lesufi emphasized that the annual commemoration is more than an occasion for worship and fellowship, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the shared responsibility of government, churches, and communities to build a society founded on justice, peace, human dignity, and prayer. He invoked the philosophical principle known as 'Chesterton's Fence', which warns against removing established institutions or practices without first understanding their purpose and value.
Speaking under the theme: 'Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set,' Lesufi said the message is a reminder of where the country comes from, and all the struggles the nation encountered in the past and overcame. He highlighted 'Ubuntu' as a moral landmark to be preserved and passed on to future generations, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual care.
Lesufi warned that rapid technological advancement risked eroding cultural and social values if modernisation was not balanced with respect for traditional values. He stressed the importance of preserving cultural landmarks to ensure that modern progress does not erase traditional values of respect, humanity, compassion, accountability, and the shared responsibility of uplifting communities.
The Premier stated that the country's challenges, including unemployment, crime, inequality, and poverty, require collective action, with faith-based organisations playing an important role alongside government. He acknowledged the contribution of these organisations in raising awareness about gender-based violence, bringing opportunities closer to communities, restoring hope and unity, and supporting vulnerable people.
He called for a greater focus on young people and other previously marginalised groups, suggesting that churches and other places of worship can become platforms for economic inclusion. He proposed transforming places of worship into hubs for skills training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship mentorship to address poverty, restore hope, and tackle substance abuse.
Lesufi emphasized that collaboration between government and faith-based organisations must be underpinned by transparency and mutual accountability. He urged both parties to ensure that public and social resources are used for community upliftment and the protection of vulnerable people. He also called on citizens to become active participants in improving their communities, reporting gender-based violence incidents, supporting local entrepreneurs, and holding local leaders accountable.
The Premier welcomed URCSA's commitment to sustainable community outreach, youth and women's ministry development, and poverty alleviation.
