Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his well wishes to faith communities as the rare coincidence of Lent and Ramadan occurs this year. The overlap of these two significant religious observances has been noted as a powerful reminder of the shared principles that unite different faith traditions.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of this overlap, stating, "The start of the Lent period coinciding with the start of Ramadan is a rare occurrence that, at the same time, is a powerful reminder of the deep commonality of faith traditions." Both Lent and Ramadan encourage introspection, discipline, humility, generosity, and care for society's most vulnerable, values that are much needed in today's fractured world, he noted.

Lent, observed by Christians, is a season of fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes just before Easter. Similarly, Ramadan is a period of fasting and community observed by Muslims, which will conclude on March 19. The President emphasized the constitutional protection of all faiths in South Africa, stating that no South African should face marginalization or persecution for their beliefs.

President Ramaphosa further urged all South Africans to unite in solidarity during this spiritually significant time for both Christian and Muslim communities. "At this time of great spiritual significance for our Christian and Muslim brethren, I call on all South Africans to rally in solidarity and hold fast to the unity that defines us as a people," he said.