Churches addressing metro unemployment and poverty

OUR country has arrived at a crossroad. Poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth, are at explosive levels.

In 2016 author, entrepreneur and political commentator Moeletsi Mbeki predicted what he termed a “hidden low-intensity civil war” would escalate into full-scale civil unrest.

What is clear from the shenanigans in the Nelson Mandela Bay council is that the politicians will never solve our problems while they continue to focus on wresting power from each other in their narcissistic power games.

The time has come for every church and congregant to get involved!

Most churches have resources. For example, a large number of church buildings stand empty for 90% of the week.

They could be used as skills and training centres or house small businesses like sewing cooperatives.

And every Sunday, an enormous reservoir of talent and skills can be found in the pews.

Many have the time and ability to get involved in assisting the unemployed and poor to equip themselves for that promised better life.

There are many examples of successful and readily available courses being offered by churches and NGOs, such as ABCD, Siya Sebenza, Isivuno and Farming God’s Way. But we need more. The Ikhala Trust and the Nelson Mandela Bay church leaders are organising a “follow-up” unemployment and poverty workshop at the South End Museum on Thursday, May 17.

The objectives are to obtain feedback from current participants and motivate other like-minded people, in every municipal ward in our metro, to connect and network in order to make a difference in the lives of the unemployed and poor in the metro.

We invite interested individuals or groups from churches, business, education, government, the NGO sector and civil society to join us.

For more information and to book your free seat for Thursday’s event, please contact Transformation Christian Network on 083-659-2748 or Anathi Magongo on (041) 582-3750.