Prayer event not political – despite JZ’s presence
THE National Interfaith Council of South Africa (Nicsa) said that its nation-building prayer this weekend in Phoenix, aimed at forging social cohesion between African and Indian communities, is not a political event – despite former president Jacob Zuma being invited.
The religious organisation was one of several groupings that turned out in solidarity for the ousted former head of state as he appeared on trial at the Durban High Court in April, and again in June.
Nicsa’s Bishop Bernard Coopasamy said that they also hoped to invite King Goodwill Zwelithini and another recognised Indian figure to their future events, to engage with the black and Indian communities.
“We would love for the king to come to Chatsworth, Phoenix, Wentworth and other places, because he is our king and because we respect him as we respect all our leaders.
“Because this was our first project, we had to make decisions based on availability of potential guests, and invite them,” Coopasamy said.
The first leg of the Nation Building Prayer will be held in Phoenix today, with Minority Front leader Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi set to join Zuma. The prayer will head to Chatsworth the following Saturday.
The prayer had been set to begin in Chatsworth last Saturday, and end in Phoenix tomorrow, however, the passing of Zuma’s son, Vusi, two weeks ago saw the events postponed.
Coopasamy said that their idea to rope in Zuma and Rajbansi was borne from the manner in which the two leaders resonated with the black and Indian communities respectively.
“When you look at Mrs Rajbansi, what goes through your mind? You think of Indian people.
“When we talk of Jacob Zuma, what goes through your mind? Zulu people.
“We believe that through prayer and programmes like this, where we have the black, Indian, coloured and white communities coming together to pray, we can have social cohesion, respect each other’s religions and the spirit of Ubuntu,” Coopasamy said.
He said the prayer was only the beginning of a rollout of programmes that Nicsa intended to launch in its bid to enhance social cohesion and moral regeneration.
“On Saturday, we hope to see this as building a foundation where can come together as diverse communities and we believe that this will be a success because we have God who is a part of it,” Coopasamy added.