South Africa’s Deputy President Shipokosa Mashatile will meet with inter-faith leaders in the Western Cape on Friday as part of national efforts to promote social cohesion and address developmental challenges facing the country, the Union Buildings has announced
The engagement in Cape Town follows up on a decision from the September 2023 national Inter-Faith Dialogue to enhance coordination between government and faith communities at the provincial level, said a statement issued by the presidency on Thursday May 2.
“In South Africa, the faith communities have always taken a leading role on matters that affect the welfare and well-being of the nation,” the Presidency stated in a media advisory.
During Friday’s dialogue at the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel, the Deputy President is expected to reaffirm government’s commitment to work closely with religious leaders in tackling various social ills plaguing the Western Cape and the rest of the country.
Mashatile will be joined by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu and other senior officials from the national government.
The faith community has historically played an influential role in South African society, advocating for justice, equality and moral leadership. Saturday’s meeting aims to build on that engagement between government and civil society.
Key issues expected to be discussed include poverty alleviation, crime prevention, youth development, and promoting greater social cohesion in the diverse communities of the Western Cape.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has made nation-building and unity a main focus since taking office in 2018. The meeting forms part of his administration’s efforts to have an “ongoing dialogue” with religious leaders across South Africa’s nine provinces.
Media have been invited to cover the event beginning at 9am. The Presidency’s spokesperson is Keith Khoza.
