Moral regeneration and social cohesion drive should be approached from a people centred point of view, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe asserted on the first day of the Provincial Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Summit that commenced in Mahikeng on Monday.

“Moral cohesion is a function of better life for all because if we don’t address the material condition of our people, they will forever wallow in poverty and abject conditions,” said Patron of Moral Regeneration Movement Deputy President Motlanthe in responding to issues that emerged from the panel discussions.

Motlanthe called on South Africans to stop using poverty as an excuse to commit crimes, adding that there was no reason why people should resort to crime because of their economic conditions.

“Culture is a historical phenomenon which is driven by the manner in which society produces and distributes the means to support life,” said Motlanthe.

The Deputy President also encouraged uncircumcised men to get circumcised because it has been proven that male circumcision reduces the rate of sexually transmitted infections.

In responding to a concern about continued oppression of women raised by former Member of Parliament and representative of the Progress Women’s Movement, Lorna Maloney, Premier called on women to make a stand against any form of abuse irrespective of their economic condition.

Premier Modise said there is a need for a paradigm shift as some people seem to think that women can only be successful if they are married or involved with men.

“The problem is that some people still think that women do not have value until they are attached to men. No woman should stay in any form of abusive relationship just because they feel that the men could provide them financially, said Modise.

She said that the provincial government was serious about the issues of equality, fairness, and human rights, and will stop at nothing in ensuring that everyone in the province is treated fairly and receives the same kind of services.

“The citizens of this province are morally obliged to create a society that will reflect the ideals that subscribe to our freedom, democracy, political stability, social security and Sound moral values,” highlighted Modise.
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