By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Thursday called on the church to come back to the preservation, protection as well promotion of the history and heritage of Youth Ethical Leadership, participation and involvement.
The Convernor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said civil society led movement advocating the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu urged churches to use their 16 June and Fathers’ Day services to pray for young people as it launches its Youth dialogues under the theme: “30 years of Democracy: Youth Reflections & Refocus-The South Africa We want”.
“The class of 1976 was supported by the clergy and the church. The likes of Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Rev Frank Chikane, Sister Bernard Ncube, Rev Bayers Naude, Rev Motlalepula Chabaku, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, among others who were at the forefront of protecting the youth against a ruthless and repressive apartheid state in the aftermath of the historic June 16 uprisings and during the struggle pre-1994,” he said.
Kgwele further said the church is well-placed to lead inter-generational prayer for the youth and reunite sons with their fathers.
He added that as per the MRM National Programme, the province will also host Hector Pietersen Memorial Lecture and Empowerment Exhibitions in partnership with Matlosana Local Municipality and Office of the Premier Directorate Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration on 21 June 2024, at the Abundant Life Outreach International Church 21596 Benji Oliphant Road, Extension 8 in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp to kickstart youth dialogues for inputs to the SA Youth Development Charter.
“We cannot afford to lose our youth to hopelessness, moral decay, drugs, substance abuse, teenage pregnancies gangsterism and crime.
“The journey to retrace the spiral of youth resistance from Soweto on June 16 to Jouberton Township on June 23 and Montshiwa Township on August 8, must inspire the current generation of young people and rekindle the spirit of activism,” said Kgwele.
He said this will redefine their historic mission as they advance towards the 50th Youth Day Commemoration in 2026.
The Guardian 