The faith based sector plays a critical role in building communities and this sector should continue contributing to social development, says President Jacob Zuma.
Speaking to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Giyani, Limpopo on Sunday, Zuma thanked the role played by churches in building communities, while also lauding them for the positive contribution they made in the fight against HIV and Aids.
"The church or faith-based sector play a critical role in building our communities.
"In this country in particular, during the most difficult days of apartheid colonialism, the church played a critical role in providing education through mission schools. This was a very important contribution to nation building and human resource development," said Zuma.
The Evangelical Presbyterian church as well has been very active in education and health issues, he added.
"We urge the church to continue playing this important role of contribution to social development in a meaningful way, said the President.
He said the church had established several schools and hospitals including the Shulibani Hospital and Lemana College and Lemana secondary, which were attended by Mozambican leader Eduardo Mondlane.
"We thank the church in our country and in the SADC region as a whole for the positive contribution to the fight against HIV and Aids. This region has felt the impact of the pandemic over the past few years with many people dying. Families had to be assisted by churches to care for the sick during emotionally draining times. The situation is still serious in the region, but we are making progress," he explained.
Zuma called on people to work together to prevent the spread of the virus and to support those living with the virus.
He said government cannot play the role of nation building alone.
