Social Development Minister Dina Pule
Social Development Minister Dina Pule has called on churches and faith-based organisations to play a greater role in tackling South Africa’s social challenges and supporting vulnerable communities.
Pule, speaking on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, addressed the Church Leaders Gathering in Unity (CLGU) at the Future Africa Campus of the University of Pretoria on Saturday, September 5.
She said churches had played an important role in South Africa’s transition to democracy, particularly through reconciliation, peacebuilding and nation-building.
Pule highlighted the contribution of faith-based organisations through feeding schemes, shelters, community outreach, substance-abuse interventions and support for children, older people and people with disabilities.
She said collaboration between government, churches and communities was essential to address poverty, unemployment, inequality, gender-based violence, substance abuse, crime and the erosion of moral values.
“These challenges require more than government intervention alone; they require a united society, anchored in compassion, ethical leadership and active citizenship,” Pule said.
She urged churches to support efforts to reduce unemployment through skills development, entrepreneurship and job creation, while also helping people affected by alcohol and drug abuse.
Pule also condemned violence and vigilantism, referring to the recent death of a young man during a Spring Day celebration.
“No one deserves to die at the hands of another person. Equally, no one should take the law into their own hands,” she said.
She called on churches to promote dignity, respect and peaceful conflict resolution.
The gathering comes as South Africa commemorates 30 years of the Constitution, highlighting the continued need for unity and responsible citizenship.
