20 Sep 2016

The government recognises churches as critical development partners in combating poverty, reducing crime and moulding good societal moral behaviours, the Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi has said.

Speaking at a Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) event in Mogoditshane on September 18, he said although the government was aware that the principal role of the church was to cater for the spiritual needs of its members, it was also cognisant of the fact that churches must play their role as the conscience of the society it operates in.

“To this extent, we expect the church to constructively advice the state to ensure that the state is alive to issues impacting on the moral health of the nation. We therefore expect the church to speak out,” said Mr Molefhi.

The minister said the history of Botswana was intertwined with Christianity and that many schools and health facilities were built by the Christian community.

He said the role of the church was exemplified by AFM, not only in Mogoditshane, but throughout Botswana. 

Mr Molefhi also commended AFM for its community projects such as building houses for the needy, environmental cleanliness and counselling.

Mr Molefhi commended the church for embracing the latest technology to interact and share the apostolic faith not only with members, but also with the public at large.

“As a minister responsible for science and technology, I must congratulate AFM Mogoditshane for taking a deliberate step to embracing technology. You have a functioning and up to date website, as well as APP through which you interact with your members. This is the way to go. You are also helping us as government to raise a technology savvy nation,” he said.

He also said, ‘Churches are critical partners in fighting negative social ills, alcoholism and crime and as such government will continue support church movement efforts towards nation building efforts.’

He said the society face many challenges, and government would forever be grateful for the work intended to address such needs.

The minister said the development was a call on government to reflect on its role in relation to church, because with no enabling environment, the church would find it difficult to operate in society. 

He however said government had always been supportive of the church existence.

He cited that, ‘In our land policy, we have always ensured that churches are given land to build. Our laws provides for proper governance of churches as public institutions.’ ENDS