31 Aug 2020

Prayer without the backing of actual actions is not enough to help the nation defeat challenges bedeviling it, says Jwaneng mayor, Ms Olga Ditsie.

   Speaking at the launch of month of prayer in Jwaneng Sunday, Ms Ditsie therefore appealed to the nation to back prayers with actions for a positive outcome against pandemics, gender based violence (GBV) and other societal ills.

She noted that Botswana was currently ranked the second highest globally in GBV cases warning that the state of affairs was likely to tarnish the name of the country internationally and scare away potential investors.

It was a pity, she said, that most Batswana took GBV issues lightly.

 “People often look at statistics and think that the situation is not that bad, but until it gets to your door it is then that you will realize that even a single case is a cause for concern,” said Ms Ditsie.

Turning to faith matters, the Jwaneng mayor said government recognised the church as one of the foundations of the nation, hence turning to it every September to assist with prayers against challenges.

She said plans were afoot to make October a month of thanksgiving. 

“When you pray, it is only right that you should also appreciate when your prayers are answered. In the past, we have prayed for things such as smooth running of our elections, which has been realized, so it is only right that we should accordingly give thanks,” she said.

Ms Ditsie called on the Jwaneng community to be on guard due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in the mining town and cautioned against unnecessary movement.

In her welcome remarks, Kgosi Salang Khumalo of Jwaneng said the nation should intensify prayers due to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families should also make praying at home a habit, she said.

In addition, Kgosi Khumalo said Batswana should be thankful for the relatively low COVID-19 casualties and positive cases recorded in the country.

Jwaneng deputy district commissioner, Mr Lesang Kgomoetsile encouraged people to not only pray but to believe in what they prayed for. BOPA