08 Oct 2020

 The chairperson of Ministers Fraternal in Serowe, Bishop Morategi Selapa has reaffirmed the churches’ commitment in the fight against coronavirus, HIV/AIDS and gender based violence.

He said COVID-19, gender based violence (GBV) and HIV/AIDS pandemic had negative impact on the functioning of societies, as well as many sectors of the economy.

Bishop Selepa was speaking at the closure of the month of prayer at Mabeleapudi on Wednesday. 

The 2020 theme was; God Cares, Gives Hope and Assurance that with Prayer All Pestilence May be Defeated.’

He encouraged leadership and church goers to join hands in prayer against Covid-19, GBV and HIV/AIDS, saying the churches were concerned about the rate at which domestic violence was increasing, citing rape, murder and teenage pregnancy. 

Bishop Selapa said COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS had changed people’s way of life and the running of the economy, therefore people needed to change the way of doing things.

He called on church leaders and the nation to always adhere to all laid out COVID-19 protocols and use different community structures to teach people about the prevention and spread of COVID-19.

Bishop Selepa said coronavirus pandemic was spreading rapidly on a global scale, saying it had significant impact on social life, including religious life.

He assured the village leadership that they had taken the decision to take a lead in combating coronavirus and HIV/AIDS, which he said was inspired by their conviction around human dignity and hope in God, whom they all serve.

Bishop Selapa slammed some church leaders who sexually harassed female church mates.

For his part  public health nurse from District Health Management Team (DHMT), Mr Moagi Baasi said Serowe/Palapye DHMT had registered 33 Coronavirus cases.

He expressed concern about some members of the community who still took the situation lightly, thereby putting other peoples’ lives in danger.

He said in some areas, social distancing was not observed at funerals and traditional celebrations, where cooking was also being done for attendants, he said.

Mr Baasi pleaded with the public to desist from cooking at weddings and funerals and urged relevant authorities to enforce the law.

He further stated that 13 756 people had tested positive for HIV/AIDS and they had been enrolled for treatment.

The coordinator of Botswana Christian AIDS Intervention Programme (BOCAIP) based in Serowe, Ms Oratile Rantshee said the main objective of the month of prayer was to collectively reflect on the situation of HIV and AIDS as a nation and seek God’s guidance and strength.

She also said it was to appreciate efforts made so far by the nation in response to the HIV and AIDS situation and thus praise God for strength and provision as well as to remember all those directly affected and pray that God help them to be continually hopeful.  Ends