03 Oct 2013

Some Batawana tribal leaders have raised a concern about the alarming rate at which churches in the district are mushrooming.

They made a concern during a closing ceremony of Month of Prayer where different churches converged at the main kgotla to pray for challenges faced by the country.

They expressed a concern noting that there are over 100 churches registered and most of them are not cooperative as they do not participate in community activities. Speaking on behalf of the acting paramount Chief, Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo took a swipe at some Pentecostal churches saying that most of them do not take part in community activities despite efforts made to invite them.

He said only spiritual churches were coming forth whenever called to partner with the community and while it is disturbing as most Pentecostal churches keep cropping up time and again although without cooperation with the society. He said that though it is without a doubt that the society has to be God fearing it  also becomes an impediment for development and peace if churches continue to mushroom all over the place.

Kgosi Ledimo said what they are doing is against the will of God and urged churches to cooperative and serve the nation as a team. He assured all churches who participate in community activities a great support from the tribal authority. Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe shared the same sentiments noting that the situation is worrisome. He said it is disturbing as some churches use the name of God to rip people of their hard earned cash or valuables.

He noted that that despite the laid down procedure for churches to be registered, some choose to operate without licences. Kgosi Letsholathebe said government continues to look up to the church to do more in addressing societal challenges such as poverty, HIV and AIDS, domestic violence as well as substance abuse  especially by the youth 

He called on the church to increasingly provide spiritual guidance and prayers to win the battle noting that their prayers would be answered. Giving an overview about the HIV/AIDS in the district, the assistant district AIDS coordinator, Mr Shathiso Daki said the prevalence rate was at 19.8 per cent while the reproductive age prevalence rate is 27 per cent and 4.76 per cent for the incidence rate.

He said low HIV testing in the district has decreased from 16116 in 2010 to 12573 in 2011. Mr Daki also observed that high number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) was a concern noting that 9297 cases had been recorded of which 3021 are males and 6276 are females.

He said teenage pregnancy and low uptake of Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) are also a problem in the district.

He mentioned some of the interventions in place such as school based awareness on STIs and HIV transmission, continuous health education on the importance of HIV testing and some campaigns on condom education. Mr Daki appealed to churches to augment the government in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He appreciated their role and urged them to do more by coming up with new interventions.

“The government has done a lot and it is upon the churches to show their contribution,” he added.

He urged churches to break the silence and denial surrounding the existence of HIV in communities through prayers.

Councillor Botshelobokae Ramasu said world is sick today with social ills because people do not follow instructions according to the Bible and hence promoting evil. “All challenges facing our nation are due to our sins and it is time we change and do things according to the will of God,” she added.

Cllr Ramasu said that is disturbing and urged believers and the community at large to stop the situation the nation found itself in. She advised all believers to live according to the Word of God adding that as a nation, we may take pride in the fact that we enjoy peace, stability and unity. ENDS