05 Sep 2022

The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) has been hailed for its contribution to the country’s development in areas of education, health and politics since its emergence in 1799.

The appreciation was rendered by the Jwaneng branch head, Reverend Cosmos Ngoreng after the completion of a 20km heritage walk on Saturday meant to raise funds for the financing and sustenance of various mission projects.

Reverend Ngoreng indicated that by such involvement in the national affairs, the UCCSA was living the biblical concept of “Fullness of life in Jesus Christ” which entails all aspects of life such as spiritual and socio-economic.

“One of the sectors that the church played a big role in since independence is the education sector,” he said.

He said the church assisted by establishing Moeding College in Otse and Maun Secondary School as well as over 20 primary schools across the country.

“The church has also been involved in community development works in areas such as human rights promotion, and ministry to the poor and those living with disabilities,” he said.

 Reverend said Lephoi Centre for the Blind in Francistown and Kgodisong Orphanage Care Centre in Kanye were also testimony to the church’s contribution.

In the health sector, he said that the practice of modern western medicine in Botswana could be traced back to the arrival of Reverend Dr David Livingstone in 1840.

“This was followed by the arrival of Reverend Dr Peter Sheppard, who pioneered the establishment of Scottish Livingstone Memorial Hospital in Molepolole,” he said.

Reverend Ngoreng however said it was sad that most of those mission infrastructures were dilapidated and costly to maintain hence the reason for the fundraising walk.

He said that the plan was for the heritage walk to be held on an annual basis.

For his part, Mr Thabiso Balang from T-Joint, a local tyre management company appreciated the gesture of unity by the church, which he said has the potential to achieve its desired goals.

“Team work  can bring good results, so it is a good thing to note that other branches came from across the country to support the Lephoi Jwaneng branch. I therefore encourage you to keep involving more members of the community,” he said.

Mr Balang also said that as a company, they would like to continue their partnership with UCCSA. T-Joint pledged P10 000 towards the walk.

For her part, church member, Ms Kgomotso Lesaba appreciated the organisers of the event and the participants for the support rendered. BOPA