22 Jun 2025

The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) recently held a heritage walk aimed at raising funds for the refurbishment of its historical buildings constructed in 1871.

This initiative seeks to preserve the church’s legacy for future generations. 

Speaking during the UCCSA Motswedi Heritage Walk in Kanye on Saturday, Reverend Cosmos Ngoreng explained that the Heritage Walk aimed to honor the church’s rich history while raising essential funds for its daily operations and maintenance.

Constructed in 1871 using reinforced mud bricks, the Kanye church has been recognised as a Heritage Site by National Museum and Art Gallery.

However, Reverend Ngoreng noted that the building was experiencing issues, including water seepage through the walls, which complicated maintenance due to its heritage status. He pointed out that inadequate upkeep, attributed to the contracted company, had exacerbated these problems.

Despite these challenges, Reverend Ngoreng urged congregants to value the church’s history, stressing that the structure had remained intact since its inception in 1871.

He spoke about the church’s pivotal role in the education sector, highlighting institutions such as Moeding College as key efforts in establishing strong foundations for knowledge and community development.

He also emphasised the church’s local impact through the Kgodisong Centre, which operated entirely under the church’s auspices. 

The event saw support from local leaders, including the chief walker of the UCCSA Motswedi Heritage Walk and Member of Parliament for Kanye East, Mr Prince Mosanana, who pledged P5 000 while Tomela Highlanders also contributed P1 200.

Mr Mosanana acknowledged the church’s role in addressing community issues, such as gender-based violence, and underscored the necessity of maintaining the church to enhance its ongoing service to the community.

The UCCSA’s efforts to preserve its 1871 heritage site reflect a deep commitment to cultural legacy and community service, ensuring that the church continues to be a pillar of support for future generations. ENDS