The church must play a valuable role in eradicating challenges of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and drug abuse. The District Commissioner, Mr Goleba Kgari highlighted the social challenges as of primary concern to the community of Jwaneng.

Officiating at the Botswana Assemblies of God Men’s Fellowship Annual Conference in Jwaneng over the weekend, Mr Kgari appealed to the church to elevate efforts and be at the forefront of the fight against social ills facing the society.

The conference was held under the theme, “The Revelation of a True Disciple.”

“The church is the moral fibre that shapes and moulds our society and I therefore appeal to you to transform behaviour and restore our nation to where it needs to be,” he said.

Mr Kgari further challenged the men’s fellowship to devise a strategy aimed at addressing emerging challenges in families and marriages.

He noted that believers did not exist in isolation and therefore they were equllay affected by GBV and drug abuse.

Subsequently, he implored them to strive for good moral standing and avoid destructive behaviours such as marriage wrecking.

Mr Kgari said Jwaneng, a cosmopolitan mining town was experiencing increasing number of GBV cases and drug abuse, partly due to the economic imbalance between men and women.

He said the town continue to register incidents of abuse and teenage pregnancies, with the statistics pointing to men as main perpetrators. Therefore, appealed to the conference attendants to cease the opportunity to introspect and collaborate efforts towards behavioural change. Additionally, he urged men to take their responsibility as leaders in families and be fully involved in raising their children.

Mr Kgari advised the conference to augment their family teachings with the Children’s Act, which espouses both the rights and responsibilities of children.

“Even though we all know that parenting has no formula, let us get closer to our children and eliminate the risks. Let us also review the way we raise them,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Kgari applauded Assemblies of God Assistant Bishop and also Jwaneng Assembly of God resident pastor, Reverend Titose James for his contribution towards community building in various ramifications.

He said Reverend James was always available to partner with the town leadership in their local activities.

He said the three-day Men’s Conference would also go a long way in stimulating economic activity in Jwaneng, amidst national economic challenges emanating from declining diamond markets. ENDS