23 Jul 2025

The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware,  has emphasised the role of the church in shaping morality and guiding both government and citizens towards unity and prosperity. 

Speaking  during the  Apostles’ Sabbath Day Church in Zion conference in Serowe recently, Minister Mokgware highlighted the church’s long-standing influence on societal values.

“The outcomes in our society often mirror the teachings of the church. As an apolitical institution, the church has a fundamental ethical duty to hold both the public and government accountable to foster stability and growth,”he said.

He expressed concern over the pervasive violence and social ills afflicting the nation, noting that recent incidents of suicide, murder, rape and gender-based violence incidents, called for urgent need for moral guidance.

“Our nation is angry, violence has become ingrained in our daily lives. The church must speak out against these actions and remind us that unity, love, and discipline are essential for our prosperity,” said Minister Mokgware.

He also called on the church to act as a voice of counsel for the government, advocating for policies that benefit society and addressing issues that threatened societal well-being. 

However, he warned of internal conflicts within the church community over leadership roles, cautioning against the rising trend of congregants seeking to attain positions by any means, including leaving established churches.

Additionally, he cautioned those responsible for church finances that if they were lured to misappropriate church funds, they should undertand that thy would face consequences of  not complying with the law.

“If you manage church finances and improperly use those funds for personal benefit or money laundering, be aware that you will face the law,” he said. 

Assistant Bishop Mr Golebamang Morebodi echoed the minister’s sentiments, emphasising that the church must serve as the nation  moral  compass and continue as a beacon of hope and prosperity.

He observed that the church was confronted with challenges such as lack of land, resulting in congregants conducting services at homes. 

Thus, he urged the land board to speed up land allocation to churhes on the waiting list.

Furthermore, he requested the council to include refurbishing the roads in Makolo Ward in Serowe in their plans, noting that the roads were deteriorated and damaged, with some featuring gullies, which rendered them quite challenging to navigate during and following heavy rainfall. Ends