23 Mar 2014

The Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri has commended the Old Apostolic Church for responding to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s call to provide shelter to the needy persons.

Speaking during a house handing-over ceremony in Modipane on Saturday, March 22, Mr Matlhabaphiri said the church was in line with government’s concept of giving back to the community in an effort to contribute towards eradication of abject poverty which was introduced in 2012.

“The decision to assist Mma-Dintwe is in line with the Vision 2016 pillar, which talks about a compassionate, just and caring nation. It takes an individual who is compassionate and caring to share their resources with others,” he said.

The assistant minister said the church had contributed different outreach projects in excess of P220 000 and had built and handed over 12 houses to the needy in the past ten years with 8 houses under construction in various parts of the country.

Mr Matlhabaphiri said he was aware that on the 4th of this month the church donated P25 000 to the National Disaster Relief Fund. This, he said, would go a long way in exalting the name of the Old Apostolic Church which symbolised the body of Christ.

He encouraged the congregation to continue with the good spirit for the realisation of Vision 2016 pillar which intends to see every Motswana obtaining access to good quality basic shelter even in rural areas. For his part, Prophet Bakae Karata said the housing project has been built at a cost of P138 000.

He said the church found it fit to assist Ms Morwa Dintwe who is an elder in the church but did not have satisfactory accommodation. Prophet Karata further said the one-bedroomed house which has a dining room, kitchen and toilet would help and provide safety for Ms Dintwe.

He said the church already more than 10 houses have been built by the church and more are still on the way. Prophet Karata emphasised the importance of caring for others, saying it was the will of God and part of the church mandate, hence they were doing it.  

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Fanuel Mokalake of Modipane told the over seer of the church, Apostle Justice Tawana that his branch in Modipane does not come forth when called to come and carry out prayers with others at the Kgotla or elsewhere.

Kgosi Mokalake said this does not go well with him and other members of the community as all churches operate in his area of jurisdiction. ENDS