DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile believes education is the weapon to the growth and development of our nation.
“Among the many issues that our youth face, we need to address poverty and unemployment, the quality of school education, crime, including women and child abuse, drug and substance abuse, corruption which undermines state legitimacy and service delivery, housing and the persistent problem of backyard dwelling within our communities and teenage pregnancy and high HIV infection among young people.
“These issues cannot be solved by one group or community. Instead, it takes a collective effort from all members of society, including religious communities,” the deputy president said.
He was speaking ahead of the 30th annual graduation thanksgiving ceremony at International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) on Sunday, 18 June.
The ceremony took place at the church’s headquarters in Zuurbekom near Westonaria in Gauteng.
The day formed part of the deputy president’s delegated function of promoting social cohesion initiatives and nation-building across all sectors of South African society.
“This annual graduation ceremony takes place during the significant month on our calendar, as we commemorate the youth uprising of 16 June 1976.
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“This is the month in which we honour the spirit of courage, and the spirit of love for freedom and peace.
“Because of them we have an education system in which everyone, regardless of ethnicity, social background, or gender, has access to quality education and subsequently economic opportunities,” Mashatile said.
[Watch] The 30th annual Graduations Thanksgiving Ceremony at IPHC church. - https://t.co/f8B8hlp0uh
— Paul Mashatile???? (@PMashatile) June 18, 2023
He was pleased that the struggle of those who fought back then had not gone in vain. This as he gets to witness graduates continue to value education, along with his grace Comforter Frederick Leonard Goitsemang Modise of the IPHC.
“Like the graduates of today, I urge you to go on to acquire more skills and knowledge so that you can contribute to the growth and development of our nation.
“As government, we will continue to avail more funding for young people to enroll at colleges and universities.
“We are committed to working with the church so that together we can proceed and create opportunities for the youth,” Mashatile concluded.
One of the congregants the SunTeam spoke after the ceremony said this moment is very precious for the young and old, because it is meant to inspire many to pursue education while also recognising their strides and hardships while obtaining their success.
