Recently, human rights activist and filmmaker, Zackie Achmat, co-founder of social movements such as Treatment Action Campaign and Equal Education, spoke at an event organised by the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Contextual Ministry in the Faculty of Theology and Religion, in conjunction with Enterprises University of Pretoria.

Speaking on the Centre’s theme, Have Courage, Achmat used ordinary stories of people he has journeyed with to give a human face to the quest for justice and human-centred public policy.  He said, “Churches and government should be sympathetic and more supportive towards the LGBT community, those with a drug problem, and the homeless. Pastors must be in the forefront in fighting these issues. Congregants must also ensure that their church tithes do not go towards buying the pastor an aeroplane, but that they go toward feeding the hungry.” Achmat also encouraged the attendees to equip themselves with information and to read more and study further to build a better South Africa.

The Certificate Ceremony is an annual celebration, which this year celebrated the 1125 students whom went through the various courses of the Centre from around South Africa in 2018. The day itself hosted 471 graduates from around Gauteng in courses ranging from trauma counselling, to child and youth support, and urban and community transformation.  

“We need to be people of courage who will make change where we are. Most of our graduates work in faith communities and struggling communities; today we honour them for their hard-work and different journeys” said Professor Stephan de Beer, Director of the Centre for Contextual Ministry. “They need to embrace the fact that they make the change we need in our communities. Our courses is to equip change-makers who act with courageous”.  

The Centre for Contextual Ministry offers a range of short courses in conjunction with Enterprises University of Pretoria, to support community- and faith-based leaders in the work they do.