Human rights activist Zackie Achmat called on governments and religious communities to be more supportive of marginalised communities, during a recent talk 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 stories of people he has journeyed with to give a human face to the quest for justice and human-centred public policy. “Churches and government should be sympathetic and more supportive towards the LGBT community, those with a drug problem, and the homeless,” he said. “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, co-founder of social movements such as the Treatment Action Campaign and Equal Education, encouraged the attendees to equip themselves with information and to read more and study further to build a better South Africa.

The Centre for Contextual Ministry’s Certificate Ceremony is an annual celebration, which this year celebrated the 1 125 students who completed the various courses the Centre offered across South Africa in 2018. The Centre’s courses range 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,” said Professor Stephan de Beer, Director of UP’s Centre for Contextual Ministry. “Most of our graduates work in faith communities and struggling communities; today we honour them for their hard work and different journeys. They make the change we need in our communities. Our courses aim to equip change-makers who act with courage.”  

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. To find out more about the Centre and its courses, click here.