RUSTENBURG HERALD - THLABANE – During a ceremony held at the Pentecostal Holiness church in Thlabane, 48 pastors gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in their mission to bring positive change within their communities. Sibanye-Stillwater initiated the Umsizi GBV and R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y programme in partnership with the Greater Rustenburg Pastors Forum (an Interdenominational organisation).
They work with around 70 faith-based leaders.
The celebration last week involved the graduation of 48 pastors with the issuing of 63 certificates, enabling them to implement Gender-based Violence and R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y Outreach Programmes.
This is part of creating safer communities and safer households linked to bringing meaningful social change and using their churches as safe spaces for counselling.
Over the course of several months, these dedicated faith leaders attended 12 transformative workshops organized by Sibanye-Stillwater and Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions. The workshops were meticulously designed to equip faith leaders with the necessary tools to address the pressing issues of gender-based violence and substance abuse.
The pastors have emerged from the training with the skills and knowledge needed to create awareness, education, support to survivors, perpetrators and individuals struggling with addiction. Adding a touch of creativity and hope to the event, two learners from the Meridian School in Rustenburg, Omolemo Maphai and Tuduetso Molokwane, performed a stirring drama, illustrating that there is indeed hope and redemption for those ensnared by addiction. Moruti Mme Kgomotso Rammutla from the Lutheran church worked closely with the learners, assisting them in crafting and delivering this powerful message of hope.
John-Mark Kilian, CEO of Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions, delivered an inspiring speech, urging faith leaders to embrace their roles as agents of social change. He emphasised the profound impact they can make within their communities. Morgan Motswana, Community Engagement and Development Manager from Sibanye-Stillwater emphasised the importance of churches remaining relevant and actively involved in the communities they serve.
Morwesi Mmusi, a representative from the Thuthuzela Care Centre and Social Services, expressed her gratitude to Sibanye-Stillwater and Umsizi for their invaluable contributions to the programme. Additionally, representatives from different churches echoed their appreciation for the empowerment and capacity-building initiatives that will undoubtedly enhance the well-being of Rustenburg’s communities.
Exciting planning and interventions will happen in the coming workshops for community outreach. The showcasing of these social change plans will be announced in the beginning of the next year. For inquiries or additional information, please contact Estelle at Umsizi on 079 522 0086.
