BuaNews (Tshwane)
Luyanda Makapela
20 August 2008
Cape Town — Government and religious leaders have agreed that there is a need for capacity building programmes for religious groups to help ensure access to opportunities in government.
Addressing religious leaders on Tuesday, President Thabo Mbeki said there was a need for a communication and consultative campaign to inform all religious communities about government's programmes.
A progress report on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between government and religious groups was presented with a list of recommendations at the meeting.
Among the recommendations was the implementation of service agreements for the execution of projects and an audit of the contribution of religious leaders to social programmes including state allocations.
Among other things discusses at the meeting was an incident on Monday at the Nic Diederichs Technical School in Krugerdorp, where a learner stabbed another learner to death before seriously injuring three more people.
It was noted that the Department of Education has requested the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation to investigate the recent incident of violence.
After the discussions, the meeting further deliberated that the Office of The Presidency will convene a meeting with all stakeholders to form a cluster representing government and religious leaders to analyse reasons of violence especially those involving learners.
According to the Presidency, the soon-to-be established cluster will also make recommendations to government and national religious leaders.
On crime related issues, the meeting has also tabled the report on the status of Social Crime Prevention in Qumbu, Eastern Cape and early indications, which showed signs of success.
With regards to issue on integration of people from other countries, the meeting has agreed that the national religious leaders will assist in the reintegration of displaced people especially those from the Africa.
A report on Anti Poverty Strategy was also discussed and it was agreed that the strategy will be formerly launched later this month at the National Economic Development and Labour Council where a process of public participation will follow.
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