Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina visited Hope Restoration Church on Sunday in an effort to strengthen relationships with the community.
This charismatic church on Beynon Street was packed with about 1 300 churchgoers. Different departments of the municipality were also present, as well as SARS, Home Affairs, the police and metro police.
According to COO of Ekurhuleni Joe Mojapelo this is the beginning of a collaboration. “We have realised, as government, that we need to partner with churches to reach our goal.
“Before you can be politicians or leaders, you are human. You’ve got to feed the inner person, the soul,” he said.
Masina was introduced to the congregation by pastor and founder of the church, Rev Siphiwe Mathebula. The mayor was joined on stage by his wife, Sinazo. Here, he kept his message to the church brief, placing emphasis on the relationship between them and government.
“As an institution of government, we are nothing without the church and the community,” he said. He then asked the church to continue praying for the ANC as the party heads to the 2019 general elections.
“We have taken radical decisions to return the land, minerals and all the things we have been fighting for. We need your help so that [the election] will be successful for the ANC.”
After the service, Masina shared with Express that, for some time, the ANC was going through a number of challenges.
“Many pastors, who understand the ANC, have been successful in praying for the organisation.”
Masina believes the ANC has been restored and that it will continue to serve the people of South Africa.
Last year, Masina also visited the church. “It was after local actor and church member Dumi Masilela had dies.”
Masilela was shot dead in an attempted hijacking in Tembisa.
