Church celebrates 60 years
Communications Minister, Faith Muthambi highly commended the Uniting Reformed Church for its contribution in the liberation struggle that led to its burning by the Apartheid regime 40 years ago.
LIMPOPO – Muthambi gave this praise as the church celebrated its 60-year anniversary at Shayandima on Sunday.
“This church has been a pillar of strength in the community and although there are still many challenges that need to be overcome in society, we rest assured that the church will stand firm and support us. The church has been extensively involved in social welfare activism; taking care of vulnerable children and orphans, and training artisans from villages around the Vhembe district.
“It has been a force of positive change within the community and many of these church projects has been pioneered by women. These women are determined to improve their lives and the lives of those around them,” she said.
She continued and said the former Venda homeland was plagued by diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and small pox among many others.
She said the church took it upon itself to encourage the youth to become interested in formal education and it laid down a strong foundation by empowering youth from the local communities. The Tshilidzini Special School was built to offer education to the disabled, deaf-mutes, the blind, and other children with physical deformities.
“Along with that the Khathutshelo School was established to help educate individuals who were ill with leprosy or recovering from the illness. Lepers who were healed, and yet could not be integrated within their respective communities, are taught handicrafts and others skills at the school.
“Those who were serious about their education made a success of their lives and became teachers, nurses and administrative clerks in government,” said Muthambi.
The learners who show potential at Tshilidzini Special School are encouraged to pursue secondary education and they are transported to and from Mphaphuli High School daily to continue their education. After they finish their high school careers they are encouraged to pursue careers which will fill the skill gap in the country along with receiving bursaries to continue with their studies.
“The pioneer in youth projects and the main motivator was Rina Loudolf who later taught at Khwevha Secondary School. We remain grateful for the role she played in encouraging the youth to pursue formal education.
“May the Good Lord bless her abundantly during her retirement in Cape Town,” Mathambi said.
Those learners who completed their junior certificate (JC/matric) are employed as clerks at the hospital and clinics around the Vhuronga district circuit. Others are encouraged to pursue trade skills like plumbing to find skilled employment at the hospital, while improving the quality of healthcare.
