By Nelson Mandela Bay Church Leader Network — Originally published in Eastern Province Herald
The citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay are facing a myriad of challenges due to a toxic combination of a lack of clear political leadership, municipal dysfunction/collapse of service delivery, global geo-political shifts, climate change, and the upending of the world trade order through the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
In response, multinationals are placing their business in countries where they can be most competitive
The result is a growing cohort of hungry people without work or hope. This is particularly true of the youth which the Institute of Race Relations recently described as a “ticking time bomb”.
Biblical teachings have inspired community change by promoting compassion, justice, and service. Isaiah 61:1 emphasizes bringing hope and restoration, a mission believers continue today.
Scripture-inspired missions foster spiritual, social, and economic growth that reflects God’s love in practical ways. Our mission field is our metro.
But no single church, denomination or organisation can solve the metro’s problems on its own. But we can make a difference in our own neighbourhood and within our church and broader community.
The Church Leadership of Nelson Mandela Bay has identified three priority areas in which Christians can make a difference. There are many other areas which need intervention, but success comes from pursuing a focused approach. The three are:
Hunger: A 2022 study found 13.4% of residents were moderately food insecure and 77.4% were severely food insecure. During Covid the churches rallied to provide food to the needy. We need to rekindle and refine the model. But we should ensure that we provide a “hand up” rather than a “hand out” except where the need is urgent.
Work: In the second quarter of 2025, Nelson Mandela Bay’s official unemployment rate rose to 26.4%, from 22.3% in the first quarter, while the expanded (real) unemployment rate jumped from 27% to 35%. The statistics do not tell the whole story. We all know people without work, particularly the young. A large part of the problem is that the education system has failed them — they are not prepared for the modern world of work.
Support programmes such as Work 4 a Living, Farming God’s Way and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s skills development desk established in partnership with Harambee. Make your buildings available for after school homework and mentoring sessions, adult education and start-up small businesses.
There will be people in your congregation who are happy to tutor, mentor and share their skills.
Crime: Encourage a culture of respect for human dignity, human rights, and the rule of law through teachings and community programmes.
Improve the security in your church, work in partnership with law enforcement and private security companies. Offer support and hope to victims of crime.
Provide counselling and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse or other issues that can lead to crime. Oppose corruption, and encourage accountability and repentance among offenders. Provide support for those who have served their sentences so that they do not go back to a life of crime.
Good citizenship: The Church lives out Christ’s love through active citizenship — seeking justice, serving neighbours, and helping to restore broken systems. It includes praying for leaders, participating honestly in public life, caring for the vulnerable, protecting creation, building bridges across divisions, and educating congregants about the power of their vote and the responsibility that goes with it.
Our faith calls us to act with hope and integrity so that God’s Kingdom — marked by fairness, compassion, and peace — takes visible shape in the city we share.
Share your programmes, successes, and failures: The task is too big to allow for duplication and wasted energy and resources. Share what you are doing through the Transformation Christian Network website and community.
Pray: For guidance, for strength, for resources, for project champions, and for the miraculous revival of the fortunes of Nelson Mandela Bay.
NMB Church Leader Network
Bishop Dr William Leleki: Chairperson of the SACC in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro
Apostle Neville Goldman: Ebenezer International
Reverend Danie Mouton: Director Synod Eastern Cape DRC
Bishop Vincent Zungu: Catholic Diocese Gqeberha
Dr Dave Pedersen: National Director Vineyard Churches SA
Pastor Russell Viljoen: Ebenezer North
Pastor Glenn Weiss: Joy to the Nations
Pastor Victor Befile: Motherwell Ministers Fraternal
Pastor Tyrone Strydom: Church in Action (Northern Areas)
Pastor Patrick Douglas-Henry: Regional Leader EC AFM
Pastor Mark Scholtz: Harvest Christian Church
Pastor Richard Crompton: Word of Faith Christian Centre & Faith Fellowship
Vicar General Sharon Nell: Anglican Church of Southern Africa (Diocese of Port Elizabeth)
Reverent Andile George: Moderator Presbyterian Church (Central Cape)
Pastor Richard Preston: New Covenant Ministries International (NCMI)
Bishop Zwai Ntanjana: Emthonjeni Family Church
Archbishop John Vena: Coordinator of the Concerned Ministers:
Rev Dr Bukelwa Hans: GRAPE
Pastor Joan Keeling: NMB Citywide Prayer Coordinator
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