Churches hosting Nelson Mandela Bay unemployment and poverty workshop

At the inaugural Nelson Mandela Bay unemployment and poverty summit last November are, from the left, the Revd Xhanti Mhlontlo, the Revd Andrea Potgieter, Bishop Bethlehem, Canon Claire Phelps, and Dr Bukelwa Hans. (PHOTO: Frankie Simpson)

Anybody interested in tackling the problem of unemployment and poverty in Nelson Mandela Bay is invited to attend a workshop at the South End Museum, Port Elizabeth on Thursday May 17.

Organised by the Ikhala Trust and the NM Bay Church Leaders, the gathering is a follow-up to the inaugural unemployment and poverty workshop that was held in the metro in November last year. 

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The objectives of the workshop are to obtain feedback from current participants and motivate other like-minded people, in every municipal ward in our metro, to connect and network in order to make a difference in the lives of the unemployed and poor in the metro, says Trevor Jennings of Transformation Christian Network (TCN).

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He says interested individuals or groups from churches, business, education, government, the NGO Sector and civil society are invited to participate in the workshop. For more information and to book your free seat please contact TCN on 083 659 2748 or Anathi Magongo on 041 582 3750. 

“Our country has arrived at a crossroad. Poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth, are at explosive levels,” says Jennings in a press release.

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He continues: “What is clear from the shenanigans in the Nelson Mandela Bay council is that the politicians will never solve our problems while they continue to focus on wrestling power from each other in their narcissistic power games.

“The time has come for every church and congregant to get involved!

“Most churches have resources. For example, a large number of church buildings stand empty for 90% of the week. They could be used as skills and training centers or house small businesses like sewing cooperatives.

“And every Sunday an enormous reservoir of talent and skills can be found in the pews. Many have the time and ability to get involved in assisting the unemployed and poor to equip themselves for that promised better life.

“There are many examples of successful and readily available courses being offered by churches and NGOs, such as ABCD, Siya Sebenza, Isivuno and Farming God’s Way.”

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