Originally published in SA People News
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng had a massive task yesterday at the House of Parliament – to preside over the swearing-in ceremony of 400 members from 14 political parties, taking their oath to serve in the Sixth Democratic Parliament.
But before he began, the Chief Justice did something that has never been done before.
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He dropped to his knees and prayed.
WATCH: Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng calls for prayer
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Mogoeng’s break with tradition followed the singing of the national anthem, led by the parliamentary choir. He asked members to participate in three minutes of silent prayer or meditation. He said prayer was important at this time as SA was facing many challenges, including corruption, unemployment and rising crime.
During his presidency elect speech, Cyril Ramaphosa thanked the Chief Justice for not only presiding over the establishment of South Africa’s new parliament, but for his prayer.
“I want to thank you Chief Justice for doing an unprecedented act of going on your knees and praying, not only for this Parliament, but praying for our nation,” said Ramaphosa.
“I wish it was broadcast so that everyone in the land could hear what prayer the Chief Justice was offering.”
Ramaphosa added that it is “wonderful to have a Chief Justice who’s not only a person deeply steeped in jurisprudence but also a person deeply steeped in matters of the faith. Thank you very much Chief Justice.”
Ramaphosa was unanimously elected as South Africa’s state president today by lawmakers in Parliament’s National Assembly lower house ahead of his inauguration on Saturday, in a meeting which was filled with positivity and a sense of hope for collaboration between parties and a “new dawn” for South Africa.
Now we have the encouragement to also prayer daily.we will stand we will be victorious because Jesus IS victorious
Praise be to Christ !
Hallelujah!
What a blessing to see a man who is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to pray in the spirit in front of number of people who were obviously not believers and feeling uncomfortable. Thank the Lord for his boldness.
What a wonderful start folks….May our Lord and Saviour contionue to bless our beautiful land!
LORD GOD BLESS CHIEF JUSTICE FOR HIS BOLDNESS IN DECLARING YOUR POWER TO THE NATION
we are indeed blessed to have leaders of his calibre. I was really touched by this exercise
Praise be to Christ !