Keynote address delivered by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, at the United Reformed Church in South Africa (URCSA) Southern Synod[...]

Programme Director;
The leadership of the Witwatersrand Presbytery led by Chairperson Rev. Fisher;
Ministers of the word and Sacraments, elders and deacons of congregations;
Ministers' Wives;
The Southern Synod Elders Commission under the leadership of Elder Segele;
The Leadership of the Northern TheologicalSeminary, the SRC and Ministry Students;
Youth Brigade Leadership;
Christian Men's Ministry Southern Synod President, Mr. Peter Mokoto and REC;
Christian Women's Ministry Southern Synod President, Juff. Mirriam Makhetha & REC;
Christian Women's League General Synod President, Ms. Florence Makhobonyane & GS;
Christian Women's League Southern Synod President, Ms. Alice Ndlovu & REC;
Christian Faith Ministry Southern Synod Chairperson, Mr. Ben Malunga & REC;
Christian Youth Ministry Southern Synod Chairperson, Brother Thunthu Masobe & REC;
Government representatives;
Members of the community;
All congregants gathered for this significant occasion;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good morning,

It is my distinct honour to be part of this significant URCSA Southern Synod 2026. Today's gathering is more than a day of worship and fellowship but it is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to shape a society that reflects the highest ideals of justice, peace, human dignity and a society that is rooted in prayer.

Today's theme reminds me of the philosophical principle known as 'Chesterton's Fence' by G.K. Chesterton. It says that in the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one simple and plain principle; a principle which may be called the equality of the old and the new, it emphasises that unless you know what something is and what it stands for, do not get rid of it as everything serves a certain purpose.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile would have loved to join you today and participate in this service. However, on the advice of his medical team, he is unable to attend in person. I therefore have the honour of representing him at this gathering.

As we are gathered here today under the theme, "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." - Proverbs 22:28.

The theme serves as a historical landmark, a reminder of where we come from as a nation, of all the struggles we have encountered in the past and overcame. It reminds us of the wisdom we have inherited from our past that ensures that the future generation we are building is stronger, wiser, and united.

One of my favourite sayings is "Motho ke motho ka batho"; I am because we are. Ubuntu is a moral landmark we must preserve and pass on to future generations. It reminds us to care for and respect one another, because strong, morally grounded communities are built not by individuals alone, but by all of us working together and playing our part.

As our world is rapidly becoming technologically inclined, we stand a risk of discarding our cultural anchors. It is therefore important that we preserve our cultural landmarks by ensuring that modern progress does not completely erase our traditional values of respect, humanity, compassion, accountability and the shared responsibility of uplifting our communities.

The Word of God emphasises that preserving foundational values and multigenerational heritages is essential for the stability, identity, and spiritual health of a community. The Bible repeatedly warns against abandoning the spiritual and moral foundations laid by previous generations.

The word of Psalm 11:3 asks that "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" it is a question about how to respond when society's moral, legal, or social foundations collapse, designed to act as a spiritual mirror and a catalyst for action. This question should push us away from being passive bystanders, it should awaken a desire to pray, intercede, and stand up for the truth before the foundations are completely washed away.

The theme also relates to life today and the complex challenges we tend to find ourselves facing. From the scourge of unemployment to high rates of crime, inequality and poverty. Faith-based organisations play a crucial role in working closely with the government in fighting these challenges and ensuring that our societies are made up of united communities. When we stand together as a nation, our societies will be a better place to exist in.

As Government, we continue to work closely with faith based organisations to ensure that the voices of communities are also heard through them. We have seen the work faith based organisations are doing in our communities, through raising awareness against gender-based violence, bringing opportunities closer to communities, restoring hope and unity, and supporting vulnerable communities among other things. The Government alone cannot build the South Africa we desire.

A critical dimension of this partnership must be directed toward our youth and previously marginalised groups. With millions of young South Africans seeking economic inclusion, faith-based organisations can change that by transforming places of worship into hubs for skills training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship mentorship, we can offer a lifeline. Together, we can conquer poverty, restore hope, and defeat the scourge of substance abuse.

A sustainable relationship between Government and faith-based organisations requires uncompromising mutual accountability. Both Government and faith-based organisations must operate transparently to guarantee that public and social resources are strictly directed to community upliftment and the protection of the vulnerable. Embracing these high ethical standards is essential to safeguarding public trust and reinforcing the collective moral authority needed to guide our nation forward.

This is a direct call to action for every member of our communities, change does not belong to the Government or faith based organisations alone, it belongs to us all. True transformation begins when we stop being passive spectators in our own development and become active architects of our future. We call on every citizen to look around their neighbourhood and ask, 'How can I serve?'

It could be by blowing the whistle on gender-based violence in your street, supporting local entrepreneurs, and holding your local leaders accountable. Your faith-based centres and community halls are already open as hubs for change; fill them with your energy, ideas, your skills, and your resolve. Let us reclaim the spirit of Ubuntu through practical, daily actions. Step forward, get involved, and let us collectively build the safe, proud, and self-reliant communities we want our children to inherit.

The commitment by the URCSA towards sustainable community outreach, youth and women's ministry development and poverty alleviation, demonstrates that commitment must be accompanied by action. The development of our communities requires partnerships that restore dignity, create opportunities and empower people. The commitment of the Church to changing lives and supporting vulnerable communities is a valuable contribution to the broader development of our communities.

The impactful work of URCSA clearly demonstrates the immense value of a close partnership between the church and Government. Today's service serves as a powerful testament to what can be continuously achieved when Government and faith-based organisations collaborate for the benefit of our communities. To effectively serve our people, the church must maintain this symbiotic relationship with Government, consistently working to restore hope and shaping our communities into better places to live.

In closing, may this Synod Day profoundly strengthen our collective commitment to preserve what is good, restore what has been damaged, and build a resilient future for generations to come.

Let us honour the lasting landmarks established by our forebears by ensuring we actively foster communities defined by dignity, unity, unwavering hope, and a steadfast commitment to prayer.

I thank you!