Task team to drive formation of FBO in Region B

01 May 2016

 

Religious leaders in the City of Johannesburg’s Region B on Friday April 29 elected a three-person task team to mobilise support for the formation of a regional faith-based organisation (FBO).

 

This was after fewer than 50 people attended a meeting to launch the structure at the Danie van Zyl Hall at Montclare. The initiative is facilitated citywide by the City’s Social Development Department.

Region B consists of areas such as Auckland Park, Emmarentia, Blairgowrie, Coronationville, Bosmont, Maraisburg, Westbury, Riverlea, Craighall Park, Westdene, Newlands, Northcliff, Mayfair, Montgomery Park and Greenshide. The task team will liaise with the City’s regional management to convene a more representative meeting to launch the FBO as soon as possible.

The Rev Eugene Sinclair, who chaired the proceedings, said it was important that the region’s FBO be inclusive of all religious and traditional formations.

“The problems of drug abuse and crime need to be addressed by the government working with communities. The FBOs have a role to play in this effort because they are part of communities where these problems exist.”

He added that the FBO must work to create tolerance and co-operation among all religious sectors to address social problems.

“Our children are destroying themselves through drug abuse, which leads to their involvement in criminal activity to support their addiction. Faith-based structures and formations must have a relationship with the government and participate in programmes aimed at addressing these challenges,” Sinclair said.

Monwabisi Siwedi, Region B’s acting Director, said the City was conscious of the social problems facing communities, hence the need to establish an FBO.

“The City of Joburg is committed to working with all religious and traditional groups to improve the lives of all its residents. That is why it is important that the FBO includes representatives of all major faith groups.

“However, the City is also aware of unregistered church groups springing up everywhere. Some of them illegally occupy spaces not suited to serve as [places of worship].”

"The City had put a moratorium on the registration of new churches but would work with established and registered religious and traditional groups to implement its programmes," Siwedi said.

Bishop Dulton Adams, a member of the Johannesburg FBO executive committee, said programmes to alleviate poverty in communities needed ongoing support from the City.

“It‘s not enough that religious groups feed and house the poor and destitute. They must be supported through government programmes. Religious groups cannot be effective or functional without this assistance,” Adams said.

He said the Muslim community in Region B had a good working relationship with Christian groups, jointly addressing challenges facing residents.
Radio Kofifi offered all faith-based groups equal airtime.