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Message of hope as people come together to build a better community
Church in the Community - Media Release in the Herald: 7th April 2025
Source: TCN / Danie Mouton
Date Added: 2025-04-07
Category: General News, TCN News, Issues - General, Issues - Church Unity, Issues - Social upliftment,
Date Added: 2025-04-07
Category: General News, TCN News, Issues - General, Issues - Church Unity, Issues - Social upliftment,
On Tuesday, 25 March 2025, a significant event took place in Gqeberha.
Sixty individuals from various communities and sectors across the city gathered for the Gqeberha City Dialogue. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to build a well-functioning, safe, and thriving city - a place where all residents can live with dignity and hope.
This event brought together people from all walks of life: business leaders, community activists, church representatives, health professionals, educators, and young people. They came not to complain, but to collaborate — united by a shared belief that real change starts with working together.
Gqeberha, like many South African cities, faces serious challenges. Service delivery in many areas is poor, unemployment remains high, crime and violence are ongoing concerns, and poverty continues to affect too many families.
But despite these difficulties, the City Dialogue revealed a strong desire among residents to find solutions - and take action.
One of the most inspiring parts of the day was hearing participants explain how they are already contributing to the city – and what they hope to do going forward.
Some are helping to fight poverty by supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Others are investing in the future of young people through education, mentoring, and skills training.
Churches are running youth programmes, supporting schools, and promoting positive values.
Healthcare workers are educating communities about health challenges.
Others clean neighbourhoods, promote safety, and create safe spaces for children and families. Sport is being used to help young people build confidence, teamwork, and purpose.
There are also groups focused on developing local infrastructure, improving access to digital education, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The common message was simple but powerful: “We want to build a better city - together.”
During the Dialogue, attendees took part in smaller group discussions about some of the city’s biggest issues: youth development, crime and violence, unemployment, and the state of local government.
In the youth group, participants spoke honestly about the challenges young people face — including broken family structures, poor access to education, unemployment, and mental health struggles.
They called for support programmes like the “First 1000 Days” initiative, which helps mothers raise healthy, happy children. They also stressed the importance of involving youth in decision-making and giving them the tools and support to succeed.
The crime and safety group focused on creating safe and stable communities. They discussed the need for better police training, stronger family support, and the use of technology to monitor and prevent crime.
Above all, they said change begins at home — with parents, neighbours, and local organisations all working together to build a culture of care and responsibility.
The economic development group called for a shift in mindset. All stakeholders should focus on building local businesses, supporting one another, and using their skills to grow the economy.
They proposed a five-step plan that includes building trust, aligning policies, and promoting collaboration between businesses, communities, and government.
Finally, the local government group raised concerns about poor service delivery and a lack of political will to make real changes. They encouraged citizens to educate themselves about their rights and to get involved in local governance.
Building capacity within civil society - and holding leaders accountable - was seen as essential for long-term progress.
A key message from the Dialogue was this: Dialogue is only the beginning. Real transformation will come through action.
The creation of task teams – small, dedicated groups that can focus on implementing the ideas discussed – is a vital priority. These teams will work to improve service delivery, create job opportunities, support the youth, and make communities safer.
There was also a strong desire to build on what already exists. Participants said that instead of starting from scratch, we should support successful projects, share resources, and connect existing efforts.
For example, some churches offere their buildings as safe spaces to reduce pressure on clinics. Others suggested adopting schools, mentoring learners, and creating job training centres.
People also spoke about the importance of unity and trust. Bringing people together, learning from one another, and collaborating across sectors will help build the kind of city we all want to live in.
The Gqeberha City Dialogue was more than just a meeting – it was a spark. A reminder that even in tough times, people still care. And when people come together, and act together, amazing things can happen.
The vision is clear: A city were the economy flourish and employment soar.
A clean and safe city. A city led with accountability and honesty.
A city where children have enough to eat. A city that is united, vibrant, and full of opportunity. A city worth growing old in.
Now is the time to take ownership — to stand up, work together, and help Gqeberha become the city we know it can be.
Ds Danie Mouton
Executive director of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Eastern Cape
Sixty individuals from various communities and sectors across the city gathered for the Gqeberha City Dialogue. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to build a well-functioning, safe, and thriving city - a place where all residents can live with dignity and hope.
This event brought together people from all walks of life: business leaders, community activists, church representatives, health professionals, educators, and young people. They came not to complain, but to collaborate — united by a shared belief that real change starts with working together.
Gqeberha, like many South African cities, faces serious challenges. Service delivery in many areas is poor, unemployment remains high, crime and violence are ongoing concerns, and poverty continues to affect too many families.
But despite these difficulties, the City Dialogue revealed a strong desire among residents to find solutions - and take action.
One of the most inspiring parts of the day was hearing participants explain how they are already contributing to the city – and what they hope to do going forward.
Some are helping to fight poverty by supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Others are investing in the future of young people through education, mentoring, and skills training.
Churches are running youth programmes, supporting schools, and promoting positive values.
Healthcare workers are educating communities about health challenges.
Others clean neighbourhoods, promote safety, and create safe spaces for children and families. Sport is being used to help young people build confidence, teamwork, and purpose.
There are also groups focused on developing local infrastructure, improving access to digital education, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The common message was simple but powerful: “We want to build a better city - together.”
During the Dialogue, attendees took part in smaller group discussions about some of the city’s biggest issues: youth development, crime and violence, unemployment, and the state of local government.
In the youth group, participants spoke honestly about the challenges young people face — including broken family structures, poor access to education, unemployment, and mental health struggles.
They called for support programmes like the “First 1000 Days” initiative, which helps mothers raise healthy, happy children. They also stressed the importance of involving youth in decision-making and giving them the tools and support to succeed.
The crime and safety group focused on creating safe and stable communities. They discussed the need for better police training, stronger family support, and the use of technology to monitor and prevent crime.
Above all, they said change begins at home — with parents, neighbours, and local organisations all working together to build a culture of care and responsibility.
The economic development group called for a shift in mindset. All stakeholders should focus on building local businesses, supporting one another, and using their skills to grow the economy.
They proposed a five-step plan that includes building trust, aligning policies, and promoting collaboration between businesses, communities, and government.
Finally, the local government group raised concerns about poor service delivery and a lack of political will to make real changes. They encouraged citizens to educate themselves about their rights and to get involved in local governance.
Building capacity within civil society - and holding leaders accountable - was seen as essential for long-term progress.
A key message from the Dialogue was this: Dialogue is only the beginning. Real transformation will come through action.
The creation of task teams – small, dedicated groups that can focus on implementing the ideas discussed – is a vital priority. These teams will work to improve service delivery, create job opportunities, support the youth, and make communities safer.
There was also a strong desire to build on what already exists. Participants said that instead of starting from scratch, we should support successful projects, share resources, and connect existing efforts.
For example, some churches offere their buildings as safe spaces to reduce pressure on clinics. Others suggested adopting schools, mentoring learners, and creating job training centres.
People also spoke about the importance of unity and trust. Bringing people together, learning from one another, and collaborating across sectors will help build the kind of city we all want to live in.
The Gqeberha City Dialogue was more than just a meeting – it was a spark. A reminder that even in tough times, people still care. And when people come together, and act together, amazing things can happen.
The vision is clear: A city were the economy flourish and employment soar.
A clean and safe city. A city led with accountability and honesty.
A city where children have enough to eat. A city that is united, vibrant, and full of opportunity. A city worth growing old in.
Now is the time to take ownership — to stand up, work together, and help Gqeberha become the city we know it can be.
Ds Danie Mouton
Executive director of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Eastern Cape
Source: TCN / Danie Mouton
Date Added: 2025-04-07
Category: General News, TCN News, Issues - General, Issues - Church Unity, Issues - Social upliftment,
Back to News IndexDate Added: 2025-04-07
Category: General News, TCN News, Issues - General, Issues - Church Unity, Issues - Social upliftment,
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