Mashatile Urges South Africans to Tackle Unemployment and Promote Community Unity

• Deputy President Mashatile urged action against poverty, unemployment, and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa
• During a Good Friday service, he highlights families and the churches' roles in community stability and development
• He indicated that South Africa's democracy was built on sacrifice and selflessness, drawing on the legacy of Nelson Mandela

Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.

GAUTENG, JOHANNESBURG - Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for renewed efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment, corruption and gender-based violence, urging South Africans to confront the country's most pressing challenges.

Promoting social cohesion and development

Mashatile made the remarks during a Good Friday service on 3 April 2026 at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, where he addressed congregants as part of Easter weekend observances taking place nationwide. He indicated that South Africa's democracy was built on sacrifice and selflessness, drawing on the legacy of Nelson Mandela. He emphasised the role of families as the foundation of stable communities and highlighted churches as an important moral voice in promoting social cohesion and development.

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Mashatile urged faith-based organisations to continue advocating against injustice and to support vulnerable groups, particularly women and young people. He encouraged greater community involvement, indicating that meaningful change depends on active participation by citizens. The event was hosted by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and focused on strengthening unity and resilience within communities. Mashatile called for cooperation, service and prayer to promote peace both locally and globally.

According to the Presidency, the 2026 theme “family at the foot of the cross” aims to reinforce the importance of the family unit while addressing cycles of violence, abuse, conflict and social division.

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Source: Briefly News