Latest news with #BertPretorius
IOL News
21-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
R700 million ‘National Dialogue' ignores evangelical voices
While the President insists the dialogue is meant to be citizen-led and non-partisan, the deliberate exclusion of evangelical voices, such as those of Pastor Bert Pretorius, who represents over 19,900 churches and half of South Africa's Christian population, raises serious concerns about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the initiative, says the writer. On behalf of SAFI (the South African Friends of Israel), I must share how deeply dismayed we are by the shocking absence of evangelical representation on the panel of 'eminent persons' selected for President Ramaphosa's R700 million National Dialogue. While the President insists the dialogue is meant to be citizen-led and non-partisan, the deliberate exclusion of evangelical voices, such as those of Pastor Bert Pretorius, who represents over 19,900 churches and half of South Africa's Christian population, raises serious concerns about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the initiative. This glaring omission undermines the credibility of a process billed as a path toward national unity. Faith-based organisations have always been central to South Africa's moral and political awakening, from resisting Apartheid to fostering reconciliation. Ignoring their contribution today suggests this dialogue is less about unity and more about political optics - perhaps even a thinly veiled prelude to the ANC's local election campaign. South Africans have already spoken through the ballot box in 2024, giving rise to a Government of National Unity. What citizens demand now is implementation, not more rhetoric. With unemployment at 32.9%, basic services failing, and daily life growing more difficult, a taxpayer-funded talkshop feels like a distraction at best and an insult at worst. It's time to govern, not consult. Daniel Jacobi Executive Director, South African Friends of Israel
IOL News
13-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Father's Day: 'Let us father not just our own children, but those who do not have'
Bert Pretorius, senior pastor at 3C Church and president of the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) A senior pastor from Centurion-based 3C Church has called on South African men to father 'not just our own children, but the children of those who do not have'. In the spirit of the local minibus taxi's motto of 'one more!', Pastor Bert Pretorius said there is 'always place for one more'. As the country counts down to Father's Day on Sunday, Pretorius issued a statement to the nation's men. 'May the capacity of our hearts increase like that of a South African taxi – there is always place for one more! One more child, one more family, one more community, healing our homes, our daughters, our sons, and our nation. We can do it. Happy Father's Day.'
eNCA
29-04-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
'Time to sing a new song, not kill the boer'
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa recently celebrated Freedom Day. Three decades into democracy, and some people argue there are things we should leave in the past as a nation. One of these things is the song Dubul' Ibhunu - Kill the Boer, they say. Pastor Bert Pretorius from the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations says while it may not be illegal to sing this song, doing so harms the nation. He says such liberation-era songs perpetuate division and hostility in a society where the nation is striving for unity "It is time to move on. While these songs hold a historical significance, their relevance diminishes in the context of a democratic South Africa," he says.
