Governments in Solomon Islands and South Africa partner with faith groups

Governments in the Solomon Islands and South Africa are emphasizing partnerships with faith-based organizations to bolster social stability and community resilience.

In the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Matthew Wale called for the strengthening of families through gospel-based values. Speaking at a workshop with the Solomon Islands Christian Association and the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association, Wale stated that national development requires more than public investment. He argued that values such as justice, mercy, and humility are essential for building safe communities and that the government will support churches in leading discipleship programs to protect vulnerable populations.

In South Africa, Social Development Minister Dina Pule reaffirmed the government's commitment to working with religious groups to support vulnerable communities. During a service for the Nazareth Baptist Church in KwaZulu-Natal, Pule highlighted the church's role in social cohesion and cultural preservation. She encouraged faith leaders to partner with the Department of Social Development on initiatives addressing gender-based violence, substance abuse, and the protection of the elderly and disabled.