Issued by the office of the ANC EC Provincial Secretary
The African National Congress in the Eastern Cape is very shocked by the news of a church holding hostage 18 children in Engcobo.
This is a tragic incidence portraying a very bad image of the face of that community. What disturbed us most is that it is a house of God that is alleged to have done this act.
Churches are regarded as a key sector in our society that plays a critical role in building a human being. It is supposed to be a center that build spiritual ability and hope of life in people than to perfom criminality act. Our historic relationship with churches is based on building and promoting humanity and better lives. This is very shocking as we can not believe that there can be any church mission that has to do with what is reported.
We call upon, South African Council of Churches to embark in a campaign to make sure that the society is not experiencing such again and engage communities to know what is wrong or right in the religious sector. We have been getting reports of barbaric acts lately perfomed by various churches and pastorals. Communities must be vigilant, raise their heads and confront what is happening in their own communities.
We are happy that the department of Social Development responded immediately to save children.
The statement must be attributed to ANC Provincial Secretary, Oscar Mabuyane.
