South Africans Call On Government To Also Open Clubs If Churches Are To Open
South Africans have reacted to president Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to reopen places of worship saying if he opens churches, he should also open clubs.
This came after President Ramaphosa announced that churches, mosques, and synagogues may start their services as long as they limit the congregation to 50 people or less.
Presidents Ramaphosa warned that care must be taken at all times to make sure that congregants are safe, and face masks are worn by everyone. “Any religious rituals that carry even the slightest possibility of exposing worshipers to risk should be avoided and that where they form an essential part of religious practice, that sanitation is paramount. Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other recognized places of worship may resume services. But these will be limited in size to 50 people or less, depending on the space available,” he said
President Ramaphosa said his Government was a good discussion with the religious community over the resumption of churches.
“We have all agreed to have further discussions on this issue and are confident we will find a workable solution. Religious leaders will be recognized as essential religious frontline workers for the purpose of spiritual counseling for members of their faith organizations.
“Whether you are a person of faith or not, there is one belief that unites us, and that is our belief in South Africa, in its people, in their courage and in their ability to overcome even the greatest of tribulations. As we worked tirelessly to heal the divisions of the past, so too will our united action bring us healing from this pandemic,” he said.
However, South Africans took it to social media and reacted over president Ramaphosa’s sentiments. Some contended that for them going to clubs was spiritual and if churches are to open, they should also open night clubs.
President Ramaphosa also declared that Sunday 31 May be a National Day of Prayer where all religious leaders and members of faith-based organizations are invited to pray for the country which has been greatly affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
