From Alan Sauls, Johannesburg
After 16 years of democracy and many achievements, millions of South Africans are still waiting for one of the most basic of freedoms, in economic activities.
Fr Smangaliso Mkhatshwa in his article “Cry, the beloved mission station” (April 21-27) makes an important contribution when he highlights the role and contribution of the Church in the past.
South Africans are crying for land and skills. Many South Africans move to cities in the hope of finding some kind of economic activity instead of being subject to a life of hand-outs and no real dignity or integrity in what they are doing and achieving. Unemployment is one of the biggest economic concerns for South Africa, increasing especially during these uncertain economic times.
The local Church has played an invaluable role in the local economy through its land development programmes that existed within the missions. Many of these missions are now lying fallow and are in need of being used in a more productive manner.
The local Church should review its role in developing the local economy by selling this land to needy South Africans. However, the Church could contribute towards the redevelopment of the land and farming skills to communities who need it most.
The Church has a crucial role to play in establishing the liberty so many South Africans are yearning for — economic freedom.
Sell the land to the people of South Africa, grow their skills and true freedom would reach ordinary South Africans. The local Church would positively contribute to the South African democracy.
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