Justice, Peace and Non-Violence Commission Hold Security Cluster Roundtable In Pretoria

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · Published February 27, 2023 · Updated February 27, 2023

The Justice, Peace and Non-Violence Commission in the archdiocese of Pretoria hosted a roundtable for personnel in the security cluster at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Pretoria. These included the police, the army, the navy, prison warders and the private security industry.

In attendance was the current auxiliary-bishop of the archdiocese of Pretoria, Bishop Masilo John Selemela. The roundtable was aimed at looking into the current challenges, concerns and solutions in the day-to-day experiences of members of the cluster.

The day started off with a welcome address by the commission assistant secretary David Baloyi. He was followed by Fr Jeremiah Mkhwanazi CSS, the commission’s Episcopal Vicar, who opened the meeting with a prayer.

This was followed by the introduction of the attendants, who were comprised of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Navy, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and the private security industry.

Fr Mkhwanazi opened the session by giving an overview of the current challenges faced by the South African security cluster, not only in the archdiocese of Pretoria but nationally. He indicated that the day was aimed at deliberating on the subject of security and its relation to the officers` spiritual, mental and physical well-being, amongst other topics.

“Let`s discuss and look into these matters together, to work out how we as the Justice, Peace and Non-Violence Commission and as individuals can respond to them. Let us dissect these issues, and discuss how together we can work hand in hand to play our part in bringing about a country in which we would like to live, a safer and a more peaceful South Africa,” he stated.

The attendants, who numbered over eighty, were divided into three discussion groups. The groups were allocated one hour each to deliberate on the subject matter, and to share experiences of first-person encounters with the topic at hand. After the allocated time, all the groups congregated once more in the cathedral hall.

Each group gave feedback from their discussion through an appointed spokesperson. The common thread in the responses was the need for the Church to be proactive in the pursuit and advancement of a more secure living environment in South Africa. There was a general agreement in all the feedback that the Church was fulfilling its role in matters of justice and peace. “In as much as there are visible efforts being made, the Church can play a more meaningful role in this regard,” one spokesperson indicated.

After the feedback sessions, Bishop Selemela provided a summary of the archdiocese`s position and future plans on the subject of justice and peace. “We, at the archdiocesan level are currently preparing to host a conference geared towards men and their role in society in the next coming months. Our discussion today ties in with the purpose of the conference. It`d be good to see the contribution and the presence of participants in this roundtable at the conference,” he pleaded.

Following his address, participants made their way to the cathedral, where Bishop Selemela and a number of priests celebrated Holy Mass. At the end of the Mass, the bishop called all the security personnel forward for a blessing. After the final blessing, all present made their way back to the cathedral hall for lunch.