Synodality and Human Dignity at Motse Maria High School

The Synod on Synodality process, which is now in the implementation phase, is calling the Church to renew itself by responding to the needs of society in different ways. The Church is being called to humanise today’s society under the guidance of the Holy Spirit — we are to find better ways to journey together as the People of God. Synodality is about expressing what is fundamental to the life of the Church. Among others, one thing that is fundamental to the life of the Church is the promotion and protection of human dignity.

On Wednesday, September 16 2026, a project in the diocese of Polokwane aimed at promoting and protecting the dignity of young girls got underway. A ground breaking ceremony took place at Motse Maria High school — the old hostel ablution system was demolished to make way for the construction of the Enviro Loo system. This is a project by Blessman International, an interdenominational Christian non-profit organization that operates in Limpopo. The Enviro Loo toilet system is an environmentally friendly on-site sanitation system that runs entirely off the grid without the need for chemicals, electricity, or water. In addition to the project being in line with synodality, it’s also another way of caring for creation — one other aspect that’s fundamental to the life of the Church.

In a country where we’re seeing young girls and women being stripped of their dignity on a daily basis, all hands must be on deck to help in restoring the dignity of the girl child. The Blessman International project is helping the Church in Polokwane to stay true to her mission. And since the construction is happening on the grounds of Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, it also manifests Mary’s maternal love.

Being synodal is also about encouraging ecumenical dialogue. As a Church we are being called to build relationships between us and other Christian churches in pursuit of full and visible unity. As Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka, chairman of the Catholic Board of Education for the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) and president of the National Catholic Board of Education (NCBE) said at the Bishop Mandlenkosi Zwane Memorial Lecture last year in eSwatini, “Ecumenism is not merely an institutional arrangement but a spiritual journey toward fulfilling Christ’s prayer ‘that they may all be one.'”

In the work they do, Blessman International partners with churches all over the United States to bring change to the lives of South African families and children. Their vision for children in Limpopo is that they know external hope through Christ by having access to basic human services and receiving nurturing support that is necessary for them to reach their individual potential.

The Blessman International enviro loo project at Motse Maria High school is an example of an ecumenical dialogue between them and the Catholic Church in Polokwane — it is a “conversation in the spirit” on the subject of human dignity.

As the Church is in the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality — we’re now implementing all the Spirit-inspired recommendations that came about after the gatherings and prayers. We’re not asked to come up with new policies or doctrines, all that we’re being guided to do is to listen to each other like Jesus — the Apostle James reminds us, “Know this, my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). When Jesus came across the blind man Bartimaeus, He didn’t make assumptions, He asked,  “What do you want me to do for you?” — He gave the man His undivided attention in order to give him what he really wanted.

When we don’t listen attentively, we redirect prematurely, that’s why today’s society is in such a mess. Therefore, synodality calls us to listen in a Christlike manner to today’s silence of the suffering, the cry of the oppressed, and the questions of the seeker. Since its inception, the Church has been a listener, but because of the evolution of life, every era had its own set of problems that needed fitting solutions. In an effort to restore order in today’s society, we have to pay attention to a problem with the heart, consult the Holy Spirit for wise counsel, then we will come up with a fitting solution that reflects God’s compassion and love — that’s what synodality is all about.

The partnership between Blessman International and Motse Maria High school is a practical example of the implementation of synodality. The problem was identified, an ecumenical dialogue took place, and a humanitarian solution has emerged.

Motse Maria is currently under the leadership of one of its alumnus, Mrs. Makgabo Ledwaba, who is also a member of the St. Anne sodality. The spiritual well-being of the school is under the care of Rev. Fr. James Nare Mashamaite — someone who is passionate about education and pays great attention to the well-being of young people. Recently, Fr. Mashamaite celebrated his ten year sacerdotal anniversary.

“The world in which we live, and which we are called to love and serve, even with its contradictions, demands that the Church strengthen cooperation in all areas of her mission. It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.” — Pope Francis