17 Jun 2024

 Member of Parliament for Kanye South, Dr Lemogang Kwape has implored Jacob’s Ladder Church congregants to remain committed to upholding and incorporating the spirit of self-reliance in their effort of building their church.

He made the remarks during an event where the church’s 12 branches converged to raise funds for the construction of a branch facility at Gasita.

“Funds can be requested from different sources, but most of all, you need to take accountability of building your own church amid financial difficulties as a congregation so that all of you can take ownership,” he said.

He commended congregants’ decision to construct the church, which he said would help in building and reshaping morals in the village. 

Dr Kwape said when complete the church would not just give the village a facelift, but would also be a place of refuge for those in need of assistance and shelter..

He commended church founders and village stewardship for promoting positive attributes amongst Gasita community. 

He offered a pallet of cement as a motivation to kick-start the project, and further bought lunch worth P1 000, which was prepared as part of fund raising activities.

The legislator advised church leadership to consider requesting for the extension of their plot, saying more space might be needed to accommodate future structures as the church grows. 

He told the gathering that plans were underway to bituminise Gasita-Lerolwane road, adding that once complete it would attract a variety of developments to the village.

Meanwhile, Dr Kwape implored the congregation to advise the youth to desist from selling plots allocated to them by the land board. He hailed President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s initiative to ensure 100 000 plots were allocated, adding that the onus now was on custodians to develop such land.

He decried the trend by youth of selling plots immediately after allocation, which he said was worrying and defeated the government efforts of ensuring that all have a place to stay. 

He advised elders to impress upon youth, the value of land and to advise them to avoid selling their plots even when going through hardship. 

Dr Kwape further advised people to consider developing and building houses at their places of origin, instead of doing so in other places and likewise, register and vote at their place of origin as such had a bearing on village development.

Gasita Councillor, Mr Simon Ramaphoi commended the church for the unity, visionary thinking and commitment to building a Church at Gasita.

He said once complete the church building would also be a habitable place of worship, hosting wedding ceremonies, and a place of refuge for those in need. 

He pledged to donate half a pallet of cement towards the initiative.

Narrating the church’s history, Jacob’s ladder Church, Deputy Bishop Ruth Letswao shared that the church’s origins dated back to early 60’s adding that it was formally registered in 1976. He said the church was formed as a breakaway from Unity Church by their elder and founder, Bishop Walebatla Radipitse. ENDS