George Sanzila
Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi has implored the church to continue to involve itself in social and developmental issues affecting the country. Katjavivi made the appeal recently when he attended and addressed the annual holy mass, a special church service organised by the Parish for Corpus Christi Catholic church intended to offer prayers and spiritual guidance to members of parliament and other public office bearers.
Speaking during the spiritual retreat, Katjavivi noted that the church has been an important stakeholder and that its valued contribution to the welfare of Namibia as a country was further manifested during the drafting of the constitution.
“At the dawn of independence in our quest as elected representatives to craft the constitution of our independent republic, we were faced with a particular challenge when we started discussions around the question of Capital Punishment. Upon consultation, the church underscored their role as a moral voice of our society. This submission had a lasting impact on the Constituent Assembly and indeed the nation at large,” said Katjavivi.
The Speaker further noted that the church and religious leaders, in particular, played a crucial role during the struggle for independence. He, therefore, urged both political office bearers and church leaders alike to continue to show the same zeal.
“As political office bearers, we are duty bound to continuously engage with all stakeholders of our society and the church is one such important stakeholder. This occasion, therefore, comes at an opportune time for all of us to recommit ourselves towards the service and goodwill of our country. We all have a role to play in the developmental agenda,” stressed Katjavivi.
Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and Chief Justice Peter Shivute among other dignitaries also attended the event.