Johannesburg: Deputy President Paul Mashatile will attend the Amandla Ngawethu Good Friday church service of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The Easter service is part of the Deputy President’s duties in leading government’s interaction with inter-faith communities across South Africa, focusing on social cohesion and nation-building initiatives.

According to South African Government News Agency, the theme for 2026, ‘The Family at the Foot of the Cross’, aims to strengthen family units and empower communities to overcome violence, abuse, conflict, and social fragmentation. The event underscores the importance of faith-based organizations in promoting social cohesion, crime prevention, and community resilience.

Although Deputy President Mashatile has visited numerous congregations and worshiped with various religious communities, including Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and African Churches, this marks his first attendance at the Universal Churc
h of the Kingdom of God Easter service in his role as Deputy President. He will be accompanied by the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, and senior government officials. The church service is scheduled to begin at 10am.