"The government must never be absolved from its responsibilities," he said during his 10km march.

Sowetan reported earlier this year on Skosana's ground-breaking "Jesus was HIV-positive" sermon, which made national headlines.

On Christmas Day he stood alongside the busy N2 highway from Cape Town to Eastern Cape to complain about the hellish life in townships.

"Christmas must be a day of solidarity with the poor in our townships. Women and children suffer all manner of abuses daily," he said.

Skosana said the townships were nothing but glorified refugee camps, and rat-infested hellholes that must be exposed for what they really are.

He said comments from people during his 10km march from the heart of Khayelitsha showed people wanted improved living conditions.

"Those of us who have escaped poverty must take it on ourselves to throw a lifeline to somebody, teaching life-skills, offering a job or educating a child ... anything," Skosana said.

"More importantly, to remind the government of its primary function - that of creating favourable conditions for its citizens to live with dignity, and to ensure that everybody has an equal and fair chance to make something of themselves."

Supporting the reverend was Western Cape Abahlali BaseMjondolo chairperson Mzonke Poni, who urged those in authority to "listen to voices of conscience".

Nodumo Sotashe also took part in the march, saying the issues raised by Skosana were real.

"This march will get South Africans talking and perhaps speedy solutions will come," she said.

Skosana said his message was hard to swallow but he hoped the government would take note.

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Tue May 21 18:49:35 SAST 2013 ::

Dec 28, 2010

KasiKid

This pastor is just looking for attention, he is sick in the mind...
Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

Madread

@ Kasikid

I fully agree with you, the pastor needs his head checked period, i dont even understand why the media is entertaining him.nxa
Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

Moshimane

“Kandi zikhipha boma WHAT” with this Pastor. Other Pastors were @ church with the congregation and others were @ home with their families. And yet he was nether @ home nor @ church. No ways Pastor if you have a concern to raise please do not wait for Xmas. and also consider going to the offices of the people in charge pls.
Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

RHOO

Amen.
Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

ThirdEye

"Jesus was HIV-positive" - what a way of seeking attention.It nt easy to take this Pastor serious after such comments.
Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

theshadow

This guy is not seeking attention he is just doing what the word of God instructs him to do, to be heart of his community. Local elction are emminent we need people who will remind those officials that our townships are still neglected by those who seek our vote.

@ Kasikid is it seeking attention to highlight the fact that a burst sewage pipe can go on flowing for days in Diepkloof and other townships but is fixed within hours in Sandton and other affluent areas.

@Thirdeye Jesus says "I was sick and you did not care for me. I was hungry you did not feed me" I think you should understand that this means that if we do not take care our HIV positive brothers and sisters we are rejecting Jesus as an HIV + person. The bible says "He took upon himself all of our sickness". Please do not just read what the papers tell you find the thruth for yourself.



Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

KasiKid

theshadow

That is because in places like Sandton they pay high rates & you don't get all sorts of illegal connections crossing the streets...

A surburb will never be same as a township, get that into your head & accept it...

Councillors in DK must do their jobs properly or people of DK must stop voting for them...
Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

Moshimane

Yes remind the Officials that the townships are still neglected but do not include staff like "Jesus was HIV-positive" Do not call the name of our Father in vein.

And also be man enough and stand your ground. Go to the officials offices with the media and tell them that way that you need help. Being a pastor and saying staff like that about Jesus it is totally not AYOBANESS.

@theshadow Jesus says "I was sick and you did not care for me. I was hungry you did not feed me" I think you should understand that this means that if we do not take care our HIV positive brothers and sisters we are rejecting Jesus as an HIV + person. The bible says "He took upon himself all of our sickness". THIS DOES NOT MEAM JESUS WAS HIV +. Pls people do not try to explain what was and is said in the bible and want everybody to see it the way you see it. If it is written on the book of books" I AM THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD" That simply means that "I AM THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD" Not any other thing pls people.

Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

masepa

I thought he read and understand the bible more better than all of us but he seemed sick in a particular way. Indeed the government must develop kasis, in other provinces, everything is decaying.
Report Abuse

Dec 28, 2010

Sokkies

No one will take this Pastor serious for preaching such a message that our "Jesus was HIV positive" even if he can raise valid issues now we all are gonna ignore him, He must get a life and spend quality time with his family and at least the needy in his who have no one to prepare Christmas lunch for. that will be appreciated by all in the community, that is what Jesus did in His time - He cared so much for the needy and the sick people although He was 100% well. He shared five bread with thousands to show care without cursing any community -

Pastor go back to the basics of Christianity and understand what Jesus would have done if he was in your boots
Report Abuse

Read all 30 comments