Arno van Niekerk, a leader of the Time2RiseSA movement says he was surprised to come across the Afrikaans word “praat” displayed on a pavement last Friday in “the last place I expected to see Afrikaans” — “in the middle of Soweto”.
He made this “discovery” shortly after visiting the nearby Hector Peterson memorial at the street corner where schoolboy Hector Peterson, 12, was shot dead during the 1976 youth uprising against the enforcement of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction at schools.
Van Niekerk and fellow Time2RiseSA leader Pastor John Mathuhle were being shown around Soweto by local pastor Justin Mtembu after they had spoken at a church unity event in Orlando West.
Van Niekerk said when he saw the word “praat” [Afrikaans for “speak”] on the pavement it struck him as “a very significant word” and he felt inspired to send out a video message to the nation [see video below].
“I said in that video that the word ‘praat’ is so significant in the sense that we need to speak a new language — a language of unity, a language of hope, a language of healing the nation.
“So it’s actually so significant. The fact that that word is there, you know, in Afrikaans. It’s part of shaping a new narrative. Because, you know, I think we are not as divided as a people as we think. You know, we are much closer. Actually, we want the same things. You know, Black, White, Coloured, Indian.
“And it’s really time to start emphasising that. And to, you know, embrace it and encourage one another. And all with the Lord’s heart. That’s, that’s the common denominator. That’s the fact that brings healing to one another. So, uh, yeah, I was just so touched. That day was, was extremely special for me. Yeah. I will never forget that day.”
Van Niekerk said that during their Soweto visit they also prayed at the Hector Peterson memorial. “I really asked God to cancel the spirit of death in the nation and to turn it into life,” he said.
The Time2RiseSA pair’s participation in the church gathering was part of a national road trip they are undertaking ahead of a “Uniting for Change” gathering outside Bloemfontein from October 6 to 8.
“I’m telling you, by the thousands people are responding to the invitation to attend,” said Van Niekerk.
Former chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng is the main speaker at the two-day gathering which Van Niekerk says “will bring God’s Mighty family together to redirect the nation as we seek His face”.
The family-friendly event is free but you are asked to register on the October event page on the Time 2rise website where you can also find information about camping and other accommodation options.
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