Collaborating organisations combating crime in streets of Gqeberha

On the morning of March 22, 2024, Shincheonji Volunteers in Gqeberha and the Healing Hands Foundation partnered together to spearhead a Peace March through Central Gqeberha, spotlighting the predicament of crime and its interconnected socio-economic issues.

The participants gathered at 10:00 at the Healing Hands Foundation and started the march through Parliament Street, Rink Street and Govan Mbeki Street. The march was brought to a close at Donkin Lighthouse where refreshments were served. A portion of the route involved a clean up campaign led by The Waste Trade Company. 

The South African Police Services from Humewood also stood in solidarity for the plight of illegal activities that occur in parts of Gqeberha, such as the selling and distribution of drugs, hijackings and violence. 

“We have been running the safe home for 14 years now and we are surrounded by student accommodations. We see people, including students get robbed everyday and we see people getting robbed and getting hurt. We just thought enough is enough. We see the drug dealers around and what these drugs are doing to our kids and how they’re destroying our country. Somebody has to take a stand. We decided to get everybody together, so that we can be heard and something can be done about it,” shared one of the organisers from the Healing Hands Foundation, Magdalene Bangaree.

Despite weather conditions being slightly warmer than average, the public, Nelson Mandela University students, volunteers from Healing Hands and Shincheonji Volunteers came out in numbers of over 50 people. In celebration of Human Rights Day, the event highlighted the South African constitutional right of a safe and secure environment.
Siyakuvuma Bomvu, one of the representatives of Shincheonji Volunteers, shared that youth development is one of the many crucial socio-economic issues that they aim to highlight and tackle through their initiatives.

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus marked its 40th anniversary on March 14, 2024, commemorating its founding on the same date in 1984. During the celebration, ambitious plans for the upcoming year were revealed, underscoring the church’s dedication to community service and its position as a guiding force and source of strength. Through such endeavors, both government and private entities can gain insight into effective strategies for addressing pressing issues like violence, drug abuse, crime, gang activity, and similar challenges.

The Ward 5 Councillor, Terri Stander, addressed the participants as well as Acting Executive Director of Safety and Security, Mr Niel Whitebooi and Mr Keith Mitchell of the municipality. The memorandum was handed over on behalf of the Central area of Gqeberha, where crime has proved to be the most prevalent. 

“Crime doesn’t see gender, it hurts us all,” Terri shared. “Every single day, these students are victims of crime, as well as the general residents of people walking through Central and the surrounding areas.

It is important for residents to actively engage in combating crime by reporting criminal activities occurring within their communities. Additionally, civilians can make tangible contributions to crime prevention efforts by participating in police forums, initiating neighborhood committees, or joining volunteer groups. Ms Bangaree further urged those unable to attend the march to utilise social media as a potent tool for raising awareness, thereby fostering a sense of peace and security for the people of Gqeberha.

HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) Held on March 14th

Amidst Ongoing Global Conflicts, International Experts Gather to Discuss Institutionalizing Peace

Participants of the 8th Annual Commemoration of the DPCW

In 2023 alone, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and numerous international disputes tragically claimed the lives of over 33,000 civilians and displaced millions. Recognizing this dire reality, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, held its 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) on March 14th at its peace training institute in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The event’s theme resonated deeply: “Building the Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding.”

Since the DPCW’s proclamation on March 14, 2016, HWPL has consistently held annual commemorative ceremonies to advocate for the institutionalization of peace. This year, the event gathered about 12,500 distinguished experts from diverse fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media, and representatives from women and youth sectors – both online and in person. Among participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the commemorative ceremony venue.

Chairman Man-Hee Lee of HWPL, speaking at the 8th Annual Commemoration.

Drafted in collaboration with international legal specialists from 15 countries, the DPCW comprises 10 articles and 38 clauses. It outlines the principles and tools necessary to prevent and resolve conflicts, cultivate a peaceful global society, and defines clear roles for individuals, communities, and nations in achieving lasting peace.

In his congratulatory speech, H.E. Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, said, “The commitment and dedication shown in the pursuit of peace projects have not only been commendable but have also laid the foundation for a more harmonious world. The tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working towards the common goal of ending war and fostering understanding among nations are truly inspiring.”

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka

As President of the Daegak Buddhism Jogye Order in South Korea, Ven. Beopsan who has been participating in interreligious dialogue for nine years, emphasized the importance of religious leaders’ participation in peacebuilding efforts including comparative study of scriptures. He said, “Intercultural dialogue and understanding can be found at HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office. The root of religion is one and its meaning is a truly noble value.”

Having pointed out that conflicts caused by religion have threatened global peace, Chairman Man-hee Lee of HWPL said, “Different religions should come together, learn each other’s values and become one by comparative study on scriptures. Religious communities should practice faith based on scriptures, so they can live with humanity on this earth. We must create a world where people communicate, cooperate, and help each other regardless of religion,”

President of the Daegak Buddhism, Jogye Order giving a speech.

Lastly, the ceremony concluded with a variety of performances depicting the journey of peace. During the performance, there was a session where the contents of Article 10, 38 clauses of the DPCW were explained through performance, and expressed an image of a paradise filled with flowers where peace was achieved.

Recently, various activities are being carried out around the world to institutionalize peace. In East Timor, a training course for journalists is planned to be held in 2024 to raise public awareness of peace. Mr. Otélio Ote, President of the Timor-Leste Press Council, said, “I am proud to announce our collaboration with HWPL through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement peace journalism education. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to promoting freedom of expression, press freedom, and the independence of media institutions. As we look ahead to 2024, the Timor-Leste Press Council is committed to supporting HWPL’s endeavors for the sustainable development of institutional peace based on intercultural dialogue and understanding.”

Shincheonji Celebrates 40th Anniversary with over 30,000 Attendees

On the morning of the 14th, Chairman Man-Hee Lee is giving a sermon during the 40th anniversary ceremony held at the Cheongpyeong Shincheonji Peace Training Center.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji), led by Chairman Man-Hee Lee, marked its 40th anniversary on 14 March 2024 with a commemorative ceremony and service at the Cheongpyeong Shincheonji Peace Training Center. 

Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 1984, the commemoration ceremony provided a platform to honour the growth of Shincheonji and offer gratitude to God. Visionary plans for the upcoming year were unveiled, emphasising the church’s commitment to societal service and its role as a beacon of light and a pillar of support.

The event was live streamed to 66 countries worldwide and approximately 30,000 attendees from across the world, including about 40 South African congregants, joined the ceremony in person. 

A ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of the founding is being held at the Cheongpyeong Shincheonji Peace Training Center on the morning of the 14th.

The commemorative service featured highlights such as an overview of the 40th anniversary proceedings, a retrospective video, and a historical narrative of Shincheonji. in his sermon Chairman Lee reflected on the church’s humble beginnings, attributing its significant growth to divine providence.

Despite challenges, Shincheonji has sustained continuous growth since its inception, defying global economic fluctuations. Notably, the institution has witnessed a surge in graduates, with over 100,000 individuals completing its programs annually since 2019. Additionally, in the spirit of fostering dialogue and collaboration with religious communities worldwide, Shincheonji has forged partnerships with numerous churches, thus making strides in developing mutual understanding and recognition in the religious sphere.

While the 40th anniversary ceremony was held at the Cheongpyeong Shincheonji Peace Training Center on the morning of the 14th, saints are moving under the guidance of a guide for safety to enter the site.

Chairman Lee emphasised the importance of aligning with God’s will and extending love and compassion to others. Urging a deeper understanding of the Bible’s teachings, he called for collective efforts to enrich lives through faith and altruism.

Shincheonji has actively worked with a heart of servitude to provide hope both physically and spiritually in Southern Africa through its branch churches in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. With the core value of uniting as one, Shincheonji has additionally partnered with local authority officials to run successful collaborative projects in service of their communities such as blood donation drives, clean ups, food drives, and various other volunteer programmes.

Shake Off the Sedentary Lifestyle: Dance Your Way to Fitness

 Zumba combines Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves for a heart-pumping cardio workout.
Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-women-dancing-during-a-dance-class-8957645/

Tired of dull workouts? It’s time to shake things up – quite literally! Say goodbye to boring workouts and hello to the exhilarating world of dance fitness. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, dancing offers a fun and effective way to improve your physical activity levels and overall well-being.

  1. Cardiovascular Health: Get your heart pumping with dance. From salsa to Zumba, dancing boosts your heart rate, improving cardiovascular health.
  2. Strength and Flexibility: Tone muscles and improve flexibility with every move. Ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance engage muscles throughout the body.
  3. Mental Wellbeing: Dance away stress and anxiety. Moving to music boosts ones mood and releases endorphins.
Social dances like salsa provide a fun and interactive way to relieve stress and connect with others.
Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-dancing-on-dance-floor-2057274/

Ready to dance your way to better health? Find a dance workout on YouTube or a local dance studio or Zumba class near you and start moving today!

[Search for Dance Workouts on YouTube]

[Find a Dance Studio Near You]

[Join a Zumba Class Today]