The newly appointed chaplain and head of transformation at St Peter’s College, Reverend Kabelo Motlhakane said one of his priorities will involve creating an environment that will allow learners to ask uncomfortable questions about God, religion and race.
Motlhakane was recently appointed to the position following a secondment from St Stephens Anglican Church leadership where he serves as an assistant priest.
He said his responsibilities as a chaplain will include teaching and creating awareness on programmes that will progress St Peters College towards an exemplary transformed and inclusive community.
“In the past 10 years, I spent most of my time working with different community organisations helping young people to become future leaders. My appointment as a chaplain and head of transformation at the school comes at a very critical time as our country is faced with racism incidents.
“I believe that we can have very sensitive conversations, even in our anger we can still speak out and conquer our differences as a nation. As a school we have decided on creating an environment in which learners and staff members can speak their mind and share their painful experiences.”
Motlhakane added that schools have a huge and vital role to play in realising a dream of a non-racist and non-sexist nation in which every member of society can enjoy being part of.
“Schools have a responsibility to shape the future by encouraging and promoting a culture of making it fashionable to talk about our differences in order to address conflicts when they arise along the way – whether race, sex or religion. This will help us as a nation to have a country in which everyone feels welcome everywhere she or he goes.”
His experience in working with the young people will be crucial for Motlhakane who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and Bachelor of Theology honour’s degree in ethics and systematic theology. He is currently completing his master’s degree in ethics and systematic theology.
He concluded, “Today’s generation must not suffer because of the mistakes that were committed when they were not even born. We must build a nation that is not ashamed to talk about equality disparities of our nation.”
