Deputy President Mashatile to attend Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church Good Friday service

At the invitation of Bishop Marcelo Pires, His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Friday, 03 April 2026, attend the Amandla Ngawethu Good Friday church service of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) to be held at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

The Deputy President has been tasked by the President to lead Government's interaction with the Inter-Faith communities across South Africa as a champion of the country's social cohesion and nation-building initiatives.

The 2026 theme, "The Family at the Foot of the Cross", focuses on strengthening the family unit and empowering communities to break cycles of violence, abuse, conflict and social fragmentation.

The event further highlights the role of faith-based organisations in promoting social cohesion, crime prevention and community resilience.

Although Deputy President Mashatile has, in this role, traversed the length and breadth of the country, attending various congregations and worshipping with various religious denominations, including the Muslim, Hindu, Christian and African Churches communities, it will be the first time that he attends the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God easter service in his capacity as the Deputy President of the Republic.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Ms Faith Mazibuko, as well as senior government officials.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date: Friday, 03 August 2026
Time: 10h00 (Media to arrive from 08h00 onwards)
Venue: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

Members of the media are requested to RSVP to Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505 by end of day tomorrow.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840 or Ms Nametso Mofokeng, UCKG Spokesperson on 082 478 5941

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria