Oudtshoorn, 15 November 2017 – Oudtshoorn Municipality was in the past week on two separate occasions visited by American delegations to possibly establish a bible college and a drug rehabilitation centre in the greater Oudtshoorn.
Establishment of a drug rehabilitation centre
Bishop Henry Joseph who originates from the USA and other three delegates visited the Oudtshoorn Municipal Council leadership on 10 November 2017 to propose the establishment of a regional drug rehabilitation centre in Oudtshoorn. This initiative could be a foundation for an establishment of a relationship between Oudtshoorn and City of Jackson in the United Stated of America (USA).
Tabling his proposal Bishop Joseph said there is a need for a drug rehabilitation centre in this region with the increasing use of drugs which are obviously detrimental for the well being of the community as well as the health of drug abusers.
Executive Mayor, Colan Sylvester welcomed the initiative. “This initiative fits well with the Council’s goal of creating safer communities and promotion of social development where communities can prosper.”
Joseph has also commended the Oudtshoorn municipal leadership for the willingness to partner with them. “We are extremely happy to see that there’s willingness for the Council to work with us. Our reward for the project would be to see lives changing – all we want is human profit,” Joseph said.
African Bible College (ABC) earmarked for Oudtshoorn
African Bible College which already exists at Malawi, Uganda and Liberia may also be established in South Africa, specifically, Oudtshoorn. This follows Council leadership discussions with the president of the ABC, Dr. Paul Chinchen of USA and his delegation this week.
The envisaged college will cater for about 800 students over the course of three to four years and offer courses in Theology, Mass Communication, Education, Health, Business, BA degree in community development etc. The American delegation is still exploring the possibility of establishing the college in Oudtshoorn also looking for a suitable land. A possible establishment of a relationship between Oudtshoorn and Jackson-Mississippi is also on the cards.
In the Photo (fltr): Cllr. Johan Fourie (Technical Services Chairperson), Mr. Dennis Nghonyama (Department of Social Development), Cllr. Pieter Luiters (Strategic Services Chairperson), Bishop Ronnie Crudup (Jachson City, USA), Cllr. Hendrik Ruiters (Community Services Chairperson), Cllr. Colan Sylvester (Executive Mayor,) Bishop Henry Joseph (Jackson City, USA), Pastor Leon Prinsloo (Mossel Bay) and Bishop Raymond Olckers (Cape Town).