BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBELEBELENI— With only one day remaining before schools reopen, Strength in Christ Church founder and Bishop, Mlondi Dlamini, has called on food vendors and parents to prioritise safe and hygienic food practices to protect learners’ health as they return to school.
The call was made during a Back to School Sunday service held at Strength in Christ Church in Luve, Mbelebeleni, where learners, parents, and congregants gathered to prepare spiritually and practically for the new academic term. The service was aimed at encouraging school going children to take education seriously while being mindful of their wellbeing.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop MZ Dlamini emphasised that children’s health is directly linked to their ability to learn and thrive at school. He warned vendors operating in and around school premises against selling expired or unhygienic food, stressing that such practices put learners’ lives at risk. He urged vendors to maintain cleanliness and sell only safe food suitable for children.
The Bishop also encouraged learners to remain focused on their studies and conduct themselves with discipline and respect. “Go to school and do your best, focus on your studies, be a true reflection of the church. Respect your teachers and your parents. I see future leaders among you, leaders who will change this nation, but it starts with obedience, discipline, and hard work,” he said.
Bishop Dlamini further cautioned learners against negative peer pressure, urging them to make wise choices as they interact with other children at school. A special prayer was offered for learners, asking God to protect them as they return to school, guide their steps, and help them avoid being drawn into harmful behaviour.
He also spoke on the importance of good hygiene, smart dressing, and healthy eating, noting that personal discipline contributes to both academic success and personal growth.
The Back to School Sunday service reinforced Strength in Christ Church’s role as a place of encouragement, hope, and moral guidance, as the community prepares for the reopening of schools.
