Our host, Jack Devnarain, chats with two youth pastors, Ndumiso Mazibuko and Matthew Dos Santos, as well as Rabbi Ash. 

In this episode, they chat about how they navigated the “new normal” and the challenges they had to overcome as religious leaders who have a responsibility to their community. The conversation touches on the uncertainties of the pandemic and what the future looks like “after the pandemic”.

Reverend Ndebele discusses how the church’s role changed when managing a public health disaster. The leadership of the church was initially divided as it became evident that there was an organised church sector and an unorganised sector. Still, they came together to make a difference. He also speaks about the Covid-relief fund initiated within his denomination to support families and ministers. Lastly, he touches on how worshipping post-Covid-19 has changed.

Guests Reverend Sav Waqu and Interfaith Liaison for the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Reeva Forman join host Jack Devnarain to discuss how they used technology and social media to overcome the pandemic. They each speak about how their communities received the vaccines.

Reverend Glynis Goyne takes us through how her church responded to the challenges of the pandemic while battling conspiracy theories. Eventually, it led to the possibility of using her church’s premises as a vaccination centre.

Jack Deverain is joined by traditional healer Gogo Chumile and Pastor Hlengiwe Ramakonopi.

Gogo shares about the meeting point between faith and traditional healing and how she also uses prayer in her healing. 

Mrs Hlengiwe, also a teacher, speaks about how it felt going back to school after the pandemic.

They both address how we can help people who are still battling with the pandemic’s mental health-related effects. They touch on the importance of being open about mental health and embracing the conversation.

In the first episode, host Jack Devnarain is joined by youth pastor Lehlohlonolo Lepele and Islam religious scholar and radio-and television host Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat. 

Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat speaks about how his community turned to faith, looking for medical, political and religious perspectives. He had to make his community realise that they must trust the doctor that tells them what to do when they have a heart attack when that same doctor tells them to take the vaccine.

Lehlohlonolo touches on how religion and science must be reconciled to work towards workable solutions. He takes us through how his church wants to create a space where all questions can be addressed. Questions around how faith meets health, vaccines, and African spirituality.