The government will do all possible to ensure that the sacred right to one’s faith is protected. We remain encouraged by the continuing cooperation and interfaith collaboration in our country, manifesting through the National Interfaith Council of South Africa (NICSA).

As always, it is our firm belief that by working together we stand a better chance of defeating religious bigotry that has bedevilled most parts of the world, particularly in the West and North Africa and the Middle East.

From 4 September until the evening of 6 September 2013, the Jewish Community will be celebrating one of their most religious days – the Rosh Hashanah. The Rosh Hashanah is the date that marks the Jewish New Year annually.

The Department of Traditional Affairs wishes all Jewish Community a Happy 2013 Rosh Hashanah celebration.

It is the mandate of the Department of Traditional Affairs to promote and protect the rights of all religious communities in our country to practice their faith and worship the Supreme Being without hindrance from the state or any other person. It is against this background that the department wishes the Jewish Community a blessed 2013 Rosh Hashanah New Year Celebration.