With just five days remaining before South Africa’s local government elections, hundreds of Christians representing 70 churches gathered outside Parliament in Cape Town today, in a public demonstration calling for ethical leadership, an accountable government, improved service delivery as well as a local election free from corruption and crime, while also affirming their support of Israel.
The City of Cape Town-approved gathering, organised by Christians United for Africa (CUFA), and the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI), brought together hundreds of church leaders and believers from across Cape Town.
“Taking place on the eve of the 4 November municipal elections, the gathering sends a message that reaches far beyond the steps of Parliament: South Africans are entitled to expect more from those entrusted with governing their communities, and will not be silenced regarding their support for the Holy Land of Israel,” said Bafana Modise, National Spokesperson for SAFI.
The mobilisation of 70 churches represented an important demonstration of the role faith communities can play in public life, particularly at a time when South Africans are preparing to decide who will lead their municipalities for the next five years: “Communities cannot drink political promises. Families cannot live on campaign slogans. And our cities cannot be repaired by speeches that are forgotten the moment an election is over. South Africans deserve leadership that regards public office as a sacred responsibility to serve, not an opportunity for personal enrichment. We also deserve to have our political views known, respected and protected, especially as it regards our support for the Holy Land of Israel,” said Dr Barry Isaacs, Chairman of Christians United for Africa.
“Today, Christians are gathering to pray for righteous mayors and councillors, for peace instead of chaos, for the restoration of essential services and for the healing of our cities. We are bringing our concerns before God, but we are also placing them squarely in the public conscience, ensuring our governing authorities do not abandon their responsibilities. Our prayer event outside Parliament today takes place at the exact same time as a prayer event inside Parliament chambers.”
The gathering drew upon the biblical call in Jeremiah 29:7 to seek peace and prosperity for one’s city, alongside the call in 2 Chronicles 7:14 where God promises to hear our prayers and heal the land.
For SAFI, the participation of hundreds of believers demonstrated that SA’s Christian communities remain an important and independent voice in national affairs, with a legitimate interest in the country’s moral direction, democratic future and relationships with people of faith around the world: “No government, political party or elected official has a monopoly on the moral conscience of South Africa. Churches are not extensions of political parties, and Christians do not surrender their constitutional rights or independent convictions when they enter a place of worship,” said Modise.
Both organisations emphasised that the gathering was peaceful, constructive and grounded in prayer, while offering an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of elected leadership ahead of Wednesday’s vote.
“South Africa does not need another five years of excuses. It needs leaders who understand that public service is an obligation, not a privilege. From the security of neighbourhoods and the maintenance of roads to reliable water, sanitation and municipal services, the everyday responsibilities of local government must be delivered in full,” added Modise.
As SA prepares for its municipal elections, SAFI and CUFA reaffirm their commitment to peaceful democratic participation, freedom of conscience, respect for religious communities and the principle that every public official must ultimately be accountable to the people they serve.
“We are not gathering to add fuel to the fire. We are gathering to pray for peace, integrity and the kind of leadership that can put chaos to rest. South Africa’s cities deserve a future defined by service, dignity and hope rather than division and broken promises,” concluded Isaacs.
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Wonder inniciative mobilizing the churches to work together. It is always a difficulty getting the different pastors to come operate.