Church blesses Pakati on way forward

BUFFALO City executive mayor Xola Pakati yesterday sought divine intervention in his leadership of the metro from his church.

Heavyweight clergymen of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, led by their national synod secretary Thulani Ndlazi, placed their hands above Pakati at a packed LLC Duze UCCSA at NU3 in Mdantsane.

Pakati, who was elected Buffalo City mayor last August, is a member of the church that boasts a number of members in high political office, including President Jacob Zuma.

Ndlazi said the ceremony was meant to remind leaders in the public service, as well as members of the church, that they needed to strive for justice and lead with integrity because “they have a covenant with God that shapes the decisions they make”.

Ndlazi said: “This service is meant to remind the mayor of the legacy our church has in fighting injustice and also the responsibility he has towards the people he is leading.

“If he does well, we will thank God for the opportunity to produce a mayor who contributes to the social development of our country.”

For leaders who became “chaotic” even after being prayed for, said Ndlazi, the church should not be blamed since their task was only to ask that blessings be bestowed on them. He said what happened thereafter was between the individual and their relationship with God.

Pakati believes it is the role and responsibility of the church to pray for those in public office so they can lead with a clear conscience and in the best interests of the people.

“The church teaches us that as public leaders we are the servants of the people, not vice versa, which is very important,” Pakati said.

“It is also the church that should criticise us when things go wrong and reprimand us, because if it does not, that will mean it does not act in the best interests of society.” —