Political leaders turn to the church for prayers
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma cut a lonely figure at the Good Friday service of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God at Ellis Park Stadium yesterday without numerous politicians by his side.
Last year, the president was accompanied to the service by ANC Gauteng chairperson and Human Settlements MEC Paul Mashatile and Water and Sanitation Affairs Minister Nomvula Mokonyane who is among Zuma’s staunchest allies in the cabinet. Yesterday, Zuma found solace in the company of Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Faith Mazibuko, and several other dignitaries.
In his third visit to the Universal Church’s Good Friday event, he appeared to loud cheers from the crowd, which overflowed the stadium.
The congregants were on their feet for the president’s speech, although he kept his roughly five-minute talk largely away from politics.
“Pray for us. Pray for the leaders. Pray for the jobs. Pray for the crime to go away,” Zuma said, reading from pre-written note cards.
While Zuma’s presence brought the event media attention, organisers were left scrambling to make arrangements when they only learnt on Thursday that he would attend.
Marcelo Crivella – who is both the right-wing mayor of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, as well as a bishop of the Universal Church – was also in attendance and led the crowd in song.
Other representatives of the religious group prayed for Zuma, his cabinet ministers and others.
In December, Zuma caused controversy when he told the clergy and the church to stop meddling in political affairs, saying their role was to pray for leaders.
However, the men of the cloth have disregarded Zuma’s sentiments.
Early this month they called for Zuma to do the honourable thing and step down.
Around the country, other political leaders marked the day by addressing religious gatherings.
Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe told congregants at the Assemblies of God at Thaba Nchu in Free State yesterday that the church provided a “the moral compass to the nation” and that religious leaders were part of human struggles and “occupied the front line trenches alongside other political activists”.
“They played a pivotal role in mobilising society and keeping the fires burning when many political leaders were incarcerated, organisations banned and every political activity suppressed through the draconian apartheid laws,” Radebe said.
“The leadership of the church is needed in our society now more than ever before.
“Our society is confronted by numerous challenges that need the intervention of the church,” he added.
“The high levels of crime and violence in our society are threatening to reverse the gains of our freedom and democracy.
“At the time when we thought we had eradicated the scourge of racism, it keeps rearing its ugly head.”
DA leader Mmusi Maimane implored church leaders to “pray for the country during trying and irregular times”.
In a statement, Maimane said it was vital for all society to stand behind the shared democratic and constitutional values that placed the country and people first.
Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota was at his usual parish, the Catholic Church in Joburg.