‘Those rising up against Zuma betrayers like Judas Iscariot’
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma yesterday called on church leaders to concern themselves with praying for the country, rather than being preoccupied with politics.
“It is sad to see church leaders getting mired in matters of politics instead of praying for leaders. I urge the church to pray for us as leaders‚ pray for our people to stop the hatred‚” Zuma said.
Some religious leaders such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Makhubele, Thabo Makgoba and others have proved to be a thorn in the flesh of Zuma.
They have been critical of his leadership and some even pushed for his stepping down after some of his scandals.
Addressing thousands of members of the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ during the international Thanksgiving Day at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Zuma could not hide his delight at the wide-ranging sermon of chief apostle Caesar Nongqunga.
This church holds the event annually, and Zuma is always invited as a guest speaker.
“I wish that the sermon was listened to by all South Africans. I also wish that the sermon was listened to by all the leaders of different churches.
“People of South Africa need prayers and blessings,” Zuma said, adding that sermons like Nongqunga’s could build a better South Africa.
Nongqunga’s sermon was crafted such that it bordered on Zuma’s troubles and the need for him to be forgiven.
“The Holy Spirit teaches us to forgive the sins of man. It teaches to get over things… Forgive the unforgivable,” he said.
Nongqunga also spoke of the need to accept the outcome of the August 3 municipal elections, where DA-led coalitions wrested three metros – Nelson Mandela Bay, Tshwane and Joburg – from the ANC.
“Don’t fight them even if you think they are not worth it,” he said to applause from Zuma and other dignitaries.
He also said there was no need for the hatred towards the breakaway parties like Cope and the EFF. “The word of God teaches us not to hate. It is a sin to hate.”
He also defended those who made mistakes, saying through mistakes people learn and correct their ways.
Zuma said he was happy the sermon had advised what he should do and not do.
“We must remember this all the time that we must work for unity as believers and the people of South Africa.
“There should be an end to the infighting among politicians… I was happy that the chief apostle spoke at length how we should conduct ourselves as politicians.
“He gave us a wise word of advice that we must conduct ourselves in an acceptable way to society.”
Also speaking at the event, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu took a swipe at the EFF, which had destabilised Parliament.
“It is a disgrace that he (Zuma) is abused by children that never went through what he experienced,” Mchunu said.
He said Zuma, who he lauded for bringing peace in KwaZulu-Natal in the 1990s, still had their backing and would govern till the end of his term.
eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede prayed for protection of Zuma from all evil.
“He is being attacked by the devil, and the devil is using Judas Iscariot,” he said, in reference to ministers who revolted against the president in the ANC national executive committee meeting last week.
‘President is being attacked by the devil’