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Cape Town — Religious leaders are calling on the faithful to take part in next week’s anti-corruption march and take a stand against the scourge “challenging South Africa’s spiritual, moral, social and political development”.
The Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum — which comprises Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Baha’i, Brahma Kumari, Quaker and African traditional representation — said on Tuesday that religious leaders would join civic society organisations in solidarity in the anti-corruption march on September 30.
“There is a growing national consensus in South Africa that the corrupt pursuit of money and power is threatening our young democracy and robbing the poor of their basic needs and opportunities,” said forum chairperson Pastor Xola Skosana.
“Each year, corruption costs the South African economy hundreds of billions of rands.”
Corruption was about more than just the stereotyped view of it being a crime, the Methodist Church’s Reverend Alan Storey pointed out.
“We would also like to point to corruption that is not illegal. The primary corruption in this country is the level of poverty alongside the level of obscene wealth.”
He referenced the “complete inhumane living conditions” of the “overwhelming majority” of South Africans as an example.
Braam Hanekom, representing the Dutch Reformed Church, said the country’s “national psyche has become intoxicated with the virus of corruption”.
“It’s killing the soul of the country and the legacy of so many of our beloved leaders who fought for freedom. The majority of people have had enough. Let’s take hands, stand up and say that we have had enough of this.”
Two marches, led by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, are being planned for September 30.
One will be to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, while the other will be in Cape Town to Parliament.
Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie of the Muslim Judicial Council said Muslims had the moral responsibility to stand up against “rampant corruption that has taken hold of our society on all levels, especially in government”.
“Faith leaders in our country are strong and ready as a collective leadership to provide necessary guidance to civil society. Support [the march for] the wellbeing and goodness of the future of South Africa,” he said. — Sapa
Online Reporter