The recent census report by Stats SA revealed that 85% of South Africans profess to be Christians. In numbers we are talking about 52,700,000 people who have openly declared that they are to be regarded as Christians. If all these people could actively apply the principles and values that come with Christianity, South Africa would be by far one of the most prosperous nations in the world.
While being Christian will not eliminate crime, poor decision-making or any other shortcomings that we have as human beings, surely it could reduce a significant amount of the unnecessary evil we have endured as a nation?
There is a lot we can learn from Muslim nations. They are very clear about their beliefs and their value system and apply these to the last detail even in their laws and policies. This does not necessarily mean their laws and policies are right or wrong, but all it says is that they walk the talk and stick to what they believe in, without compromise.
Our so-called majority Christian nation is among the top countries in the world when it comes to crime. According to a police report, 1.1-million households in South Africa were burgled in the 2022/23 period.
Sadly, the ripple effects of crime mean tourism, foreign direct investment (FDI) and government expenditure are heavily affected. One can only wonder how we have such deeply rooted crime in a nation whose citizens claim to be guided by Christian values.
Who are these citizens?
While we can never put a price tag on life, the reality we face is that the life of a South African is probably one of the cheapest in the world. For as little as R5,000, one can be instantly eliminated. People get killed for reasons ranging from being a whistle-blower in corruption scandals, to love gone wrong, to simple theft. In its third quarter of 2022/23 report, SAPS reported that 74 people are murdered every day in South Africa. Forget the Bible for a second — what happened to the spirit of ubuntu and the basic understanding that human life is valuable? At this rate, South Africa is as bad as a country at war.
For months on end, our population of 62-million people is without power for up to 12 hours a day. If a normal working day is eight hours, we cannot possibly become a competitive and innovative country in such circumstances The power crisis is costing our economy $50m a day in lost generation, according to the government. Our state-owned enterprises are governed by corrupt individuals who continue to steal the country’s resources to the detriment of the citizens. And we call ourselves a Christian nation with absolutely no concern about how we lead and how we want to be led.
Where are the more than 52-million Christians hiding when policies that affect what we stand for are passed? Prayer is not enough!
Where are the more than 52-million Christians hiding when laws that affect what we stand for are passed? Prayer is not enough! Our voice needs to be heard in parliament, in political parties and on every platform where national decisions are being made. Prayer has been taken out of schools under our watch. We have traded the dignity of our daughters, sisters and mothers all in the name of legalisation of prostitution. Our underaged children can now decide to have abortions without our consent. All this while we hide in our closets.
As the 2024 elections approach, we need to start reflecting on our participation on issues of national interest. Voting is a national responsibility and as a Christian nation, our voting should reflect our values. When we vote we must choose leaders who will make decisions that affect our life in a positive way. Our vote is our chance to choose the leaders we believe will best represent our values as a Christian nation and be good stewards of our God-given national resources. We must be the Nehemiahs and Deborahs of our day.
Our involvement should not end after we cast our votes. We should hold our government accountable. We cannot look aside and leave them to their own devices. When we vote, we must send a message to our leaders about what we expect of it as a God-fearing nation.
We need to use our votes to change what we do not like about our circumstances.
South Africa is facing a number of challenges, including the energy crisis, the rising cost of living, high unemployment, a poor healthcare system, poverty and crime.
As someone once said, we get the government we deserve. As a Christian nation, we deserve better, but we can get it only if we get involved. By voting, we will have a say in the future of our country and the preservation of our Christian values as a nation. Being a Christian should not be just a badge of honour. It must come with tangible works.
Christians — let’s come out of hiding and save South Africa!
* Rev SC Mathebula is the lead pastor at Hope Restoration Ministries
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