When political leaders are seen to endorse, fraternise with “unholy” religious institutions, self-styled miracle workers or spiritual cults who are fingered in serious transgressions, they are not only undermining the separation between the church and the state, they are eroding the credibility of both entities.
Over the Easter holidays, two prominent political leaders — Deputy President Paul Mashatile and MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu — drew criticism for spending the pilgrimage weekend at controversial churches.
On Easter Sunday, Mashatile visited the KwaSizabantu Christian Mission, a religious organisation that was tainted by allegations of decades-long abuse of its congregants. Following allegations of a culture of abuse, racism, improper labour practice and neglect at the church, the CRL Rights Commission initiated an investigation. Its report recommended that the mission furnish its victims with an apology for the trauma they suffered at their hands. Through the investigation it was established that there was a rape case at the church, virginity tests were done on young girls and that physical abuse was the norm.
His visit has offended some former members of the church who see it as a form of legitimisation of the institution that abused them. Celimpilo Malinga was quoted by the Sowetan saying: “The mission is a government unto itself and the ANC [is a] government unto itself. [They] don’t care about the citizens.”
Meanwhile, Shivambu took to social media to praise fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri after visiting his church in Malawi on Easter Friday. No stranger to controversy, Bushiri and his wife Mary were in 2019 arrested on several charges including rape, money laundering and fraud. Following their bail, they became fugitives of justice when they fled the country to Malawi. After his visit, Shivambu took to social media to thank Bushiri for his hospitality and praised him for the “government-scale amount of work you do to economically, educationally, socially and spiritually uplift our people is unparalleled — both now and historically”.
This move notably landed Shivambu in hot water with the MK Party leadership.
These are not harmless acts of fellowship but a middle finger to the many people who suffered at the hands of these churches. From the victims of KwaSizabantu and Bushiri’s disregard for our justice system, these visits can be viewed as deliberate political choices that speak volumes about how leaders choose to conduct themselves, to whom they are willing to give a platform and credibility, and whether it can cause harm or not. These are not ambiguous or misunderstood religious organisations, but were publicly fingered in wrongdoing. By fleeing justice, Bushiri not only made a mockery of the rule of law but also dealt a symbolic slap in the face to his victims.
Gushing over a suspected criminal in robes and proudly visiting a controversial church at the leadership level, the two are not only tone-deaf but legitimising, normalising and overlooking the destruction these institutions and their leaders have caused. It sends a wrong message that power protects power, even if cloaked in controversy and criminality.
Though the constitution makes provision for freedom of religious affiliation, it matters who politicians associate with, especially in cases where there is a need for redress, justice and accountability.
Leaders should be seen to be upholding the principles of justice and not aligning with those who break the law. Politicians, regardless of their party alliance, have a responsibility to lead with unquestionable moral clarity, especially in a secular country such as ours. They should not deepen the pain of victims.
For opinion and analysis consideration, email Opinions@timeslive.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.