Several politicians visited churches over the Easter weekend as the build-up to the “unique” general elections intensifies.
Among political leaders who visited various churches were Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane, ACDP leader Rev Kenneth Meshoe and ActionSA's Herman Mashaba who were at the Grace Bible Church's Easter celebrations at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Sunday.
Speaking to TimesLIVE Premium after the celebration, Maimane said the gathering of thousands of people at the stadium to worship was a reminder that there was hope for the country.
Opposition parties, including Bosa, believe they can reduce the ANC's electoral support to less than 50%.
Maimane said the 2024 general elections would be the most unique the country had ever seen.
“This is the first time in our history that the ANC is not guaranteed an outright majority. When you have one party dominance, you have all the other ills we have seen ... We will enter a new terrain where leaders from other parties need to find each other in the interest of the country,” Maimane said.
He said a new coalition may arise after the national polls on May 29.
“We want a government where there is stability and prosperity in the long run. When you look at the 30 years of democracy, I do think that a new generation must come. We have to now bring new politics of post liberation,” Maimane said.
Maimane said being at the church service was also about reaffirming that there was hope for the country.
“Today being Easter Sunday, it is a genuine reminder at Orlando Stadium that this country always has hope. Today, we don't just celebrate the resurrection of Christ but we reaffirm that our nation is not gone, there is always hope in our country.
“Our presence here, joining the thousands that are here is to pray for our country at such an important time,” he said.
Meshoe said this year's election was the most unique since the dawn of democracy.
“I have read that it takes, on average, 30 years for a liberation movement to lose its power ... When you look at the divisions within the ANC, the predictions by analysts and everything is pointing to a downward spiral [for the ruling party],” Meshoe said.
He said the ANC had an opportunity to correct its wrongs but had failed.
“The Bible says righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any nation. Disgraceful things are happening in South Africa. To change from being a nation known for disgraceful things, we need to point the nation to righteousness.
“The ruling party has been undermining righteousness. I think opposition parties have a great opportunity this time to unseat the ANC,” Meshoe said.
Grace Bible Church Easter services attracted various political formations this weekend including ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, IFP leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu and Gauteng premier Panyaza among many guests.
The church's presiding bishop Mosa Sono welcomed the visits by political leaders.
“To see our [political leaders] here is refreshing for us as religious leaders to sit with different political formations for them to find each other. I think the church can still play the role of a unifier,” Sono said.
He said it was unfortunate when church members get “sucked into party politics”.
“It becomes unfortunate when we lose our prophetic edge. At the same time we should not apologise for associating with people. Politicians are God's people. They should come to church,” Sono said.
He said the church should honour and respect the political leaders who visit but at the same time it was important for the church to “remain apolitical and about righteousness, justice and fairness”.
Sono said the church has encouraged people, particularly the youth, to go and vote on May 29.
“This year we have prayed for the elections and encourage people to vote. We've shown our young people why it matters for them to vote. It is a very big thing that the church can do. With the thousands of people here, that message going out over three days, I think it is a very big contribution,” Sono said.
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