The church must reclaim its role as an independent moral watchdog and speak truth to those in power if South Africa is to effectively confront corruption, according to Reverend Dr Simphiwe Mthembu.

Mthembu (45) recently completed a doctoral thesis examining the relationship between the church and the ANC-led government, arguing that the church’s close proximity to the governing party since 1994 has weakened its ability to hold political leaders accountable.

His research traces the historical ties between Christianity and South Africa’s liberation movement, highlighting how many ANC founders, including John Dube, Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Chief Albert Luthuli and Nelson Mandela, were deeply influenced by Christian values.

“Luthuli famously said, ‘I am a Christian before I am a Congress member.’ For many liberation leaders, their faith shaped their commitment to justice, equality and human dignity,” Mthembu explained.

He also examines the role played by church leaders such as Dr Beyers Naudé and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose outspoken opposition to apartheid helped shape liberation theology and positioned the church as a powerful voice against injustice.

However, Mthembu argues that this prophetic role diminished after democracy.

“My study argues that when the liberation movement became the government, the church became too close to those in power. Because they had struggled together, it became difficult for the church to criticise the government with the same courage it showed during apartheid,” he said.

Truth to power

He believes corruption has become South Africa’s greatest ethical crisis.

“The cancer destroying this country is corruption. Whether you look at state capture, service delivery failures or the sale of identity documents, corruption is at the centre of many of our problems. If corruption was addressed, South Africa would be in a much stronger position.”

According to Mthembu, the church should maintain what he calls a “critical distance” from government.

“The church must be close enough to engage government but far enough to challenge it. Once it becomes too close, it loses its prophetic voice.”

He pointed to Archbishop Tutu’s criticism of the ANC during Jacob Zuma’s presidency as an example of the courageous leadership needed today. Tutu publicly condemned government decisions, including refusing the Dalai Lama a visa, despite facing limited support from some within church circles.

Mthembu also questioned the growing visibility of politicians at church events, particularly when they are afforded prominent speaking roles during major religious gatherings.

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“The pulpit belongs to the message of God, not politics. When politicians receive special treatment and use church platforms while communities continue to suffer, the church risks elevating political power instead of challenging it.”

Accountability

Drawing on the biblical account of the prophet Nathan confronting King David after his abuse of power, Mthembu said prophets must never become extensions of political authority.

“Nathan stood close enough to confront the king but remained independent enough to tell him, ‘You are the man.’ That is the kind of prophetic courage the church needs today.”

While acknowledging that Christianity continues to influence governments around the world, Mthembu cautioned against equating religious identity with ethical leadership.

“Religion should never shield governments from accountability. The church’s responsibility is not to protect politicians but to defend justice, speak for the vulnerable and hold leaders accountable whenever they abuse power.”

The Reverend believes restoring that prophetic voice is essential if South Africa is to overcome corruption and rebuild public trust in both government and the church.

Resilience

Raised in a Christian family in Hammersdale, near Pietermaritzburg, the Reverend overcame significant hardship, including losing his family home during the political violence of the 1980s and leaving school several times.

Although he aspired to become a chartered accountant, he answered a call to ministry at 21 after embracing the Christian faith.

“I said, ‘Let me try this Jesus thing.’ It was really a theoretical trial because of what I was experiencing in my life. I never looked back.”

In 2022, while serving in Kempton Park, he earned the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge.

He has served at Northfield Methodist Church since the beginning of 2024.

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