#IMadeMyMark: Church warns ruling party, other political parties to do the right things

With just days to go before the municipal elections, the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko and other members of the ANC visited the Mohlakeng St Paul’s Anglican Church for divine intervention and to introduce two candidates – Tsitsana Tlholoe (Ward 18) and Dudu Mbulula (Ward 16) – as they wanted to go back to the council chambers.

While the church is being regarded as a custodian of the community and society across the spectrum, Father Kegelelo Mphetolang, the presiding priest of St Paul’s made it categorically clear that even though the church allowed them space to introduce candidates to the congregation, the church is not a campaigning platform for elections. He emphasised that if he allowed the ANC a platform then the church must also entertain other political formations.

“The church does not fear to criticise those in leadership if they do not do the right things,” said Father Kagelelo, also citing Bishop Desmond Tutu who was all out to give the apartheid government, and even the current dispensation, a tongue-lashing.

Father Kagelelo warned those who have the ambition to assume leadership to be more subservient to the needs of the community, and said those who exalt themselves would be brought down as the scriptures prescribe.

Itani Gladys Khoza, the Rand West City MMC for Roads, Storm water and Transport, further admitted that things did not go as expected, hence the church visit by the ANC was to ask for divine intervention and at the same time introduce the incumbent ward councillors to the church, which forms the integral part of society.

Khoza went on to advise the congregation to go to various voting stations on November 1.