We say NO to epidemic corruption and theft

Executive Summary

What's Happening

Daily, politicians, officials, and businesspeople appear in court over theft and corruption. There is hardly a Cabinet member whose name has not been mentioned in connection with one corruption scandal or another. The irregular awarding of state tenders worth billions to family, friends, and other confidants no longer even raises eyebrows. Once-flourishing state corporations and local municipalities struggle to survive due to large-scale mismanagement and corruption.

Why It Matters

The unconscionable, corrupt, and large-scale enrichment of a handful of financial tycoons and politicians at the expense of the poor must stop. Our country cannot expect God's blessing if such injustice continues.

What's at Stake

The systematic theft of billions meant for economic development is destroying the economy, eliminating jobs, and pushing millions deeper into poverty. As corruption becomes normalized, the moral fabric of society unravels. The failure of state corporations and municipalities affects service delivery to the most vulnerable. When money lands in fewer pockets through corruption, the entire nation is impoverished while the poor increasingly fall into misery. This is not just an economic crisis but a moral and spiritual crisis that threatens the future of South Africa.

Issue Context

Our Faith Position

Our commitment to biblical truth guides our stance on this issue. We believe Scripture provides clear direction for how Christians should respond to matters of faith, freedom, and governance.

Key Scripture References

Biblical foundations that inform our position

"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

Isaiah 1:17

"The Lord has shown you what is good. He asks of you that you do justice, that you show love and faithfulness, that you walk humbly before your God."

Micah 6:8

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

Matthew 23:23

Additional references

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Theological Foundation

Understanding the biblical principles behind our stance

Core Biblical Principles

Justice and Righteousness: God commands justice for the poor and oppressed, and condemns those who exploit the vulnerable
Stewardship and Accountability: Leaders are accountable to God for how they use public resources and authority entrusted to them
Prophetic Voice: Christians must speak against systemic injustice and corruption, defending those who cannot defend themselves

God abhors greed and exploitation. Scripture clearly commands us to ensure justice is done, to do justice, show love and faithfulness, and walk humbly before God. Jesus emphasized that what weighs heaviest with God is justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The Bible strongly addresses greed as a source of all kinds of evil and directly connects greed with injustice. There are explicit commands to execute justice for the poor. Based on Scripture, we can no longer close our eyes to the epidemic dishonesty under which our country labors.

Historical Precedent

Throughout Scripture, God's people have been called to confront corruption and injustice. The prophet Nathan confronted King David over his abuse of power and theft of Uriah's wife. The prophet Elijah stood against Ahab and Jezebel's corruption and theft of Naboth's vineyard. John the Baptist denounced Herod's immoral and corrupt rule, even at the cost of his own life. Jesus Himself drove out the money changers who exploited the poor in the temple. In modern history, Christians like William Wilberforce spent decades fighting the corruption of the slave trade, while Dietrich Bonhoeffer stood against the systemic injustice of Nazi Germany. When corruption enriches the powerful at the expense of the poor, faithful Christians must follow these biblical examples and speak truth to power, regardless of the personal cost.

Case Against This Proposal

A summary of our objections, suggested actions, and a constructive alternative approach.

Key Arguments

Daily politicians, officials, and businesspeople appear in court over corruption
Cabinet members regularly mentioned in connection with corruption scandals
State tenders worth billions irregularly awarded to family, friends, and confidants
State corporations and municipalities failing due to mismanagement and corruption
Many greedy individuals getting away with their dishonesty
Country's economy grinding to a halt as development money is stolen
Private sector job creation being drained by the state
Unemployment figures skyrocketing
BEE has failed - benefiting only a small handful of well-placed businesspeople
The poor have gained nothing and are increasingly falling into misery
Money landing in fewer pockets while country is impoverished

Recommended Actions

Send letters to the President, Parliament, and political representatives
Pray for nation's leaders to turn from corruption and embrace integrity
Share this message with your church, family, and community
Support organizations working to expose and combat corruption
Vote for representatives committed to integrity and justice

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