It been years since the institution of a revolutionary regime in South Africa our country. A group of young people valiantly revolted against the strong hold of a despotic and uncompromisingly unfair NP government. 15 years down the rocky African road, contrary to the masses hope, there is still a nervy air of uncertainty and worry as to who will be leading the country for the next political term. For me the first question that seems to be on my mind and one that I admit to dominating my thoughts over the past few months is whether there is a genuine feeling amongst the rich and the so called middle class (which are in any case overwhelming richer than the poor lol) to bare the weight of the poor and needy of this country. more impotantly if tax paying Christians have handed over there responsibility of looking after the sick and needy to the government and churches as organs because they pay tax and give tithes.
Over the past few months the faces of politicians and their affiliated parties have become
more common in our daily lives because of the election than in any other time. Through the use of policies and manifesto’s parties hope to define themselves and make know the agenda which they wish to ensue. In taking a bold step, I am of the opinion that a parallel can be seen between political parties and the followers of Jesus Christ. The policies seem to have the characteristics I’d wish to see in a fellow Christian. Below is an extract from the cope manifesto.“Once more our country stands at the threshold of a historic moment. South Africans from all walks
of lives have an opportunity to implement an Action Plan for Change in our advance to a united, non
racial, non sexist and prosperous South Africa. For the first time since our historic elections of 1994
that ushered in our new democracy, our people have a chance to further deepen democracy, defend
the constitution, and move with speed to implement the ideals enunciated in our constitution.
We therefore call on you, the people of South Africa to vote for the people's congress - COPE, the party that
has a new agenda to accelerate the national advance to:
fearlessly defend the constitution and uphold the rule of law;
systematically eradicate poverty, grow the economy, create decent work and substantially reduce
unemployment;
protect the environment and our natural resources for future generations
equip and educate our children to be globally competitive and ready to function in the knowledge economy
and provide our people with opportunities to acquire the necessary skills to realise their full potential;
significantly improve the quality of health care and increase health literacy;
fight and reduce crime and provide better safety and security for all;
enhance the gains made in the empowerment of women to achieve gender equality;
empower and develop the youth to realise their full potential and play their rightful role in society;
strengthen families, family life and communities;
unite the nation to act together to build a truly non-racial South Africa; and, contribute to the development of
Africa, strengthen South-South cooperation and build a more just world. “
The ANC’s election manifesto focuses on the following five main issues of work, health, education, crime and rural development. Isaiah say “is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter; when you see the naked, to clothe them and not to turn away from your own flesh and Blood?” (Isa. 58:6-7). Luke also goes on to say that anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none ( Luke 3:11). There are several similar verses in the bible that encourage followers of Christ to focus on issues of health, work, education, crime and poverty alleviation.
Is it fair for me to say that paying tax and the subsequent apathy that follows with it, has paralysed our nation? And that tithes to the church as a good excuse not to get our hands dirty? And is my comparison of political parties and followers of Christ one that’s appropriate and relevant to these times?
