Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town criticised the aggressive election campaign tactics of political parties at a graduation ceremony at the College of the Transfiguration (Cott) in Grahamstown last week.
Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town criticised the aggressive election campaign tactics of political parties at a graduation ceremony at the College of the Transfiguration (Cott) in Grahamstown last week.
Makgoba said the provocative antics of political parties had provoked acts of violence and anger amongst South Africans.
He openly criticized their acts of physically confronting opposing parties, mudslinging and manipulating voters by using race and ethnicity.
Makgoba is part of the Electoral Code of Conduct Observer Commission (ECCOC), which ensures that parties stick to the rules and that politicians are held accountable for their actions.
He urged that Cott develop something similar here in Grahamstown.
“Are you willing as Cott or in your ministers’ fraternals to start something like ECCOC to help our followers to understand how to hold their elected officials accountable and thereby to enable us to make South Africa the best it can be?” Makgoba asked.
He also urged Cott students to vote in the May 7 election: “Too many people have suffered and died for you to stay away from the polls out of apathy.”
Makgoba went on to talk about Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s recent reports, apologising on behalf of the church for the clergy who attacked Madonsela for her investigations and voicing his deep regret for the criticism she has been receiving.
“There is clearly a coordinated campaign by those implicated in her reports to denigrate her office and its work,” said Makgoba. “We thank [Madonsela] for making the country accountable and transparent. Her office's work helps to develop our democracy.”
Makgoba discussed Uganda’s anti-homosexuality laws and explained that although the South African church had no power to change Uganda’s laws, they could stand in solidarity here and send a message.
“We have taken the position that our differences over human sexuality are not such basic issues of faith and doctrine that they should be allowed to divide us. We have maintained a strong commitment to talking through the issues over which we differ,” said Makgoba.
“All human beings are created in the holy image of God and therefore must be treated with respect and accorded human dignity.”
