The majority of South Africans believe that religion and politics should not be mixed, according to the South African Social Attitudes Survey (Sasas) conducted in November 2008, before the last elections.
The majority of South Africans believe that religion and politics should not be mixed, according to the South African Social Attitudes Survey (Sasas) conducted in November 2008, before the last elections.
Over 70% of respondents said religious leaders should not try and influence votes during elections, while two-thirds of South Africans stated that they were opposed to religious leaders influencing government decisions.
However, after a visit to the various wards in Grahamstown, it became clear that religion is often a deciding factor in choosing whether to vote or not, and who to vote for.
According to Sasas research 85% declared a religious affiliation and 83% expressed high levels of trust in religious institutions.
Local religious leaders and followers gave their view on the mixing of religion and politics.
Dave Koch, the Minister of Frontiers Church International, encouraged Christians to be interested in politics.
“God has called us to be part of the solution in terms of what South Africa needs right now,” he said.
He views politics as an avenue that Christians can use to be witnesses of the kindness of Jesus Christ.
“Discussing politics as Christians is a very healthy exercise because it helps us establish which political party best reflects the life-giving values that God has called us to live by,” he said.
“Ask many questions so that you can make an informed decision, but make sure you vote.”
Nicholas Koning, a student studying theology at George Whitefield College considers the issue of abortion when choosing to vote or not.
“The murder of thousands of unborn children every year is a major concern of mine as it is possibly a greater injustice than the scourge of corruption, the high crime rates or both of those put together,” Koning said.
“I will not vote for a pro-choice party, and the DA is pro-choice. Unfortunately I do not know of any pro-life parties with any considerable weight.”
Vuyo Booi, head of the Sakhuluntu Cultural Group, said that he does not vote because he is Rastafarian.
“I am not concerned with politics. I am not here to support the system which divides people but rather to serve the creator,” Booi said. “I don’t have to stand for anything but the truth and me.”
Aadelah Patel, a Muslim student living in Alan Gray residence at Rhodes University, said that there is only a clash between politics and her beliefs if the government says that she cannot be a Muslim or if they tell her to stop believing.
Zaheera Mulla, a Muslim old Rhodian, will be voting for the first time this year and said that she is confused as to who to vote for.
“I will never support the DA, though, because they support Israel (in the conflict) a lot,” Mulla said. “It is difficult to take religion into context when voting… because it works in some contexts and not in others.”
