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THE SMART NEWS SOURCE | Feb 10 2010 09:20 | LAST UPDATED Feb 10 2010 09:20 |
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The ANC has marginalised the South African Council of Churches in favour of Pastor Ray McCauley's National Interfaith Leaders' Council because it refuses to cosy up to the ANC, SACC leaders said this week. Two SACC sources told the Mail & Guardian that the council felt it was being punished for its refusal to become a formal ally of the ruling party, its failed attempt to intervene over former president Thabo Mbeki's "recall" last year and its failure to endorse the ANC before this year's elections. The ANC's Commission on Religious Affairs, led by ANC MP Mathole Motshekga, is said to have met the SACC at Luthuli House last year and urged it to strengthen its relationship with the party in the form of an alliance. The SACC was also asked to provide the ANC with a database of its members and their contact details. Motshekga refused to comment on the claim that the ANC had invited the SACC to be an ally. SACC president Tinyiko Maluleke said the council had held many meetings with the ANC and he could not remember the details of each of them. Maluleke said the SACC still valued its working relationship with the ANC, but insisted that it would be inappropriate for the council to form an alliance with the ruling party: "We prefer to have a relationship of critical engagement, not only with the ruling party, but with other parties, because our membership cuts across the political spectrum." He said the SACC wanted to be "free to differ" with the ANC. "When we agree with them, it should not be because they tell us to." A senior SACC staff member said the National Interfaith Leaders' Council (NILC) had filled the space that the SACC had refused to occupy before the election. "[The ANC] was very frustrated with us because they really needed that support. That's where Ray McCauley came in. We created that space by refusing to say who we supported for the presidency." The SACC also believes it lost favour with the ANC because it tried, unsuccessfully, to broker a solution to the party's internal conflicts that would have saved Mbeki the embarrassment of being recalled.  CONTINUES BELOW "We asked them to act with cool heads, to find ways of dealing with issues other than taking a step that would affect all South Africans," said a senior SACC staffer. The staffer asked to remain anonymous because the SACC was likely to discuss the rupture with the ANC on Friday. "I don't think our attempt to intervene was appreciated." The SACC also slammed the party's "poor handling" of the succession debate in the lead-up to its Polokwane conference. At that time it stated publicly that it would not take sides. The SACC had previously been viewed as an ANC ally because it was dominated by such pro-ANC figures as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Frank Chikane, Brigalia Bam and the late Beyers Naudé -- all former SACC general secretaries -- and Congress of the People (Cope) leader Mvume Dandala, its former president. Another SACC source said that although the council was seen as an Mbeki ally, the NILC appeared to have formed its own pact with Jacob Zuma's ANC. "This is why the NILC was so hurriedly put together. They took an uncritical position on the ANC and related to its more conservative tendencies under Zuma." The NILC includes representatives of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, paganism and traditional African beliefs. Last week the M&G reported that the NILC is seeking to roll back legislation that offends the religious right, including laws legalising gay marriage and abortion. A source close to government and the NILC told the M&G this week that relations between the ANC and the SACC had deteriorated because of suspicion that the SACC was becoming "a springboard" for the opposition -- Cope, in particular. In addition to Dandala, SACC members include Cope leaders such as Allan Boesak and Stellenbosch vice-chancellor Russel Botman. "The view is that these people emerge from the woodwork when the ANC has said something controversial," the government source said. When Zuma told ANC supporters during the election campaign that the party would rule "till Jesus comes", for example, the SACC reacted by saying Zuma was "confusing matters of the secular world with matters that are considered to be sacred". Maluleke said suspicions about political bias in the SACC were unfounded: "Because Chikane was in Mbeki's office when factions started some people assumed that we were in the same camp as him. Perceptions were created that we could be supporting Cope, but nothing could be further from the truth." Other reasons for the ANC dumping the SACC, the government source said, were that the council had lost its relevance after 1994. It had not been sufficiently active on moral issues such as prostitution and taxation of the churches. "All these things informed the formation of the NILC," the source said. Grassroots and charismatic churches needed to be recognised because they had mobilised people to vote for Zuma, said the source. The SACC and the National Religious Leaders' Forum (NRLF) -- "an extension of the SACC" -- had failed to give due recognition to churches that were regarded as informal. The NILC's founding document states that it plans to carve "a niche for itself in the space of national religious work that is occupied by peer organisations such as the SACC and the NRLF". It would serve as "the official point of contact and dialogue between the office of the state president and the broader religious sector in the country". Zuma's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said Zuma was not behind the formation of the NILC, but the group was "responding to the president's call" for religious bodies to organise themselves into proper structures. He said government would not provide financial resources for the NILC. Magwenya said that although the presidency acknowledged the "important role" played by the NRLF in the previous administration, the organisation had conceded in discussions with the President that there was a need to transform its interaction with the ruling party. Maluleke said that, despite being excluded from the formation of the NILC, the SACC wanted cooperation among religious groups. "It's embarrassing and humiliating for religious bodies to fight one another because they want government attention or the ruling party's attention," he said. The SACC participates actively in the NRLF and is concerned that the NILC might replicate the work of the NRLF, the SACC said in a statement. Motshekga said the ANC's working relationship with the SACC was long-standing and that unity among all faith communities was "paramount". "It is only through greater cohesion and united effort that even the toughest of society's challenges can be defeated. It is thus our view that all these organisations must work together." The ANC's religious commission would meet the SACC on Friday to discuss "a formula for cooperation", Motshekga said. TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE
Comments
It is a good thing that this traitors have been dropped.....
Proudly_South African Proudly_South African on September 18, 2009, 7:50 am
It is very good fo SACC to refuse the allience with th ANC because that was going to compromise the believes of christians and other believes within the council itself. The are a number of unGodly behaviours by the ANC and that was going to be a challenge to the membership of SACC. Is only those who thinkl for their stommachs who will avail themselves to this bad tendancies.
Kwena SIMON on September 18, 2009, 8:28 am
I still question Manledi Mataboge's journalism qualification and her motives with editor of this newsdpaper on cope. I refuse to believe that you are objective considering your wording and content of news related to shikota. Until such time i regard your experience very bias and naive towards cope's strengths and political experience to say the least.
lenate mogale on September 18, 2009, 8:46 am
Ray McCauley has a scandal sheet longer than JZ and the rest of his government all put together! Birds of a feather flock together.
Hippo Crit on September 18, 2009, 8:59 am
The writing has always been on the wall as to who they support. There is no such thing as a neutral position in politics because even being quiet about certain issues may be in favour or against a particular grouping. As for them, there have always had strong views with regards to issues of the ruling party and there is no need to mention that those views were clearly hostile or critical of the current leadership. I don't understand what the complaint is all about because in the article we are told that a hand was extended to them and they refused because they want to be critical (which is fine). So keeping a distance is not the decision of the current ANC leadership but SACC's decision but ironically they want to shift the responsibility for ramifications of this decision to the ANC leadership.
Wwe have a very accessible leadership in the ANC right now. I am sure that they won't say we don't want to speak to you because you are critical or you refused to have a relationship with us. The ball is in the SACC's court and not the ANC's. The ruling party has a responsibility to engage with whomever wants to be engaged and cannot be seen pastering those who don't want this kind of engagement with them. That many Mbekiites are from SACC may be a strange co-incidence, but I guess nobody should read too much from it. Afterall, Mbeki remains the cadre of the movement for as long as he has not resigned as a member or allowed his membership to lapse like he did with the SACP. But if that support or criticism that the SACC wanted have took the form of the ACTIVITIES similar to those of COPE, then the ANC will have reason to keep their wishes...of keeping a distance and wait for that criticism.
Kufakubonwa Yengwayo on September 18, 2009, 9:14 am
There they go again, confusing the Almighty with His ceation. Religious institutions should concentrate on matters spiritual and sacred and not petty, circular and amoral issues!
Phillip Jonas on September 18, 2009, 9:19 am
Definition
Fascism noun /ˈfæʃ.ɪ.zəm/ n [U] a political system based on a very powerful leader, state control and being extremely proud of country and race, and in which political opposition is not allowed. Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Neuren Pietersen on September 18, 2009, 9:20 am
Keep it up, Mmanaledi. I always enjoy your juicy Shikota stories. See how worked up some of their few members are already becoming. This insignificant so called political party is already a HAS-BEEN, barely a year since it was formed. So said!
I do not know how many times we have told these gullible rookies who call themselves activities - the likes of JJ Tabane and them - WE TOLD YOU SO! As for the SACC - if this religious body does not want to become as insignificant as this lousy Shikota party is - and see itself head straight to the dustbin of history - it had better check itself and get back on the path of righteousness. It should not allow itself to be used as a political football by Cope opportunists. For all these years, the SACC was a respected ally of the Mass Democratic Movement and we fought the enemy side by side with it - on the path of righteousness. When did it become a haven of reactionaries such as Boesak and the lot? It's PATHETIC!
Songs Majavu on September 18, 2009, 9:34 am
Now that their chief lost power they refused to support Zuma...now they should not cry foul. At least the NILC is composed not only of so-called christians but other religious formations unlike the ostensibly arrogant SACC. Their time is over...what a sad way to end an era because of some individual's ego.
Qhuba Dlamini on September 18, 2009, 9:47 am
Why would ANC need SACC to be an ally and for what particular reason? There are many stakeholders and partners who partner GOVT programmes for the best outcome. To suggest that ANC must go it alone is just stupid. Now all partners and various stakeholders are NOT ALLIES! ANC is the ruling party and it GOVERNS all of SOUTH AFRICA. It also governs those who are in other parties. Now when we talk about delivery it cannot be govt only! Its business partners and service providers etc etc. Are they allies as well? What about Jewish and Muslim boards. When they assist govt are they allies? Religious bodies have a big role and ANC/Govt must be allowed to give direction so that we all move towards the same objective. What sense would it make if there is no cohesion. This is the type of story that is as opportunistic as it is mischievious. The unnamed sources in SACC is experiencing SOUR GRAPES, thats all. They do not have the guts to be public about their identity and we should feel sympathy for their poor performance. Cmon, at least tease us with some independent thought!
Kitty Kat on September 18, 2009, 10:48 am
It seems to me that this is the case of 'its our turn to eat' (as Justice malala puts it) matter this. But it serves the SACC right, they ceased to be a prophetic voice in 1994 and have been cozying to the anc ever since. as for this maluleke fellow, methinks he is a passionate anc supporter if not a secret member. I remember him in an interface debate with among others mosiuoa lekota and he was very feity and negative toward cope. it seems he did not support the anc hard enough though, what a pity. this is what happens when you loose your saltiness, people trample you underfoot.
Mosala Balatseng on September 18, 2009, 11:32 am
Why would a religious organisation, ally itself, with someone, who is married, but still had an extra-marital affair?
Sinudeity @gmail.com on September 18, 2009, 11:39 am
Ohh please was'nt there anything newsworthy, no matter how much anti-ANC, that you could have written about? You had the whole week to do some kind of 'investigative' jounalism. These so called 'anonymous sources' in this and many such articles you've written in the past might as well be refered to as 'author's own opinions'.
Lamuntu Lamuntu on September 18, 2009, 11:45 am
Sinudeity @gmail.com
if you look up all great preaidents you will see that they all were married but had documented affairs... that makes your statement irrelavent... there is a difference between partnership and ally. The ANC has always welcomed engagements with the Religious fraternity to better the lives of south africans. it has also appreciated the fact that they will not always see eye to eye on issues but to claim that the ANC wanted an alliance but was unsuccessful and therefore sidelines you is very subjective as it's all based on assumptions. Please show us HOW you were sidelined?
2boy The One on September 18, 2009, 12:21 pm
Under Mbeki, South Africa saw the introduction of legislations allowing twelve-year olds to terminate pregnancies without the consent of their parents. We didn't hear much noise coming from the SACC. Surely the SACC stopped being a religious movement a long time ago?
If Zuma and the NILC can master enough support to reverse these legislation, so be it - that's what democracy is all about.
malose nyatlo on September 18, 2009, 12:29 pm
Christians don't ally urselves with any political party, just serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember the end is near and Jesus is come back very soon.
Tman Lee on September 18, 2009, 12:39 pm
It makes my statement irrelevant?
No it doesn't. Read my comment again 2boy. "Why would a religious organisation, ally itself, with someone, who is married, but still had an extra-marital affair?" How I was sidelined?
Sinudeity @gmail.com on September 18, 2009, 1:04 pm
2boy The One to Sinudeity: "if you look up all great preaidents you will see that they all were married but had documented affairs... that makes your statement irrelavent..."
2Boy - I think you need a lesson in logic. Your claim, even if true, is utterly absurd -- (clearly 2boy heads are not necessarily better than 1boy head!)
Oscar Melamed on September 18, 2009, 1:14 pm
SACC should register as a political party because it seems their leaders cannot resist politics.Here's a list of the former leaders of the SACC:Mvume Dandala,Frank Chikane,Tinyiko Maluleke,Desmond Tutu,Alan Boesak the list goes on.
The SACC have for a very long time been biased and elitist.The SACC does not even recognise African Churches like Shembe,ZCC,Mzion etc.They're a bunch of elites who at some point in the past claimed ownership to the name"Jesus" when they claimed that whoever used that name should request permission from them first. The Sacc has become too involved in politics.
Facts and stuff like that on September 18, 2009, 2:48 pm
Tman Lee- tell that to 'Pastor' Ray. He's more false than Monopoly money.
fred sevillano on September 18, 2009, 6:28 pm
@ Songs Majavu
Shows how politically stupid you are! The ANC with their money crazy, pimped-car crazy, want-to-be-on-the-boards-of-the-capitalists, full blown capitalists, the list continues ... Who are the real reactionaries ...? And it includes police-man-intellectuals like you. Past actions count for nothing now, when you are solidly in the camp of the international bourgeoisie. They/you are all the same!
feppie on September 18, 2009, 7:09 pm
Rhema had scandals ranging from Carl Niehaus,Vusi Mona and misled congregants when JZ was invited.Ray is benefiting from ANC and his history speaks of itself.NILC smells no roses.Thumbs up SACC you represent the real churches
PHINEAS MALAKA on September 18, 2009, 7:53 pm
I wish I was consulted on the Same sex marriages & other legislation under the very irritating & annoying Thabo Mbeki.
SACC, good riddance and let them go and support their COPE for all we care, we will still trash them at the polls anytime.
Ted sigonyela on September 18, 2009, 9:12 pm
The necessity of religion in politics is very minimal.
SACC failed to aknowledge from the day they supported the ANC during the liberation struggle days, that partisan support to a certain political party and not support to the cause of liberation was inimical to other liberation movements (PAC of Azania and Azapo in particular). And they had now and again failed to stand tall on issues of upholding moral tenets whilst they were supporting a party that has legalised prostitution, teenage pregnancies, homosexuality, immoral bankruptcy and corruption. Now they want attention from the ANC, forgeting that from the good old days of their mariage, that they were house wives who can not be taken out to a fancy restaurant because they lack style and glamour which NILC accordingly provides now to Zuma and his Polokwane elected ANC NEC. SACC and even NILC must learn that in politics a friend or foe are not permanent institutions of association, you always change them like underwears. NILC will be changed also, history will scientifically prove that. Today SACC are victims of being snubbed by the ANC, because of the very same paragon of imbecility which is now advanced by NILC of blindly supporting the ANC, a political party rather being neutral and be committed to their faiths. NILC will go down like SACC also, and by that time I think religious leaders will have learnt that politics is secular in its nature not the other way round. The need for a religious group in politics is for political expediency to garner support from church. After all Zuma, SACC and NILC are all full of corrupt thinking.
Sipho Nkala on September 19, 2009, 12:32 am
Ray and all his buddies are in it for the MONEY!!!They are all scum bags. Leave religion out of it.
Donald G on September 19, 2009, 8:34 am
CORRECTION
The article states: "The NILC includes representatives of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, paganism and traditional African beliefs." This is NOT true. Whilst a representative of the South African Pagan Council (SAPC) has contacted the NILC to request an opportunity to participate in its proposed activities, no Pagan representative has yet been permitted to become a member of the NILC. The NILC does not include a Pagan representative yet! The South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) condemns the call by ANC MP and member of the National Interfaith Leadership Council (NILC), Nthabiseng Khunou, to review laws legalizing same-sex marriages. The Civil Union Act, which provides for legal marriage between same-sex partners, also affords Pagans an opportunity to appoint Pagan religious marriage officers. Any attempt by the NILC to challenge the existence, or alter the provisions of the Civil Union Act, will be viewed by SAPRA as an attack by conservative Christians against the right of minorities, both same-sex partners and Pagans, to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to equality. SAPRA welcomes the South African Pagan Council's nomination of a Pagan representative to join the NILC. We trust the presence of SAPC representative Charles van Bergen will prevent, or at least moderate, the NILC's conservative and potentially discriminatory position.
Damon Leff on September 19, 2009, 2:50 pm
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