Most South Africans believe religion and politics should be kept separate, a recent Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) survey has revealed.
”A considerable majority (72%) stated that 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,” the latest round of the annual SA Social Attitudes Survey, conducted nationally by the HSRC, has found.
There was a ”broad consensus around supporting the idea of separating religion from politics”, according to an HSRC statement.
The poll used 3 173 ”nationally representative” participants, aged 18 and older.
Wealthier South Africans were found to be more tolerant toward religious leaders influencing political decisions.
Young people aged between 25 and 29 were found to be ”less inclined” than any other group to want to separate religion from politics.
The study also found that South Africans from all religions agreed that religion should not influence politics.
”Irrespective of whether one belongs to no religion or declares belonging to a specific religious denomination, whether Protestant, Catholic, Zionist/Shembe, Hindu, Muslim, or other faith, there was a commonly-held viewpoint that there should not be a religious influence on political decisions.”
Some political leaders had recently been accused of using the pulpit to promote their parties.
Religious institutions had also come out in support of particular political parties and their leaders.
According to HSRC researchers Jare Struwig and Benjamin Roberts the study, however, did not indicate that religion did not play an important role in society.
”South Africa is a deeply religious society, with approximately 85% declaring a religious affiliation.”
Eighty-three percent of South Africans showed a high level of trust in religious institutions, as opposed to the 29% who had confidence in politicians.
The study was conducted between late November and early December 2008.
Zuma and Rhema
A storm of controversy erupted when African National Congress president Jacob Zuma visited the Rhema Church on March 15.
Zuma asked for prayers for a peaceful election during a service and told the congregation that the ANC believed in the power of prayer.
”We urge the church to pray for a peaceful and fair election, easy transition into the new government … and nation building.”
”The church has historically played a key role in education and I hope they will continue to do so,” he said.
He said the ANC had its roots in the Christian faith, but celebrated and supported all other faiths.
”While there [is] extensive religious diversity, the majority [of members] are Christian,” he said.
”The ANC derived its moral vision from the church among other sources and post 2009 elections we will work for a continued partnership with the faith-based sector.”
Zuma told the congregation that the ANC needed the support of the church and all faith-based organisations to release the South African people from poverty and all its manifestations.
He said education, and fighting poverty and crime were high on the ANC’s agenda.
In the wake of Zuma’s visit, Rhema said it had given the church an opportunity to ”minister”.
”Rhema believes the visit by Mr Zuma and his delegation gave the church an opportunity to minister in a significant way to the leader of the ruling party and his colleagues,” said spokesperson Vusi Mona.
He added that Rhema was non-partisan.
”Having said so, the church does have a history of playing a role in our country’s national life and interacting with different political players,” said Mona.
Mona also responded to reports in the media about Rhema’s congregants complaints about Zuma’s visit.
Some of those interviewed said Zuma’s visit was inappropriate as the ANC president had also been campaigning.
About 50 congregants walked out of the service because they were unhappy with Zuma.
Mona acknowledged that some of the congregants left but claimed the number was exaggerated by the media.
”We do care about those members but are nevertheless disappointed by their conduct,” said Mona.