Faith sector must speak truth to power

RELIGIONS have generally been associated with the ideals of peace, tolerance, non-violence, fairness, equality and justice. South Africa is a multicultural and multireligious society known for interfaith harmony and tolerance.

In 1993, the Assembly of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, recognising that “every human being must be treated humanely”, committed itself to a culture of “non-violence and respect for life; solidarity and a just economic order; equal rights and partnership between men and women; tolerance and a life of truthfulness”.

These principles are embodied in the South African Constitution, which is committed to non-racism and states that “everyone has the right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion”.

There is a close association between religion, ethics and morality. The faith sector is widely believed to be the custodian of ethics, morality and integrity. A common thread in Hindu scriptures (and indeed, in all faiths) is the call to fight for justice and righteousness, and corruption deviates from this path: Om asato ma satgamaya, Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya (O Lord Lead us from Untruth to Truth, From Darkness to Light).

This mantra (sacred chant) from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, I.iii.28 encompasses the essence of the Hindu view towards corruption. Hindu scriptures explicitly condemn corruption and promote truthfulness.

Hindu scriptures declare: “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) (Mundaka Upanishad, 3.1.6).

Religion promotes fundamental values of sharing and caring to uplift the poor and disadvantaged in a severely fractured society.

As emphasised by Professor Anant Rambachan from the USA: “If the formation of an inclusive community of love, justice and the overcoming of suffering is the ultimate purpose of the divine in the world, we become partners with God when we engage in work to overcome suffering rooted in poverty, illiteracy, disease, hate and violence. We become God’s hands and feet when we work positively to build inclusive communities of love, justice and peace, where the dignity and equal worth of every human being is affirmed.”

The philanthropic outreach of religious organisations has played a significant role in addressing the social welfare breach in our country. For example, since the outbreak of Covid-19 and the 2022 floods, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and its affiliates distributed over 300 tons of food and groceries (including personal toiletries) to the needy, regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.

Of course, the faith sector is not perfect. It has not been impervious to the stench of corruption as we have a fair number of charlatans among us, especially those who are self-appointed, unaccountable, promote interfaith conflict and social media attacks, fool the poor with ridiculous sleight of hand tricks, and primarily focus on the weekly takings.

As much as we rightly criticise government, politicians and the business sector, the leadership of the faith sector must engage in some critical introspection regarding the extent to which we have failed to reduce corruption. Did we trust politicians too much, were we afraid of them, or did we benefit from their largesse? By promising the poor a better afterlife, are we ignoring their current harsh, lived experiences?

The post-pandemic world has been characterised by social, political and economic instability. Poverty and inequality are increasing globally. While the South African experience is no different, this has been aggravated by rampant corruption, crime, violence and xenophobia, which threatens to envelop our nation.

In South Africa, corruption is most prominent and entrenched in the ANC government sectors tasked with addressing the basic needs of the poor. The poverty-stricken masses are the victims of a lack of essential services (welfare, water, sanitation, electricity, housing, education, health care). At the same time, political leaders compete for the trappings of power and privilege of high office.

Corruption is now a badge of honour in South Africa and almost a prerequisite for upward political mobility. In embracing democracy idealistically, South Africans misjudged a fatal flaw – the greed associated with the politics of power, privilege and patronage. Billions of rand destined for the poor and disadvantaged were siphoned into the pockets of those close to the ruling elite. Hence, corruption is deepening the vast socio-economic cleavages endemic in the country caused by decades of state oppression and apartheid underdevelopment.

Ordinary citizens become victims and are left helpless, with the poor being the most disadvantaged. The deprived are sacrificed on the altar of greed by self-seeking politicians masquerading as champions of the poor.

So, is all lost?

No, religion offers hope and opportunities for redemption, reconciliation and renewal. But this must first be accompanied by a public confession by the ANC that many of its leaders and redeployed bureaucrats have been complicit in the country's decline in recent years. Redemption and renewal are possible if the ANC publicly declares that it will, for example:

- Establish a public tribunal with the necessary resources and authority to deal with all allegations of corruption expeditiously.

- Incentivise and protect whistle-blowers.

- There should be a transparent, public process to assess and award all government tenders.

- Immediately institute a lifestyle audit for all politicians, government officials and their families.

This is not rocket science. The South African Hindu Maha Sabha supports the demands for accountability, transparency and consequences for all crime and corruption. Civil society and the faith sector have an essential role to play in the fight against crime and corruption. Religion provides hope that a better future based on justice and righteousness is still possible in our country.

There is an especially urgent need to reset South Africa’s ethical and moral compass. South Africa is actively religious, with over 94% of the population professing to belong to a faith group in the 2022 census, making it the country's largest, most powerful organised sector. The faith sector enjoys unequivocal support and is trusted more than any other segment of society, and with this comes great responsibility.

There is an especially urgent need for all the religious leaders in South Africa to speak truth to power without fear or favour, and not be complicit and complacent. This is not a time for silence. The moment is now – more than ever before.

Professor Brij Maharaj, Deputy President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha

* This presentation was delivered at the ANC KwaZulu-Natal engagement with the religious sector last Wednesday at Coastlands uMhlanga. 

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

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