To vote or not to vote… and who to vote for on the 29th of May 2024?
When I grew up it was often said that you should not talk about church or politics. I think it was a way to say that as Christians we should live in harmony and peace, and then it is best to stay clear of the two subjects that might stir up heated emotions. Today I think differently.
Dr Frans Cronje*, arguably one of our countries most solid researchers and political analysts, last week spoke about the South African landscape and where our country is heading in the context of the upcoming election. Dr Cronje has been doing research and analysis for more than 20 years and in the past has been able to make conclusions that eventually materialised, even though at the time it was greatly criticised. Thus, in the light of his track record, it might be of value that we take note of some elements of his analysis. I would like to mention a few comments from the interview with Dr Cronje.
A moderate centrist pragmatic – Christian conservative majority
Typically to his style of reasoning, he talks about forces and counter-balancing forces. He again (as he has done for many years now) refer to the ordinary people of South Africa as the most important counter-balancing force in our country. Eight out of ten people in South Africa is moderate centrist pragmatic – Christian conservative. I have often referred to this “moderate majority” of his, and if you look at what is going on in the West, then this is a “Godsend” for our country. In short, he sees that the greatest positive asset in South Africa is the fact that 80% of our “diverse” people respect one another and agree on what is needed and what is important for our country, namely work in order to accumulate wealth and assets, good education and safe living conditions.
As a side note, this moderate majority is not self-evident, rather I would like to argue that it is part of the fruit of God’s historical involvement in our country. It is the fruit of:
- the 1860 revival that started on the day of Pentecost in the Cape colony, with documented results that involved all races;
- the sincere and heartfelt repentance of sin by the Khoi people to such an extent that Bishop Gray noted: “all fields were covered with praying people”;
- a Bolobedu king Kgashane, who renounced his tradition and eventually was killed for his faith;
- a pastor Richard Ngidi, who evangelised the rural hills of KZN,
- the 1910 Pentecost revival that started under the poorest of the poor, and changed their lives 180 degrees so that they became a dynamo of the economy;
- a prayer meeting where my grandfather (who at 17 had already experienced alcohol induced fits) for the first time heard that we all are sinners, and that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
- The documented revival that started among the children; and
- many more…
May 2024 may be a historical event
Secondly, Cronje makes the case that this upcoming election – from the current statistics – seems to be a historical event. He argues that in the 400 years’ history of South Africa, May 2024 might be the first time that our country will not have one single political block that forces its views on the rest of society. He predicts that should we remain a free society, the odds are favourable that it will not happen again. He is very strong on his assertion that our political system corresponds and reflects to what degree the government of the day serves the people or not (you can watch his argument here – I think it is logically explained). This is according to him another important counter-balancing force and very different from many other emerging post-colonial societies. In other words, we should not take it for granted. The alternative, which we have seen play out in other post-colonial countries, result in great hardship and violence. We will do good if we sincerely thank the Lord for His provision in this regard, even though it may look chaotic and unstable to us. Maybe we should pray, like Elisha, that the Lord will open our eyes to see His involvement in our country.
Critical levels of unemployment
Thirdly he comments on the situation that 70% of young people do not have jobs. But what he said is remarkable, is that even with such a negative situation we do not have a “hard left” anarchic group. A logic consequence for a country with this kind of poverty and unemployed youth, is that young people take up arms to violently change the government. Such actions are a rational possibility and not fearmongering tactics, and I thank the Lord that this has not yet materialised – this is His provision and protection. Cronje notes that public opinion, including that of our youth, is immensely moderate despite such appalling conditions and despite a radical populist group that is politically very shrewd and well-spoken. Please understand what this means: it means that despite overwhelming logical reasons for many South Africans to become radicalised populists and violent, it has not yet happened. Our people have some deep-seated restraint that keeps them moderate and mostly reject violence. In the fullness of time, Cronje warns, this might change.
A different kind of democracy
I do not for one moment believe or want to suggest that the answer for our country is in the hands of politicians. But at the same time, I understand that the Bible expects of His church to work and live within the reality of a political context. In this regard Paul’s instruction “to pray for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and also Jesus’ comment to pay our taxes. Although we know that God uses people, we also understand that foremost we are in a spiritual battle between light and darkness, and our help is “not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit”.
Therefore, I suggest that we vote, that we all vote, even if we don’t think that any political party has the answer. We vote because we want to live in a free country and that is what a free country needs – the opportunity for its people to vote. We pray for the Holy Spirit to lead us in the decision we need to make when voting, asking God what His plan for our country is. If we can do this, then we are shaping a different kind of democracy – can we argue a pneumatological democracy? A democracy where the process of submitting ourselves to God (as per the instruction to live by the Spirit – Galatians 5) becomes more important than the actual results of the election. And when the result may at first sight seem chaotic to us, that we trust God, that like Job, we know He has a plan and is able to do it.
While we stand in the queue to cast our votes, may we look at the people around us and thank the Lord that 8 out of 10 of them, deep down have some experience of Him. It is the fruit of God’s involvement in the history of our country and He is not finished yet. We know that they might have faults but we commit them into His hands; He who is able to finish the work He has started through the working of the Holy Spirit. And in this regard we faithfully pray for a Holy Spirit revival in our country.
The church must keep government accountable
A fourth comment from Cronje is that we should say “NO” to government when they are not accountable or are overstepping their boundaries. This he said, has in the past been and will continue to be, a strong counter-balancing force. The government of our day is far more liberal and left in their orientations than what the moderate centrist pragmatic – Christian conservative majority is. In this regard we should know that they will push the boundaries but then, as civil society, we should be firm in our conviction to say “no”. The moderate majority may not be ignored and it is our responsibility to resolutely but calmly say “no”. Cronje makes the observation that when we say “no” that we actually strengthen the hand of those in government who may not agree with many of the policy changes proposed and implemented by government, but that they lack the courage to stand up against the collective.
The Youth of South Africa
In conclusion, we have to take responsibility to help our youth. The Holy Spirit must make us willing and able to find ways to give hope and a future to our children. We are not unfamiliar with the strategy of the evil one and we know that he will relentlessly focus on the vulnerable places, just as a predator in the wild always seek out the weak and young. In this regard refer to “If the church of our Lord Jesus cannot help, then who will?“
We must pray with hope, as we believe in an almighty sovereign God, who is on His way with this world to a new heaven and earth, where He will rule in justice forever.
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*Links to Dr Frans Cronje’s short discussion and longer discussion.
That is so true and qell said. We need to seek God for heavenly leaders who are wearing the full amour of God. Leaders who fear God showing heavenly wisdom to lead his people.
The youth are perishing to the world’s exposures without the true teachings, values and principles of Jesus being taught to them.
Thank you so much Pastor for the wise words and may God see his people through these elections.
Well blessed
I read this message after the 29 May 2024 National and Provincial elections took place and was impressed about how truthful was Dr Frans Cronje .