The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) met yesterday for the first time following the election of new members at the Council's triennial National Conference last month. Executive members deliberated on a wide range of topics, including a number of contemporary theological, social and economic issues.

The "Politics of Disgrace"

The NEC expressed grave concern about the growing tendency for politicians to attempt to shame and humiliate colleagues with whom they have political disagreements.

In his opening remarks to the NEC, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, President of the SACC, expressed disappointment over the increasing use of what he termed the "Politics of Disgrace". "An increasing number of our political leaders and political parties appear to be going about their business by publicly disgracing one another in an attempt to score political points," he said. "It seems that the media is equally happy to encourage and play this game'.

The aim of the 'politics of disgrace' seems to be the elimination of all dissent in the political sphere through punishing those who dare to dissent by means of deliberately disgracing them. Because of the vindictive, underhanded and apparently orchestrated manner in which this is being done, it has the potential to erode public confidence in political processes, the integrity of politicians and of political parties. Though apparently done in the name of ethics and morality, the methods and tactics of the 'politics of disgrace' will empty our politics of all ethics and morality.

Dr. Puleng Lenka-Bula, the Council's Vice-President, echoed these concerns. "We are trying to build a new society based on mutual respect, a transformed society that affirms the fullness of life for all people. Vengeance and personal humiliation have no place as political tools in such a society," she warned.

The NEC urged political leaders and political parties to move away from the politics of disgrace and focus on the pressing socio-economic problems confronting South Africa - health, education, service delivery, poverty, unemployment, as well as continuing and escalating inequality.

"Political leaders must be accountable," said Mr. Eddie Makue, General Secretary of the SACC. "But accountability must be enforced by democratic institutions on the basis of careful investigation. Using tactics of public humiliation does not enhance accountability. On the contrary, it creates the impression that malfeasance is endemic and the trick is to avoid being caught."

ANC Policy Conference

The NEC took note of the looming ANC Policy Conference to be held in Limpopo in December. Recognising the far-reaching implications of the Conference's deliberations for the nation's future, the NEC pledged its prayers for the ANC's leadership and members. The fact that a new party leader - who will also likely become the president of the country - will be elected at this conference gives this conference a unique and national significance beyond the confines of the political party. The NEC called upon ANC members and leaders to recognise the responsibility entrusted to them, both by the people of this country and by God. They urged ANC members, many of whom are also members of churches affiliated to the SACC, to rise above ideology, pettiness and the 'politics of disgrace' in their contributions to conference deliberations and in choosing leaders.

Zimbabwe

The Council's Praesidium expressed disappointment over the outcome of the recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) Conference and, in particular, its muted response to the crisis in Zimbabwe. Many peace and human rights activists expected SADC to give a clear indication of plans to address the ongoing human rights violations in Zimbabwe. The Council is concerned about the welfare of Zimbabwe's people, in particular the many Zimbabweans who continue to be displaced by the nation's economic and political crisis.

"The situation requires urgent intervention," said Mr. Makue. "We remain hopeful that the process of negotiation led by President Mbeki on behalf of SADC will result in a speedy and peaceful resolution of Zimbabwe's problems."

Prof. Maluleke noted with appreciation the position taken by Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change urging that all displaced Zimbabwean citizens be allowed to participate in the elections, just as exiled South Africans were permitted to do in 1994. He said that it was particularly important for Zimbabweans outside the country to be able to participate in the election because many have been displaced because they followed their consciences in a quest for human rights and a peaceful political solution.

"It is vital that the next election be widely accepted as a fair and legitimate expression of the will of Zimbabwe's people," Prof. Maluleke said. "Denying such a great number of Zimbabweans the right to exercise their vote will inevitably jeopardise the perceived legitimacy of the electoral results."

For more information, contact: Mr Eddie Makue, General Secretary (082 853 8781)