“This has been an historic week. Minister Manual presented a balanced national budget, Zimbabwe is on the threshold of a new dispensation and April 22 has been officially declared as election date for South Africa’s fourth democratic election”, said the President of the SACC, Professor T Maluleke. “We appreciate the work that has been done thus far, but recognize that there are many challenges that lie ahead. Overcoming the global economic crisis, reconstructing the Zimbabwean economy and meeting the justified expectations of South African voters are major challenges," he warned.

“While we welcome the official declaration of the election date, the SACC is profoundly concerned about political intolerance, intimidation and the potential for violence that will mar our proud and short history of democratic elections. For any democratic election to be legitimate, it is imperative that all voters enjoy the right to freely exercise their right to vote. This must be within an environment where all political parties are free to campaign in all areas of our country,” Maluleke asserted.

The SACC General Secretary, Mr E Makue, echoed these sentiments by “urging all political parties to be sincere when signing the IEC Electoral Code of Conduct. All political leaders have a responsibility to lead their supporters in ensuring that the elections are free, fair and conducted in an environment of civility. Youth leaders have a special responsibility to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions.”

“The SACC will deploy election observers and join other religious leaders in availing peace mediators. Our people deserve an environment of peace and security to confidently exercise their hard won right to vote. We call on all eligible voters to exercise the right to vote,” Makue pleaded. He reminded voters that “the future is in your hands. Elections are an important part of our democratic processes. We dare not forget that many people paid with their lives so that we can enjoy the right to free political activity!”

Maluleke advised that “in the face our daunting responsibility to deal with these challenges, we should recognise our human limitations. All people of faith are encouraged to pray for God’s guidance and presence during this historic election. We must build on the pride of past democratic elections. As a humble contribution, the SACC offers a manifesto entitled ‘A Public Covenant for Life Giving Democracy: A Call to the People of South Africa’. This is a resource that is among others intended to assist voters in deciding on the party that is best able to contribute to ‘life in abundance’. The Covenant will be launched in national church services on March 29. With the Covenant the SACC will also undertake revival services (Imvusilelo). The election provides an opportunity to place our beloved country on a path of moral renewal,” Maluleke concluded.

For more information, contact: Mr Eddie Makue, General Secretary (082 853 8781) or Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, President (082 925 5232)