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A call for thoughtful consideration in the upcoming general election
Church in the Community - Media Release in the Herald: 27th May 2024
As we approach the general election on May 29, 2024, it is an opportune moment for reflection and prudent decision-making.
Every election offers us, the people of South Africa, a sacred opportunity to shape our nation’s path forward.
However, the choices we make at the polls can either propel us towards a flourishing future or bind us to our past struggles.
Voting habits can be deeply ingrained, often influenced by a complex mix of cultural, social, and personal factors.
The analogy of travelling on the same bus that continually fails to take you to your destination effectively illustrates the frustration and futility that can result from repeatedly voting in the same manner without seeing meaningful change.
It is a weighty responsibility, and as such, demands more than the routine casting of votes based on habitual loyalty or transient sentiments.
Historically, many of us have voted with our hearts, swayed by emotional allegiance rather than an analytical assessment of our options.
While passion for one's country is commendable, it must not cloud our judgement.
Sentimentality has often led us astray, allowing for systemic issues like corruption to proliferate, further entrenching the challenges faced by the most vulnerable among us - the poor and the marginalised.
An ever-present danger in our democracy is making the conscious decision not to vote because one is disillusioned.
The cause of apathy indeed poses a significant threat to democracy, especially when it leads to low voter turnout.
When citizens choose not to exercise their right to vote, it can have profound implications on the health and effectiveness of the democratic process.
Please recognise the importance of your vote. It is crucial.
I encourage you to see voting not just as a right but as a vital duty and responsibility.
Every vote counts in shaping the policies that govern us and in ensuring our leaders truly represent our interests.
By casting your ballots, as a good citizen you do not just participate in democracy - you actively strengthen and reaffirm it.
So, the upcoming election should not merely be a contest of popularity or charisma; it is a critical examination of policies and the realistic ability of parties to implement their promises.
I urge you, fellow South Africans, to closely scrutinise the manifestos of the parties contending for your vote.
Ask the tough questions: What are their plans for tackling systemic corruption, which continues to undermine our democracy and exploit our people?
How do they propose to address the inefficiencies within our state-owned enterprises which are often a nexus for financial mismanagement? What measures will they implement to ensure inclusivity and genuine economic empowerment for all, particularly those who have been sidelined from the mainstream of our economy?
As you consider these questions, be wary of those who offer simplistic solutions to complex problems.
Look for evidence of accountability and a track record of integrity in the candidates and their parties.
Are their promises grounded in realistic appraisals of our national budget and resources?
Do they demonstrate a clear understanding of the socio-economic dynamics of our diverse nation?
In addition to evaluating party manifestos, I encourage you to consider the broader implications of your choice.
Voting should transcend party lines and focus on the greater good of our nation.
This means rejecting factionalism and the politics of division, which have no place in a country as richly diverse as ours.
This election is an opportunity to affirm our commitment to governance that uplifts every South African.
It is a chance to turn away from practices that have only served to widen the gap between the affluent and the impoverished.
As a bishop, I witness daily the real-world impacts of these policies on the lives of our congregants and their communities.
Their struggles and hopes are a testament to the urgent need for change and reform.
Let us enter this election with minds enlightened by careful thought and hearts inspired by unselfish love for our fellow citizens.
It is time to vote not just for a party or a personality, but for a South Africa defined by justice, prosperity, and respect for all.
May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears.
Let us pray for wisdom and discernment as we each step into the voting booth, for the future of our nation rests in the balance.
The Rt Revd Dr Eddie Daniels
Anglican Bishop of Port Elizabeth
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