Zuma, Malema – “Worthy of Respect”?

In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul highlights the fact that leaders in the church must be people “worthy of respect” (1 Timothy 3:8). Surely it’s not stretching things to say that this should also be true of high-profile political leaders. While he no doubt has feet of clay, no one would argue that Nelson Mandela (Madiba, as South Africans affectionately know him) is a man “worthy of respect.” It is a fact that he is probably the most respected leader in the world.

I am grieved that we are currently being led by a man who, in my view, is not “worthy of respect”—nor is his ANC Youth League side-kick.

After a recent Sunday sermon I made some comments on behalf of the Rosebank Union Elders about ways in which our president is not “worthy of respect.” These comments were converted into AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT ZUMA that was sent to him. He may never see it, but, who knows, it may make an impression on some lowly secretary before he/she puts it in file thirteen. You can read the letter on this site. As you do so, pay particular attention to our responsibilities as believers in relation to our political leaders. It’s easy to criticize them (and we should), but let’s fulfil our responsibilities toward them as well.