AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - “We will not continue to vote for dishonest politicians”: appeal by Bishops

Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of South Africa call all citizens to vote in the May municipal elections, for the candidates that give concrete guarantees to want to defend the common good and interests of everyone. “Every citizen has the right to vote, to participate in the choosing of public representatives, and to give a mandate to those entrusted with governance. But it is more than simply a right – it is a duty which rests on every eligible voter. Each of us must use our vote wisely and thoughtfully, in order to help ensure that our cities, towns and districts are run by honest and competent people, to the benefit of all, especially the poor and the vulnerable,” affirms the message sent to Fides, signed by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The message offers particular instructions for deciding which way to vote: “When we vote in a municipal election we are in effect passing a judgement about the way in which some of our most basic needs are being met. Are we satisfied with the provision of services such as water and electricity? Are our streets and public facilities clean and safe? Are we treated with respect and courtesy by municipal officials? The answers to these questions can help us to decide whether to vote for the same people or party as before, or whether it is time to give different candidates a chance.”
The Bishops criticise the spirit with which many local politicians make policies: “Unfortunately, many public representatives in South Africa choose to enter the world of politics because they want power, wealth and status, and not because they are committed to serving the public. This tendency harms our democracy and results in us as citizens not enjoying its benefits. It leads to corruption, nepotism and self-advancement, at the cost of service-delivery and the well-being of our communities. Such people do not deserve our support.
“If we continue to vote for them, we will have only ourselves to blame if our municipal services crumble and our neighbourhoods are not properly maintained,” concludes the message. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 7/3/2011)