Faith and accountability: the Church's stand against corruption in South Africa
In a powerful declaration of faith and accountability, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) has made clear that the time for silence is over. Church leaders from across the country gathered this week for the Church Leaders Anti-Corruption Conference, a spirited and solemn call to action in defence of truth, justice and public integrity.
“The Church is called to serve not only as a moral witness but as a prophetic voice; unafraid to speak uncomfortable truths in pursuit of institutional and societal integrity,” said Reverend Mzwandile Molo, the General Secretary of the SACC.
“This prophetic task is not optional; it is fundamental to the Church’s identity. The ministry of Jesus has always stood in opposition to injustice and exploitation. Today, that mantle falls squarely on the Church in South Africa.”
Held against the backdrop of mounting public frustration over corruption and a weakening of democratic values, the gathering brought together clergy, theologians, whistleblower advocates, civil society leaders and former public servants. With honesty and urgency, participants laid bare the ongoing devastation caused by graft and state dysfunction.
The conference reaffirmed the SACC’s position: corruption is more than a legal infraction or political inconvenience. It is a spiritual crisis. A betrayal not only of public trust, but of the very soul of the nation.
Speakers reflected on the lived reality of communities battered by poor service delivery, failing municipalities and long-standing impunity. The water crisis in Makhanda was cited as just one symptom of a deeper malaise where governance has collapsed and public officials act without consequence.
“For the Church, which journeys alongside affected communities, the call to action is sacred,” said Molo.
It was a day of reckoning, but also of resolve. From the pulpit to the pews, church leaders pledged to move beyond condemnation, to lead with courage and humility and to examine their own house.
Importantly, the private sector was not spared scrutiny. Attendees emphasised that businesses are too often complicit, not merely passive bystanders but active participants and beneficiaries of corrupt systems. It was a reminder that tackling corruption requires a whole-of-society response.
A deeply moving moment came as the conference acknowledged the bravery of whistleblowers who risk their safety and livelihoods to expose the truth.
Their defence, said the SACC, is “non-negotiable.”
In a symbolic gesture of commitment, the SACC will soon adopt the Church Leader’s Covenant Against Corruption, a declaration to God and nation that church leaders will stand firmly against all forms of dishonesty and exploitation. Still being finalised, the covenant will call for:
– Preaching and teaching consistently against corruption, especially through youth and children’s ministries.
– Honouring and protecting whistleblowers within church spaces.
– Encouraging ethical leadership in public and private sectors.
– Strengthening oversight institutions, including Chapter 9 bodies.
– Ensuring transparency in church governance.
– Helping to lead a national movement that leaves no room for corruption in politics, business, faith communities or society at large
“We take heart and have courage for the road ahead,” the SACC declared. “Placing our hope in the Lord, the God of justice who has assured us of His presence to the very end,” Molo said.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za