Statement on Proposed Prayer Vigil for Mayor Gumede

6 August 2019
For Immediate Release

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa MCSA has noted, with dismay, the posters doing the rounds on social media calling for a night vigil on behalf of the EThekwini Mayor, Ms Zandile Gumede, and others shouting, “Hands off our mayor”. We are greatly disturbed by these posts and we categorically state that they were neither sanctioned by the Church nor express our view on the standoff.

We, as a church, will not be party to protecting or covering up any alleged illegal activities or corruption. We strongly condemn any acts of corruption regardless of the social, religious and political stature of the perpetrators.

We acknowledge that the eThekwini Mayor is one of our church members and we are aware of the sub judice nature of the investigations currently underway. These legal processes must be allowed to unfold and reach their natural conclusion without undue influence. Our role as a church is to accompany her pastorally as well as her family.
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa unequivocally distances itself from any planned night vigil. Our internal processes are underway to establish the originator/s of the posters

Released by the Communications Unit of the ( MCSA) on behalf of
Bishop Zipho Siwa, Presiding Bishop of the MCSA
For more information contact: Bongie on 078 131 5137