SANCO denies prayer meeting backs Mchunu for ANC leadership

By Celani Sikhakhane

• SANCO in Cape Town says the national prayer gathering was not linked to any political campaign to push Senzo Mchunu for African National Congress leadership.

• Church leaders and supporters say prayers are for everyone, while critics question why Senzo Mchunu is supported despite serious allegations raised by a senior police official.

The South African National Civic Organisation in Cape Town has rejected claims that a recent prayer event was used to campaign for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The organisation says the national prayer held over the weekend had no political agenda.

Lunga Mvumvu from the Mxolisi Phethani branch dismissed the claims during an interview.

“It is totally false to say this prayer was a campaign for Mchunu,” said Mvumvu.

He said the organisation attended the prayer without any political influence.

“We are here without any political influence. We support Mchunu as a citizen of this country because we represent communities without any political affiliation,” he said.

The prayers for Mchunu started in February this year. Since then, many people have questioned their purpose.

Some believe the gatherings are part of a strategy to position Mchunu as a possible replacement for President Cyril Ramaphosa at the party’s next elective conference.

The first prayer event took place in Mbombela in Mpumalanga. Churches later held another service at Mchunu’s home in eMpangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Religious leaders from KwaZulu-Natal organised that service.

The prayer events have caused strong reactions across the country.

Some people are concerned because Mchunu faces serious claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

These include issues around crime and the disbandment of a political killings task team.

Critics have asked why churches are praying for Mchunu and not for Mkhwanazi.

Bishop Wilson Siko from the Christian Fellowship Ministries in Cape Town said everyone needs prayer.

“Everyone needs prayer, even Mkhwanazi should be supported,” said Siko.

He said prayers are not only for those seen as good.

“Prayers are not only for angels. They are also needed for those who are sinners,” he said.

Pictured above: SANCO leaders reject claims linking prayer gathering to politics.

Image source: Celani Sikhakhane