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Cyril Ramaphosa follows the church proceedings attentively

JOHANNESBURG. — Leaders of different political parties attended a church service at the Tyrannus Apostolic Church in De Deur yesterday.
Leaders from the ANC, DA, Cope and many others braced the scorching heat with thousands of church-goers for the Easter Sunday service.

ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyana, district mayor of Sedibeng Simon Mofokeng, National Freedom Party leader Zanele Magwaza-Msibi, Cope leader Mosioua Lekota, Economic Freedom Fighters commissar Floyd Shivambu and DA Gauteng provincial leader John Moodey were given warm greetings when they were introduced.

Congregants cheered and ululated with flags and umbrellas raised high during the introductions.

Apostle Simon Mokoena said the church was privileged to have guests of their stature attending yesterday’s service.

The different leaders took the time to encourage people to vote on May 7. Lekota told congregants to vote because God worked through them.

“I wish we could vote with no problems or incidents on the day.

“Whoever you vote for, will be God’s will.”

Shivambu called on people to vote for a better future.

“I encourage you to vote and it must be a vote that guarantees us a better future. That guarantees us that we will have this land without paying for it,” he said.

Ramaphosa thanked church-goers for the role they played in ensuring freedom was attained and for bringing an end to apartheid.

He called on people to pray for government and a better life.

“I’m here to plead that you pray for our government. Pray that all spheres of government continue to deliver a better life for all,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Anglican Archbishop called on his congregation to use their right to vote, amid a campaign to spoil ballot papers.

“Too many people have suffered and died for us to stay away from the polls out of apathy,” said an excerpt from Archbishop Thabo Makgoba’s Easter sermon at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town yesterday.

“ . . . I want to make a call to all Anglicans in our country to exercise their hard-earned privilege and right to vote. After prayerfully reflecting on the party you want to vote for, please go to the polls and vote.

“And vote we must: too many people have suffered and died for us to stay away from the polls out of apathy.”

He said there would be “dozens” of parties to choose from and urged people to examine their policies and their behaviour.

“Above all, let us engage with our consciences and be guided by these rather than by fear and blind loyalty when we make our mark on the ballot paper.”

Ronnie Kasrils, an ANC anti-apartheid activist and former government minister stirred debate this week when he suggested spoiling ballot papers after voicing concerns over the performance of the ANC. – Sapa.