I. Sever All Ties with Israel — Now The Zionist regime continues to butcher civilians in Gaza with impunity. South Africa cannot claim moral leadership while trading, investing, and collaborating with a genocidal, apartheid state. Our own painful histor

**I. Sever All Ties with Israel — Now** As we approach the end of the year, it is imperative to reflect on our moral obligations. The Zionist regime's continuous violence against civilians in Gaza stands in stark contrast to South Africa's commitment to justice and human rights. Our history of suffering under oppression should compel us to renounce any collaboration with a state that engages in genocidal policies. When we embraced the solemn vow that “never, never, and never again shall one nation be dominated by another,” we made a commitment to justice that extends far beyond our borders. Yet, as we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is disheartening to witness our government maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, a regime that embodies oppression. This betrayal undermines our principles and dishonors the sacrifices made by our martyrs. I urge spiritual leaders, the guardians of our liberation struggle, to unite in demanding that our government: - Sever all diplomatic, economic, cultural, academic, and financial ties with Israel without delay. - Call upon the United Nations to deploy an International Protective Military Force to safeguard the Palestinian and Sudanese people urgently: - Establish and enforce a No-Fly Zone over Palestine and Sudan; - Secure humanitarian corridors; - Protect innocent civilians; and - Deter further atrocities. As Israel strikes Palestinian territories and the violence in Sudan rages on, we must insist that the International Force act resolutely to defend those who cannot defend themselves. “Woe to those who make unjust laws; to those who issue oppressive decrees.” — Isaiah 10:1–2 “And slay them not except in justice. Do not let hatred of a people incite you to aggression.” — Qur’an 5:8 **II. Declare a State of Emergency in War-Torn Communities** As the year wanes, we cannot ignore the crisis in our own communities. Areas like the Cape Flats and Umlazi are reminiscent of warzones, where violence disrupts the lives of innocent children and families. These regions must be acknowledged as Humanitarian Disaster Zones. We call for the swift deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to protect our communities from ruthless criminal enterprises. A State of Emergency in these disaster zones must be declared immediately to restore law, order, and human dignity. “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” — Proverbs 29:7 “Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind.” — Qur’an 5:32 **III. Review the Constitution, the Economy, and the Electoral System** As we step into a new year, we must confront the reality that our democracy has been compromised by political patronage, silencing the people's voice. We need an Independent, Non-Partisan People’s Commission to assess whether: - The Constitution truly reflects the will of all South Africans, particularly Indigenous and dispossessed communities. - The Reserve Bank and National Treasury contribute to ongoing inequality. - Our Parliament, judiciary, and executive branches are held accountable. - The three-tier governance system remains relevant and functional. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” — Luke 4:18 **IV. The Party System as a Threat to Sovereignty** Political parties have metamorphosed into tools of elite control, sidelining the voices of ordinary citizens. To regain sovereignty, we must empower citizens to: - Nominate candidates locally; - Ensure transparent funding and decision-making; - Make representatives recallable; - Shift accountability from party headquarters to the people. **V. Moral and Spiritual Mandate** As we usher in the New Year, we must discard any neutrality in the face of injustice. Silence amid suffering is an affront to our faith. The cries of those suffering in Gaza, Sudan, and the Cape Flats resonate with a divine call for justice. Our so-called democracy was not forged in the flames of freedom, but rather through negotiations with those who perpetuated violence and exploitation. More than three decades since the dawn of democracy, South Africa remains ensnared in systemic inequality, with the beneficial classes of colonialism and apartheid still evading accountability. Our national landscape still reflects the ghost of economic apartheid—privilege thrives amid suffering, and the poor are daily wounded by the negligence of those in power. It is time for our spiritual leaders to rise with prophetic courage, denouncing the comfort of political convenience. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” — Proverbs 31:8–9 “And incline not to those who do wrong, lest the Fire touch you.” — Qur’an 11:113 **VI. Call to Action: Convening the National Planning and Organizing Team** With the dawn of a New Year upon us, I humbly propose that a core team of 12–15 Senior Clergy convene within the next 20 days. Their mission will be to define the framework for a National Interfaith Summit for Justice and Renewal, engaging our government on these crucial pillars of reform. “What does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8 “Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even against yourselves.” — Surah An-Nisa 4:135 **VII. Key Action Points** - Constitutional Review for true equality and human dignity. - Electoral Reform to restore accountability to communities. - Economic Restructuring to empower Indigenous and marginalized peoples. - State of Emergency in war-torn communities. - Sever all ties with Israel immediately. **VIII. A Nation Awaits the Prophetic Church** As we reflect on the past year, I am hopeful yet concerned about the ways the sacred altar has sometimes been used to pacify our nation rather than ignite a radical call for justice. Our Spiritual Leaders are called to rise in the New Year to transform the lives of our people, moving beyond comfort and complacency. Let us remember that Jesus was a revolutionary figure, committed to liberation and change, and that today, it is our responsibility to echo His courage. While clergy in Palestine boldly condemn oppression, many of our leaders must be encouraged to take a stand against the injustices faced by our own people. In this new beginning, let us unite to dismantle the systems of brutality and corruption that plague our society. Together, we can restore the moral foundation of our nation. As we enter this season of renewal, may we embody the spirit of justice in our communities and actively work toward a brighter future for all. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.” — Luke 4:18 May this festive season inspire us with renewed hope for our nation, and may we find the courage to speak truth to power and walk together in faith and unity. With deep respect, revolutionary love, faith, and urgency,