–– Jonathan Klimek
The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
As South Africans, we have heard members of the South African government assert that our nation “will not be bullied” and must safeguard its sovereignty, national interests, and constitutional democracy. In his 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ramaphosa rallied the nation to unite against external pressures [1]. These are stirring words, but do they align with God’s design for righteous governance? South Africa stands at a pivotal period in history: Will we cling to alliances and policies that defy Divine justice, or will we repent and pursue the grace and peace God promises to those who honour Him? Scripture offers both a warning and a way forward—if we have the courage to listen.
The Role of Government: A Biblical Mandate
Scripture defines the purpose of government with clarity.
Romans 13:1–4 teaches, “There is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God… For it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”
Government’s God-given role is to promote good—upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and punishing wrongdoing—and to foster conditions for peace and flourishing. This is not a blank check for autonomy; authority is delegated by God, and the government is accountable to His standards. South Africa’s leaders, when wielding this authority, are called to reflect His justice.
Neither Saints nor Sinners: Aligning with Imperfect Nations
No nation, including South Africa or the United States, is sinless. America’s history bears scars of injustice, and President Donald Trump’s leadership is often polarising. Yet, Scripture does not demand perfection from the nations we engage with—it calls us to discernment. We are to align with those whose policies, however imperfectly, protect rights, promote peace, and restrain evil. Consider the contrast. Iran backs Hamas, a group responsible for the October 2023 massacre of nearly 1,200 Israelis [2], while Russia’s war in Ukraine has claimed countless lives and displaced millions [3]. China’s human rights record—including the persecution of Christians and Uyghurs—is indefensible [4]. These nations suppress freedom and sow chaos, defying God’s call to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
The United States, for all its flaws, offers a counterpoint. Through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), it sustains over 100,000 South African jobs and R68 billion in annual exports [5, 6]. It conditions this aid on principles of governance—rule of law, human rights, and anti-corruption—that echo Romans 13’s mandate. South Africa’s neutrality on Ukraine [7] and joint military exercises with Russia and China in February 2023 [8] strain this partnership, risking economic blessings for alliances with oppressors. Proverbs 16:7 promises, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Why, then, do we flirt with nations that mock this wisdom?
Justice at Home: Land and Integrity
God’s standards apply internally as well. The push for expropriation without compensation threatens property rights—a cornerstone of stability. Exodus 20:15 commands, “You shall not steal,” a principle binding on governments as well as individuals. Unjust land seizures risk unrest, as farmers fear for their livelihoods [10]. Proverbs 29:4 warns, “The king by justice establishes the land, but a man who takes bribes tears it down.” Rumours of corruption—like alleged incentives tied to South Africa’s January 2024 ICJ case against Israel [11], though unproven—cast a shadow. If true, such actions erode trust and invite Divine displeasure (cf. Gen. 12:3).
BRICS and Beyond: Pragmatism with Principle
South Africa’s role in BRICS offers trade potential—R167 billion in exports in 2023 [4]—but it’s dwarfed by deficits and cheap imports that undercut local industries, unlike the R68 billion in exports to the U.S. via AGOA [5], which sustains jobs without such harm. We can engage BRICS without endorsing the tyranny of regimes like Russia and China. This contrast presents a choice: Will we prioritise partnerships that bolster peace and prosperity, or those that embolden aggression? Hosting Russia’s navy while dodging condemnation of its war [7] tilts us toward the latter. Galatians 6:7 cautions, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Economic hardship from lost AGOA benefits—warned of in late 2024 [12]—may be the harvest of such choices.
The Nations Rage: A Divine Rebuke
South Africa’s defiance mirrors Psalm 2:
“Why do the nations rage… against Yahweh and against His Anointed?… He who sits in the heavens laughs… ‘I have installed My King upon Zion… You shall break them with a rod of iron…’ So now, O kings, show insight; take warning… Kiss the Son, lest He become angry… How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”
Our ICJ stance against Israel [13], is hypocritical at best [14], and our cosiness with godless regimes risks God’s scorn. Yet, there’s hope: Repentance brings blessing.
A Path to Restoration
2 Chronicles 7:14 offers a timeless beckoning: “If My people… humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
While spoken to Israel, its call to repentance resonates for South Africa today. We can reject land theft, uphold truth, support justice globally, and value human rights. Aligning with nations that, despite their sins, enable Biblical governance—like the U.S.—secures practical blessings. This isn’t subservience; it’s wisdom.
A Call to South Africans
Our true interest lies in the peace and flourishing of our people, not political posturing. Let us pray for leaders who “kiss the Son” and govern justly. May South Africa choose refuge in Christ, sparing us the rod and granting us His peace.