–– Charles Russell

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The ANC has been in power for 31 years and makes several empty promises every 5 years. In fact, President Ramaphosa addressed the World Economic Forum in 2019 specifically on the topic of ease of doing business, promising change. 6 years later, there are no noticeable improvements. The party is simply not committed to growth and business-friendliness.

Recently, South Africa was ranked the most difficult place to do business according to the Daily Investor, the last of the 49 countries included. 

Before addressing the implications, one should do their best to fact-check the data—is this true? As Christians, we should be aware of broader geographical facts. Are there only 49 countries, or are there closer to 200? Upon investigating the source, we find that this data was collected by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a 38-member body that also gathers data for some key partners and accession candidate countries. All that to say, it is a narrow data source. 

In a more comprehensive database (World Bank, Rankings), South Africa is actually country number 84 out of 190, and although not last, it’s certainly not an easy place to do business. Incidentally, South Africa was ranked country number 5 out of the 53 African nations. Furthermore, we note 46 African countries in the bottom half of the ranking table. 

Although South Africa is not that bad when compared to the rest of the continent, governments across Africa are notorious for stifling business. This means that entrepreneurs will find it comparatively harder to start a business, deal with construction permits, get electricity, register property, get credit, pay taxes, and enforce contracts, among other factors. This leads to low economic investment, higher unemployment, and a longer time for the nation’s most vulnerable to climb out of poverty. 

This reality makes it tempting to get despondent and grumble. After all, what right does the government have to regulate business? According to Scripture, government is to “punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good” (1 Peter 2:14). This is a narrow mandate. It means that the authority delegated by God extends only to upholding justice and rewarding good. Stifling regulation is usurping undelegated authority. 

What should our Christian response be when government overregulates to the point of hampering growth and harming free enterprise?

Do we just accept our lot and carry on? After all, the apostle Paul exhorted Christians to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11). Indeed, we are to be content and submit to the government (1 Peter 2:13). Scripture doesn’t permit us to revolt because it is hard to register a business or complete the necessary tax returns.

However, being content does not mean accepting the status quo, especially when it dishonours the Lord. Here are six Christian responses to the dilemma:

1. Trust in God. He is sovereign over all things, including governments (Proverbs 21:1). God did not make a mistake by appointing President Ramaphosa or any other African president. They have been appointed, and God’s good purpose will prevail (Romans 8:28).
2. Pray for the government (1 Timothy 2:2). We should pray for their salvation. We should pray that they may govern well so that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life that is both godly and dignified.
3. Vote according to Christian ethics, not according to racial lines, empty promises, or even bribery (free T-shirts & grocery hampers). We should vote for a party whose principles most closely seek to honour the Lord. 
4. Work heartily as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Work will be hard, even in one of the countries at the top of this list. It will likely be harder in Africa. However, hard is not a license to give up, hard is not a license to be lazy or to complain. Paul teaches in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 that those who are not willing to work should not eat. Believers should have the best work ethic despite the challenges facing them. I love it when something is hard for most people – it means that if I apply my God-given talents with perseverance, success is more certain than if I had to compete with a larger audience who had not given up at the first hurdle.
5. Seek out help within the church (Galatians 6:2). Invariably, in your church, or even in a like-minded church near you, there will be people who are familiar with certain administrative processes (registering a business, completing tax returns, etc.) Christians should be using their time and talents to serve one another and build up the body of Christ. If you have these kinds of administrative skills, use them in your church. If you lack them, ask for help. Be sure to be serving others more than asking others to serve you! (Philippians 2:3).
6. Raise Christian politicians. Parents should be encouraging children to pursue careers in politics and be salt and light in the community (Matthew 5:13-16). Praise God for the few Christians who labour to make a difference in national politics.

Although South Africa is one of the better places in Africa to do business, there is still a lot of stifling regulation. Christians should foster both contentment and submission as they navigate the prohibitive environment, but that isn’t all they should do. By trusting God, praying for the government, voting wisely, working hard, seeking counsel, and raising Christian politicians, we can do our part to work for the good of the nation.