Tag Archives: Government

LION OF RORA: The Fight of Joshua Gianavel (Ep. 42)

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Watch Joshua Gianavel video here

Throughout history, there has rarely been a time of greater persecution upon the church then against the 17th-century Christian minority called the Waldensians. These were peaceable Protestants that learned there was a time to fight. 

Like the warrior Joshua of old, Captain Joshua Gianavel was a man of heroic bravery, unyielding resolve, endless energy, and risky creativity. 

As a general par excellence, Gianavel was fast to make decisions and quick to carry them out. He knew well Jesus’ words to live as peacemakers but also understood a Christian’s calling to defend himself, his family, and his nation. By this, Gianavel models for believers when they must fight and when they must seek peace. 

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Gender-Based Violence: A National Disaster?

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— David de Bruyn

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

In the run-up to the G20 conference, various lobbyists in South Africa were calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare Gender-Based Violence a “national disaster”. Eventually, this was conceded, and the Department of Social Development posted the announcement on its website

What is meant by this declaration? What difference will it make? And what does it say about the beliefs of a large number of South Africans?

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Execution of Justice: Should Believers Desire the Death Penalty?

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–– Evan Cantrell

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

In 2020, Tafadzwa Shama and Tapiwa Makore (Sr) killed and dismembered Makore’s nephew, 7-year-old Tapiwa Makore (Jr). The killing was part of a pagan ritual intended to ensure the prosperity of their cabbage growing business.

In 2023, the men were sentenced to death for their horrific crime. However, in December 2024, Zimbabwe repealed the death penalty, almost 20 years after its last execution in 2005. As a result, Shama and Makore had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. 

When faced with brutal crimes like the murder of little Tapiwa Makore, our hearts cry out for justice through the ultimate punishment. However, activists argue that the death penalty only breeds more violence, and is ineffective and unproductive. They hold up Zimbabwe to the rest of Africa as an example of what should be done in abolishing the death penalty. 

What does God’s Word say? Is it right for believers to desire that the death penalty be carried out, or does this stand in conflict with the command to “love our enemy”? 

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How Government Hurts Business and What to Do About It

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–– Charles Russell

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

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. 

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South Africa’s Sovereignty: Rage or Repentance?

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–– 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.

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From Kings to Courts: Does the Bible Support Any Government System?

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–– David de Bruyn

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The recent riots in Kenya is another example of the weakness of governments in Africa. The failure of governments in Africa regularly make the news. Whether it is corruption, neglect, incompetence, or outright scandal, Africans long for better governments. But what makes for good government, according to Scripture?

Government is meant to serve the good of its people. As Romans 13:4 puts it, “The civil authority is God’s servant for your good.” But what does this actually look like? What should government protect and promote, and what principles should guide its structure? 

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A Biblical Answer To South Africa’s Murder Epidemic

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–– Mark Christopher

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Just a few weeks ago, 18 people were massacred in cold blood in the Eastern Cape. In all, 15 women and 3 men were senselessly slaughtered for reasons still unknown. Here in the Cape, 7 people were gunned down last week in Bishop Lavis in what looks like a gang-style murder. The day before the Bishop Lavis tragedy, 5 people were murdered in Atlantis on the west coast north of Cape Town. Sadly, those headlines have already evaporated in the minds of most due to the everyday occurrence of homicide in South Africa. Murder is so common now that most are hardened to this loss of human life. 

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Africa’s Love Affair with Tyranny: How the Civil Government Became Africa’s Favorite Idol

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–– Lennox Kalifungwa

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Africa is a continent intimately acquainted with tyrannical regimes. For much of the last century, several African nations have hosted dictatorships like ill-mannered houseguests who refuse to leave—resulting in over 220 military coups, with 109 successful ones. Political chaos is as much a staple in African governance as bureaucratic red tape is in Western democracies. The results? Violence, censorship, corruption, towering national debt, and economic collapse. It’s the kind of grim reality that would make even a dystopian novelist throw in the towel. Yet, remarkably, many of the continent’s citizens, though crushed under the tyrant’s boot, seem to have taken this abuse as a badge of honor, treating it almost like a national pastime. In many ways, their oppression is self-inflicted.

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Capitalism and Christ-like Competition

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–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Here’s a bit of good news from the southern region of Africa. Visa applications in South Africa that had previously moved at a snail’s pace have recently picked up to breakneck speed. For decades applicants for visas have endured the dawdling movements of the Department of Home Affairs, sometimes waiting years for simple paperwork to return. 

Not anymore. The phones of visa applicants are ding-ding-dinging, informing them their papers are ready for pickup. What changed? What’s been the secret? The answer is good old-fashioned competition. 

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When Are Two People Really Married?

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–– Andrew Zekveld

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

A legal marriage certificate, or a traditional marriage based on the customs of a particular people group, has historically provided the criteria for when two single individuals become a married couple.

Of late though, there seems to be an increase of critical thought about the legal or traditional requirements of the marriage moment. This concern is certainly justified in light of the world’s increasing hostility towards Biblical marriage. The world is tenaciously holding onto the concept of marriage, but using it to describe the unions between homosexuals, transgender individuals, and even, as in the 2006 Sudanese case, between a human and an animal.

The question that demands some clarity is: “What makes a person married?” Or, as Christians sometimes phrase it, “When is a couple married in God’s eyes?”

Are the legal definitions the only criteria for getting married?

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Should the Government Provide Free Healthcare for All?

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–– Mark Christopher

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Over the last 10 years, there has been a great deal of discussion and debate concerning the recently adopted National Health Insurance (NHI) legislation here in South Africa. One of the many overriding concerns of the NHI bill is its hefty price tag and how to pay for it in a country with a limited taxbase. According to a recent article, every tax-paying South African will have to add an additional 30,000 rands in annual taxes to implement NHI. 

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Good Theology Builds Economies: God’s Blueprint for Societal Flourishing

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–– Lennox Kalifungwa

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The world has grown accustomed to economic turmoil. Despite the veneer of progress, inflation, high taxation, currency instability, unemployment, debt, and dependency have become entrenched as normal. Numerous efforts to mitigate these economic challenges through policy, democracy, government intervention, aid, debt restructuring, and wealth redistribution have yielded persistent issues with incremental devastation. 

An economy mirrors the values and beliefs of a culture or society. At the core of every economy lies a belief system that is fundamentally theological. Everyone lives based on their beliefs about God, which influence their thoughts, emotions, and actions. As beings designed to be governed by what they worship, humans live every aspect of their lives within theological frameworks, whether they recognise it or not. Theology is inescapable, shaping the lenses through which we perceive the world. 

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Perilous Tax Protest in Kenya 

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–– Gideon Mpeni

Audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

This past week has been marked by shocks, frustration, and what the Kenyan citizens may term as palpable failure in nation-building, state construction, and development. When the protests, dubbed “Occupy Parliament”, began on Tuesday the 18th of June, Wycliffe Muia reports that it all looked peaceful. However Anti-tax protesters in Kenya are in shock after a 29-year-old man was killed during the nationwide demonstrations against a new finance bill. Rex Kanyike Masai, who was protesting on Thursday in the centre of Nairobi, died of gunshot wounds, as reported by a doctor from a hospital in the capital, as per a local newspaper. Police fired tear gas and water cannons at largely peaceful protesters near parliament as lawmakers were debating proposals to bring in new taxes.

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Free Money – The Fake Solution for Real Poverty

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–– Titus Cantrell

Audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

South Africa could become the first country in the world to implement a Universal Basic Income (UBI) grant, according to recent articles by Business Tech and Yahoo Finance. 

The University of Witwatersrand defines Universal Basic Income as an “unconditional cash transfer paid regularly to all on the basis of citizenship.” A prominent supporter of this economic policy defined it as, “A cash grant to all, no questions asked, no strings attached.”

The basic tenet of UBI is that the government can accomplish its goal of eradicating inequality by offering a guaranteed income to everyone. Proponents of UBI, such as the ANC (African National Congress), argue that it could “effectively eliminate poverty in society.” 

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Illegal Immigration: Is it ever right to do wrong?

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–– Mark Christopher

Audio version of this article available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The issue of illegal immigration is a persistent problem affecting many nations around the world at the present moment. South Africa has long been impacted by an unknown number of illegal aliens from neighbouring countries. Most of these are understandably seeking a better life. The estimates on the number of illegal immigrants in South Africa range from 5 to 10 million people. 

This large influx of people has led to periodic episodes of xenophobic violence as some South Africans feel threatened by those they consider stealing their jobs and opportunities for a better life. Violence against those who have illegally entered South Africa’s borders only exacerbates the problem without offering a positive corrective.

The question before every blood-bought believer in Christ is how should Christians biblically view illegal immigration and immigrants.

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A Guide to Government and Godliness

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–– Jonathan Klimek

Audio version of this article available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

A Guide to Government and Godliness

This year in South Africa the National Elections will take place on the 29th of May. You may ask: “How does God view elections? Should we vote? Which party do we choose—the “lesser of many evils”? 

It is important that we as Christians consider our role within the political sphere of our Country. Our faith is not confined to the pews of our church; rather, it should infiltrate every facet of our lives, including our engagement with our Country and its politics.

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When an Evil Nation Does Right

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–– Paul Schlehlein

Audio version of this article available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Zimbabwe and King Manasseh

In February of 2024, the Government of Zimbabwe sent out a press statement strongly rejecting the efforts that foreign nations have made to ensnare its citizens into homosexual behaviour through the offers of educational scholarships.

Like other African nations such as Uganda, Zimbabwe firmly condemns Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender activities. Zimbabwe opposes the viewpoint of several neighbouring countries, namely South Africa and Mozambique, both of which promote significant LGBT protections.

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Is Cash Really King?

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–– Mark Christopher

Listen and subscribe: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Recently as I returned from a bike ride with my cycling mate, we stopped at a new café that recently opened for a cup of coffee and some stimulating conversation. When it came time to pay the bill, much to our surprise, the waitress announced that they were a cashless business. While we both carry a bit of cash for such an occasion, neither of us had a bank card with us. Fortunately, the establishment in question accommodated us. Not two weeks later Woolworths publicly announced that their coffee shops, attached to their stores, were going cashless. 

Whether we like it or not, technology is moving us to a more cashless society. The Payments Association of South Africa is currently implementing strategies to make South Africa cashless by 2030. It remains to be seen if such an ambitious goal is reached in such a short time. The justification for this move toward a cashless culture is that it is much safer for all concerned and it is less expensive for businesses if they do not handle cash. The banking sector certainly agrees with this. But while there is a great deal of truth in such rationale, there are numerous pitfalls to a cashless society. Here are but a few challenges in this rush to a cashless destination:

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The Battle for Bible-Based Education

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–– Gideon Mpeni

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Parental authority in training and bringing up their children has faced attacks in most parts of the Western world, yet we are now beginning to see this tidal wave on the family hitting the shores of Africa. The recent developments in Sub-Saharan Africa, rise from the famously named ‘mother city’, Cape Town, South Africa. 

On the 26th of September, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education in the South African Parliament  adopted the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, otherwise known as the BELA Bill, in which parents can face 12-month jail sentences if their children of school age are not enrolled. This bill also introduces a ban on corporal punishment. These are not mere attempts to cater for the well-being of the children but rather rules aimed at controlling the parents and stripping them of their God-given responsibilities.

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Death Penalty Disappearing in Africa

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–– David de Bruyn

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In July of 2023, Ghana’s parliament voted to abolish the death penalty. Africa still has 30 countries that have the death sentence in their legal system, though it is rarely used in over half of these. Fourteen countries in Africa regularly use the death penalty: Nigeria, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Egypt, and Libya. In 26 African countries, capital punishment has been removed from the law books. 

Amnesty International reported that in sub-Saharan countries, there has been a 67% drop in capital punishment in the last three years. Egypt remains the leading practitioner of capital punishment in Africa.

Modern secular political wisdom asserts that the death penalty is a barbaric relic from the past. This wisdom believes in something known as rehabilitationism. In this scheme, justice primarily seeks to reform, not punish. Since the death penalty does not reform anyone, proponents of this theory assert that it should be abolished. 

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“Let us Live and Strive for Freedom”

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–– Tim Cantrell

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Right now in South Africa is one of those rare moments of national unity where black and white, rich and poor are all sporting their Springbok colours as we cheer on our rugby team’s heroic attempt at another world cup.

When we begin each game singing our national anthem (originally a Xhosa Christian revival hymn), it climaxes with that rallying cry: “Let us live and strive for freedom in South Africa, our land!” But where does human freedom even come from in the first place? Many believe freedom originates in the state or superpower nations or must be delivered by dictators, coups, or liberators.

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TARIF: The Broken Window Fallacy in Africa

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The Africa Review in Five highlights African current affairs from a Christian perspective. Listen and subscribe through Youtube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Today is Tuesday, August 22nd, A.D. 2023. This is The Africa Review in Five, written by Paul Schlehlein and presented by Yamikani Katunga.

The Broken Window Fallacy in Africa

South Africa is 5th in the worldwide Crime Index. Somalia is #12, Nigeria is #14, with three more African countries filling out the top 20. But is this really bad news? Perhaps there’s a silver lining. Doesn’t crime create jobs?

If there was less crime, security guards would lose their jobs. Without significant theft, steel manufacturers and welders would have no work because citizens would have no need for burglar bars on their doors and windows. The profits of businesses that sell razor wire, security cameras, stun guns, and padlocks would plummet. Brick masons who build security walls would lose their livelihoods. Couldn’t we then say that crime is beneficial at least in creating jobs? Couldn’t we say crime brings financial good to a country?

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TARIF: Namibia Gets It Right on Same-Sex Marriage

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The Africa Review in Five highlights African current affairs from a Christian perspective.
Listen and subscribe through Youtube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Today is Friday, July 21st, A.D. 2023. This is The Africa Review in Five, written by Paul Schlehlein and presented by Yamikani Katunga.

Namibia Gets It Right on Same-Sex Marriage

On Wednesday, July 19th, Namibia’s upper house of parliament passed a law banning same-sex marriage. This law defines marriage as a union between “persons of opposite sexes”. One member of parliament, Elder Filipe, said that “the marital union is between a man and a woman and that must be respected.”

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