Cape Town - Suspended Western Cape ANC leader Marius Fransman is literally praying for his job back.
Church leaders on Sunday called on God to protect Fransman and his family from the “evil forces” that are trying to destroy him.
Reverend Deon Nkomfa said during the prayer meeting: “You are a chosen leader, God has chosen you. Father, we ask, protect him from the devil.”
The service, held at the Shekinah Healing Ministries at Old Crossroads Hall and attended by about a thousand people, was organised by a support group on Facebook called “Friends of Marius Fransman”.
However, several ANC members, including provincial executive committee member Lionel Adendorf, asked to be removed from the group, saying they are loyal to the party, but not to individuals.
Fransman arrived at the church with his wife Philida, his two children, his mom and dozens of relatives.
The service comes just days after he was asked to “step aside” from his post following allegations that he sexually harassed a 20-year-old woman who travelled with him to the ANC’s birthday celebrations last month.
Fransman and his wife were called to the altar, where Apostle Musa Joshua Mohlala and Reverend Nkomfa began praying.
The couple kneeled while the congregation was asked to stretch their arms out to them.
Reverend Nkomfa said: “The Bible says we must pray for those in leadership and not judge you.”
Nkomfa then asked God to revive Fransman’s leadership: “We pray for the chosen one. Father, open the doors in the time of confusion, there are lies going around and we pray for justice to prevail. Father, we claim his position back.”
Fransman told the congregation their prayers came at the perfect time.
“In the past few weeks, a project which was led to get me down has failed. I want to say thank you to the Apostle while I have been feeling hurt and in pain,” says Fransman.
Cape Minstrels boss Richard “Pot” Stemmet brought his band, Young Guiding Stars, to play at the service.
ANC Western Cape spokesman Yonela Diko said there’s nothing wrong with people supporting Fransman: “The ANC processes to look into Fransman’s case are underway and we know the ANC will deal with the matter fairly and satisfactorily.”
Daily Voice