Johannesburg - Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba on Wednesday wrote a letter pledging his support to beleaguered Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, and Gordhan’s staff at the Treasury.
In the letter addressed to Gordhan, the archbishop said: “I address you on behalf of the Anglican Church and of the religious leaders whom you met before presenting the budget this year to reassure you of our support for your difficult task at this time.
“I am confident that religious leaders of all faiths speak on behalf of millions of their followers when we reassure you that our people are praying for you and that the vast majority of South Africans are behind you in your efforts to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent for the benefit of all and not to enrich a few.”
Makgoba’s letter to Gordhan followed public support for the safeguarding of the Treasury against powerful individuals thought to be plotting to take control of the country’s fiscus.
Gordhan has found himself at the centre of a probe by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) into the formation of the so-called rogue tax unit that reportedly probed high-profile individuals.
African National Congress stalwarts such as Ahmed Kathrada have applauded Gordhan for not presenting himself before the Hawks, arguing that the investigating unit was being used by those in power to ultimately weaken the Treasury.
In his letter of support Makgoba said: “As Christians we say the truth will set us free (John 8:32). The sun, the light, is God’s disinfectant and will help us cleanse ourselves as a nation.”
He added: “We want to highlight the critical values of openness and transparency and urge you within the constraints imposed by the law to ensure that the maximum light is brought to bear on how government resources are being spent.
“We thank you for your hard work and dedication and your willingness even to put your life on the line in order to protect the gains of the struggle and to enhance the quality of the lives of our people.”
AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY