Following its own findings of severe corruption in government, the South African Council of Churches called for the dissolving of parliament and new general elections.
The government “has lost its moral legitimacy” and new polls are needed, the South African Council of Churches said in a statement. The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference is a member of the council.
In April 2016, the council set up an “unburdening panel” for anyone who had participated in or knew of corrupt activities.
The report reveals an elite group “that parcels out contracts and other opportunities for their circles against the interests of good governance and against the common good of the South African citizenry”, the statement said.
Members of parliament display “complete moral bankruptcy in the execution of their responsibilities in upholding the laws of the land”, it said.
General elections are needed “to secure a fresh mandate based on acceptable values and on integrity”, it added. South Africa’s next elections are due in 2019.
