Floyd Shivambu, the national convener of the Mayibuye Consultation Group, defended Bishop Raymond Zondo, asserting his innocence amid ten charges of sexual assault and rape involving seven women, some of whom are associated with his church.
“Pastor Zondo has not been convicted of any crime,” Shivambu stated during a media briefing on Friday in Midrand. “He is a religious leader with a long history of leadership.”
Zondo, the head of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, is currently facing trial at the Pretoria High Court. Despite this, Shivambu maintained that Zondo’s extensive leadership experience and contributions to community organizing justify his involvement in the Mayibuye Consultation Process.“
He has played various leadership roles in his community and in other organizations we are affiliated with,” Shivambu remarked. “He was instrumental in coordinating a significant nationwide inter-religious movement.”
Recently removed as secretary-general of the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), Shivambu asserted that the Mayibuye group made a sound decision in including Zondo in its consultation efforts.
“A national organization in South Africa today that excludes religious leaders does not genuinely represent the people,” he emphasized.
Shivambu noted that over 80% of South Africans identify as religious, primarily Christians, arguing that church leaders frequently serve as community leaders.
“The majority of our people, honestly, don’t know how to reach their public representatives. They are often unaware of where their councillors or provincial legislature members are,” he explained. “In times of serious issues, they turn to pastors to voice their concerns.”
oilHe concluded by stating that church leaders possess a deeper understanding of the everyday challenges faced by communities compared to elected officials.
