Remarks by MEC Fundile Gade

12 Oct 2025

Introduction

Programme Director, it is an honour to address this congregation on the vital role of South African churches in amplifying the voices of the voiceless through ethical, organic leadership and intellectualism.
Ethical leadership must emerge naturally from communities — informed by integrity, fairness, and accountability — if we are to build a just and inclusive society.

Historical Context

During apartheid, the church was deeply divided. Some denominations justified oppression, while others, inspired by liberation theology and leaders like Desmond Tutu, Allan Boesak, and Frank Chikane, became powerful voices for justice.

Post-1994, the church’s prophetic voice shifted towards addressing economic injustice, inequality, and social fragmentation. However, many have since retreated into spiritual comfort, losing touch with the structural struggles that continue to define South African life.

Ethical and Organic Leadership

South Africa’s governance challenges — corruption, inequality, and marginalisation — call for leadership rooted in ethical integrity and organic growth from communities. Ethical leaders must act transparently, foster accountability, and ensure decisions serve the collective good.

Organic leadership questions hierarchy, promotes inclusivity, and thrives through dialogue, reflection, and shared responsibility.

The Role of the Church

Churches remain central in communities affected by poverty, exclusion, and gender-based violence (GBV). Their influence can transform lives through:

1. Service and Outreach: Providing essential relief and welfare while empowering communities to lead their own change.
   
   

2. Advocacy: Speaking against corruption, inequality, and poor governance.
   
   

3. Spaces of Belonging: Creating forums for critical thought, unity, and healing.
   
   

Yet, contradictions persist — many churches focus on charity over justice, remain patriarchal, or uphold theologies that silence women and marginalised groups.

Confronting GBVF

The GBVF crisis demands a stronger prophetic voice from the church. Efforts such as the “We Will Speak Out” campaign and survivor support initiatives are commendable, but deep-seated patriarchy and harmful theologies still hinder progress.
True transformation requires survivor-led, community-driven action and theological reform that upholds gender equality and justice.

Lessons from Japan

Drawing lessons from Japan’s ethical culture — such as Akio Toyoda’s transparent leadership during Toyota’s crisis — South Africa can learn that accountability, humility, and continuous ethical improvement are hallmarks of sustainable leadership.

Key Imperatives for Churches

To be a true voice for the voiceless, South African churches must:

1. Reform Theology: Dismantle patriarchal and exclusionary interpretations; promote inclusive, justice-oriented faith.
   
   

2. Transform Structures: Ensure gender equality, transparency, and community-led leadership.
   
   

3. Move from Charity to Justice: Tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality through systemic advocacy.
   
   

4. Centre the Marginalised: Empower survivors and the poor to lead and define change.
   
   

5. Sustain Collaboration: Unite across denominations for consistent, nationwide advocacy.
   
   

6. Ensure Accountability: Publicly confront and correct internal failures.
   
   

Conclusion

Compatriots, the church must reclaim its prophetic mantle — not only preaching compassion but practising justice. It must dismantle internal oppression, amplify the marginalised, and hold power accountable.

Let us lead with integrity, guided by transparency, fairness, and truth. Let ethical, organic leadership and intellectualism define our institutions and our nation. In doing so, we will build a South Africa where every voice is heard, every person valued, and every act grounded in justice and moral courage.

Siyabulela.

Ngumbela Wesley Methodist Church | 12 October 2025 | Mnquma, Butterworth
Theme: The Voice of South African Churches Amidst the Voiceless: Fostering Organic Leadership, Intellectualism, and Ethical Integrity