Ramaphosa clarifies his 'role of the church' comments
The Presidency on Tuesday moved to clarify comments by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on the role of the church, which some commentators have interpreted to mean the church must stay away from politics.
In a statement issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on Tuesday the Presidency said it "wishes to correct the incorrect impressions that may have been created following comments the Deputy President made at the church during a religious service in Limpopo on Sunday 10 April 2016".
Ramaphosa was in Limpopo on Sunday as part of the campaign to mobilise the citizenry to register for the forthcoming local government elections, the deputy president's spokesman Mamoepa said.
During the church service held at Mahwelereng's Church of the First Born, Ramaphosa implored the congregation to pray for leaders and the government.
WATCH: Religious leaders ask ANC to assist Zuma in stepping down
Mamoepa said an "impression that may have been created that the church should not get involved in politics is therefore incorrect".
Mamoepa said Ramaphosa "appreciates and remembers" the role the churches have played in the history of the country.
"This includes the outstanding role the churches played during the struggle against apartheid mobilising the international community against what the broader church termed a heresy," said Mamoepa.
"The Deputy President welcomes the robust manner in which the churches and all other religious formations have engaged the government on critical issues facing our country.
"Ramaphosa is of the conviction that working together with the churches and indeed other religious formations we can help create a better life for all our people and move our country forward." - ANA