Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has published an open letter to SA Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan offering his prayers and full support along with those of “people of faith” across the country.

The Archbishop of Cape Town has lent his support to South Africa’s embattled Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, who is under investigation by police for allegedly spying on his colleagues in government. On 14 Sept 2016 the Most Rev. Thabo Makgoba (pictured) published an open letter to Mr. Gordhan and his treasury staff offering his prayers and full support along with those of “people of faith” across the country. Two weeks ago Mr Gordhan declined a police summons to respond to questions concerning allegations that he used the South African tax authority to spy on politicians including President Jacob Zuma. The Finance Minister has denied the allegations. His supporters allege the police probe is an attempt to stop the Treasury’s investigations into government corruption and are politically motivated. The archbishop said he was “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.” Archbishop Makgoba 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. 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.”