Zuma preaches politics as liturgy

The danger is clear. When politics becomes religion, accountability becomes heresy

- Lindani Zungu

Outside the high court in Johannesburg, a supporter once hoisted a homemade crucifix.

Where Christ’s face should have been was Jacob Zuma's, arms outstretched, with the words: “Why are you crucifying Zuma?” Another protester carried a placard declaring, “Zuma is Jesus.” This was no spontaneous street theatre; it was the distilled essence of Zuma’s political theology: the politician as prophet, the accused as martyr and the party as saviour.

South Africa has long known Bible-waving politicians, but Zuma perfected the Pentecostalised spectacle. During his presidency, he proclaimed that the ANC would rule “until Jesus comes back”, that God would bless ANC voters while consigning opponents to hellfire, and that his legal troubles were nothing less than a conspiracy of “dark forces” to crucify him. He was not merely president; he was an honorary pastor, prayed over by megachurch leaders under flashing cameras, and blessed in ways that blurred the line between pulpit and podium.

Zuma’s religiosity was never a quiet faith. It was populist theatre, performed with dance, polygamy and prosperity gospel promises. He wrapped himself in both the cross and the Zulu royal aura, embodying a hybrid sacred legitimacy: Christian messiah on one hand, Zulu patriarch on the other.

That dual halo has not dimmed with his departure from the Union Buildings. It has been reincarnated in the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which now parades itself not merely as a political organisation but as the only spiritually legitimate liberation party. Its rallies sound less like political gatherings and more like revival crusades. At one, supporters hailed Zuma as a “modern-day saviour being crucified”, persecuted by the courts but vindicated by heaven.