Religion Studies Grade 12 | How religion can combat crime and corruption in South Africa.

Get free Religion Studies Grade 12 study resources: Religion Studies Grade 12 notes, Religion Studies Grade 12 study guides, Religion Studies Grade 12 past papers, exam questions, textbooks & revision tools to ace Grade 12 Life Sciences.”

Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.

CRIME AND CORRUPTION

South Africa continues to struggle with entrenched corruption and organised crime, both of which have a deeply corrosive impact on governance and economic growth. Although there was notable progress made during Nelson Mandela’s leadership, the era of state capture and corruption under the Zuma administration triggered a sharp rise in organised crime.

Today, South Africa is home to some of the most diversified crime syndicates in the world. These criminal networks are connected to transnational syndicates and are involved in trafficking people, firearms, drugs, and minerals. Additionally, they smuggle stolen copper and oil—often with the complicity of insiders—from South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

These criminal groups also extort businesses, leading to the cancellation of important contracts, which in turn causes job losses and economic setbacks. While the current Ramaphosa administration has made some genuine efforts to combat both corruption and crime, these steps have so far been limited in scope and impact.

Question

Suggest practical strategies that religious communities can use to combat crime and corruption in South Africa.

Religious communities hold significant moral and social influence in society. In South Africa, where crime and corruption have deeply affected the functioning of government, businesses, and everyday life, religious groups can play a powerful role in promoting justice, honesty, and ethical behaviour, by implementing the following practical strategies

One of the most foundational strategies is for religious communities to prioritise moral instruction based on their sacred texts. Whether it is the Bible, the Qur’an, the Torah, or other holy books, these texts provide clear teachings on honesty, justice, humility, and service. By consistently teaching these values in sermons, youth programs, and community meetings, religious groups help individuals build strong moral character and develop resistance to the temptations of crime and corruption. This moral education creates a generation of citizens who are more likely to act with integrity in both public and private life.

In addition to regular teachings, religious communities should organise spiritual camps, workshops, or retreats that focus specifically on fighting corruption and crime. These gatherings give people time away from daily distractions to reflect on the social harm caused by unethical behaviour. They can also help individuals find spiritual strength and guidance to resist pressure from peers or society that might lead them into wrongdoing. These events should include real-life stories, community dialogues, and faith-based solutions to corruption.

In today’s world, the media plays a central role in shaping public opinion and behaviour. Religious organisations should fully utilise modern tools such as social media platforms, radio broadcasts, podcasts, and television programmes to spread anti-corruption messages. They can share powerful stories of moral courage, highlight religious teachings on justice, and publicly condemn bribery, fraud, theft, and abuse of power. These messages can reach thousands—even millions—of people, especially the youth, and create a culture that sees corruption as morally unacceptable.

Another powerful tool is for religious leaders and institutions to publish regular statements, newsletters, and position papers on social issues like corruption. These documents should explain the moral and spiritual consequences of crime and unethical conduct and provide guidance on how people can stand up against it. When religious voices speak clearly and boldly on these issues, they remind society of its shared moral values and help raise awareness.

Religious communities can also form anti-corruption forums or alliances. These associations can bring together churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues from different traditions to work together on community education, whistle-blower protection, and advocacy. A united religious front sends a strong message that corruption is a moral issue that affects all faiths and communities.

However, change must begin within the religious institutions themselves. Leaders must lead by example. Religious organisations must refuse to allow corrupt individuals to hold leadership positions in their structures. If leaders are seen to be compromising ethical standards, the credibility and moral authority of the religion are weakened. Upholding internal integrity strengthens the religious community’s power to speak out against wrongdoing in wider society.

Furthermore, religious groups have a duty to report any act of corruption or criminal behaviour they witness to the proper legal authorities. Turning a blind eye to crime only allows it to spread further. Reporting wrongdoing, even when it is uncomfortable or involves influential people, helps restore faith in the justice system and builds a culture of accountability.

Lastly, religious communities should actively advocate for stronger laws and harsher punishment for individuals found guilty of corruption and crime. Through meetings with government officials, participation in public forums, or involvement in campaigns, they can push for reforms that make it more difficult for corruption to go unpunished. Publicly supporting legal consequences for criminals also strengthens trust in state institutions and encourages law-abiding behaviour.

Life Sciences Grade 12 | Study Guide | Past Papers | Notes & Revision 1