Church dumps ANC for ACDP

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa&39;s political landscape has taken on a religious tone ahead of elections.

The Gauteng branch of the Nazareth Baptist Church is calling on its followers not to vote for the ruling ANC.

It&39;s now throwing its weight behind the African Christian Democratic Party, citing a moral breakdown of society under the ANC.

In the past, the church has been a strong supporter of the ANC, but the recent controversy over President Jacob Zuma&39;s Nkandla homestead was the final straw.

“...Yes of course I’ve lost faith in the ANC government – they know that for a fact,” said Prophet Phakama Shembe.

Meanwhile, the ACDP has welcomed the church&39;s backing.

Reverend Kenneth Meshoe says it will help increase his chances in upcoming elections.

“There is poverty in the country that is being ignored by those in government including the president - and rather than spend tax payers money to help relieve the sufferings of the poor, he is spending monies on himself," said Meshoe.