Of anointing water, self-righteous Christians and the alleged �witch� that is Thabo Masilo�s mother�

Keletso Thobega | Monday January 26, 2015 09:32

The picture attracted a barrage of comments from readers on social networks, ranging from insults to sympathy. Some people criticized her for using the anointing water in public. We aren’t sure what purpose that water served. Perhaps it’s supposed to abate negative energy in the young man’s life? When someone has committed heinous crimes, the only hope is for them to show remorse, repent and turn over a new leaf.

I’m not familiar with anointing water, but gather it’s mostly associated with churches, with the purpose to be ministered to the sick, afflicted and oppressed. Water has magical healing properties, from a physiological perspective, so it’s not surprising that most churches endorse it. However, of late is has been used to boost unscrupulous pastors’ business ventures. I know that I might sound like a naysayer, but I don’t believe go kgacha-kgacha metsi go ka fetola botshelo jwa motho.

I once read an interesting short story by one of my favourite creative writers, Eskia Mphahlele, about a boy who was sent to a prophetess’ home to get anointed holy water for his ailing mother. On his walk back home he tripped, fell and spilled the water. He was scared and distressed. Not only would he be scolded, his mother was in a bad condition and he desperately wanted her to recover. After racking his mind, he went to the nearest standpipe and filled the large plastic bottle with water and set off for home with the hope that no one would notice that something was amiss. When he arrived, he gave his mother the water. She drank it and went to sleep. The next day she was in better shape and praised the prophetess for the ‘healing water’.

The above story reflects the Power of the Mind. The thoughts and beliefs you entertain manifest as reality. What you believe becomes your truth!

Many people have different views on the actions of Thabo Masilo’s mother, but the statements of a certain pastor Mosimanegape Tshwanang, who was quoted on-the-record in a certain newspaper as having said Thabo Masilo’s mother is a witch, disappointed me.

Those are not words one would expect from a ‘Man of God’. Religious leaders should motivate, inspire, comfort and build people, not destroy and bedevil them. I had expected the pastor to reach out to Masilo’s mother and offer prayers and support.  

This is one thing I do not understand about holier-than-thou Christians, why are they so judgmental? We expect religious leaders to help people deal with the vicissitudes of life not play God themselves. From my knowledge of Christianity, everyone is a solid candidate of heaven: it’s not any person’s place to conclude otherwise.

Considering his vile statements, this pastor needs to introspect on whether he is emotionally mature enough to be a leader. I have noticed that there’s an infiltration of arrogant, pompous and self-righteous church leaders in our social landscape. Their behaviour reduces their religion to a bubblegum dogma because as a person, you think, ‘Why would I want to associate with folk who judge, humiliate and hurt others, instead of inspiring and building them?’ 

As a parent myself, I sympathise with Thabo Masilo’s mother. Motherhood is not scripted. No one envisions such terrible fate for his or her child. No one would know the challenges you have faced unless they have walked a mile in your shoes. To many others, Thabo is a monster, but he is still her mother’s son…

I have reservations with her paying an expensive lawyer to defend him, but she has the right to stand by her son’s side. She’s probably keeping up appearances. Beyond the carefree façade, she may be disappointed, hurt, confused and scared. Some people crumble when faced with challenges, but others show resilience and strength, like this woman. Mmangwana o tshwara thipa ka fa bogaleng!

We can’t entirely blame Masilo’s mother for her son’s felonious acts. She may have tried to be a good parent. Hitler and Idi Amin also had mothers. Did anyone blame them for their son’s deeds? No!

There may have been issues in Masilo’s upbringing: maybe he was spoilt, pampered or has psychiatric problems that unleashed a monster within him. Whatever the case, he must pay for his crimes. The prison rehabilitation system will deal with that.