On Monday, thousands of members from various Christian organizations rallied peacefully in solidarity with the South African Church Defenders at the Limpopo Office of the Premier.
The gathering was organized by Pastor Mpfariseni Makhuba, who leads the Unity Fellowship Church as its founder and senior pastor.
Church leaders from across South Africa and neighboring nations joined forces, rallying under the banner, “HANDS OFF OUR CHURCHES“.
A memorandum was presented to Rundzani Murovhi, the Acting Deputy Director General of Corporate Management at the Office of the Premier. The document expressed concerns regarding the perceived disrespect for the country’s constitution by the CRL Rights Commission.
The South African Council of Churches (SACD) is seeking the assistance and guidance of Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba and the provincial government. They aim to ensure that the commission’s consultations in the province are clear and accessible to the public during the committee’s scheduled visit in October 2026.
The CRL Rights Commission, led by Chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi Xaluva, is currently facilitating public discussions on a proposed framework for self-regulation within the Christian sector, as outlined in Section 22.
Public consultations have been completed in several provinces, with forthcoming sessions planned for Gauteng, North West, and Limpopo.
According to the CRL, the proposed framework encourages voluntary self-regulation for churches, in contrast to a government licensing system.
The commission asserts that this initiative aims to safeguard the church’s reputation while addressing issues such as harmful practices, abuse, financial exploitation, and ensuring pastoral accountability.
As per the proposed guidelines, pastors would be required to register their churches and openly share their financial statements annually.
The SADC has raised concerns that the commission disproportionately targets Christianity. They urge the Premier to consider specific constitutional provisions in discussions with her administration:
- Section 15 guarantees freedom of religion, belief, and opinion
- Section 18 protects freedom of association, including the right not to join state-controlled religious structures
- Section 31 affirms the right of religious communities to self-govern
- Section 9 prohibits unfair discrimination
- Chapter 9 institutions, such as the CRL, must function independently, impartially, and according to their constitutional mandate.
The SADC warns that if this regulation is enforced specifically against Christians, South Africa may face challenges similar to those experienced by Christians in China and other nations where practicing the faith is restricted.
They have also advocated for the reintroduction of biblical studies in every public and private primary school to promote values of love, respect, and humanity.
