The CHAIRMAN of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Communities, Religions and Languages (CRL), Mrs Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, is kicking back with allegations that she is trying to control the churches.
Most of the churches and religious leaders, who are associated with the South African Church Defenders, marched through the streets of Thekwini last week – they nailed themselves to criticize the CRL.
The protesters want Section 22 of the law to be repealed immediately, which empowers Mrs. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva’s Commission to intervene in the management of churches. The churches say this section undermines religious freedom.
Speaking on SAfm radio this week, Mrs Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said that churches are like other public bodies, they also need to be regulated according to the Constitution.
He said this is not interference at all.
“All sectors, jobs or trade according to Article 22 of the Constitution can be regulated,” said Mrs Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, citing the example of the Legal Practice Council which controls legal practitioners and the South African Nursing Council which controls nurses.
“Traditional healers have a legally established council to prevent misconduct. Why should the religious sector be any different?”
Mrs. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva hit the ground running and said that it is the duty of her commission to monitor bad practices in churches.
He made an example of the incidents that have been the subject of discussion in the past, including the feeding of grass and the pouring of gasoline on believers.
He said their committee will consider annual financial reports, constitutions, and the approval of pastors from other countries. He described all these as important things that should happen so that the churches do not do inappropriate things