By: Rodger Mandhlazi
The South African Church Defenders (SACD) marched to the Union Buildings on Wednesday to protest against what they describe as government overreach in regulating churches. The demonstration was sparked by recent comments from CRL Rights Commission Chairperson Thoko Xaluva, who stated that “no one speaks to God” while claiming she could communicate with her ancestors. Xaluva further remarked that anyone claiming to speak to God should be “admitted to a psychiatric ward.”
Her statements provoked outrage among church leaders and congregants nationwide, prompting a peaceful march in defense of the church’s autonomy.
Unity Fellowship Church leader Pastor Mukhuba said the time had come for church leaders to speak out.
“If we keep silent, we will perish. That is why today we are marching. We are busy, but if we continue to say we are busy on our pulpits, soon we will be busy doing nothing- the enemy is working hard,” said Mukhuba.
Pastor Mukhuba added that the marchers were calling for the immediate removal of Xaluva as CRL chairperson.
“Just imagine, corruption wanting to regulate holiness,” she said.
The demonstration drew thousands of supporters from across the country, many of whom carried placards reading “Hands off the Church.” Attendee Constance Xulu said the movement was about protecting their faith.
“We support this march to say hands off the Church of God. We are against this regulation of churches in our country because if we allow this, it will give the enemy an opportunity to operate in our churches,” said Xulu.
The SACD has given the CRL Commission and government officials’ time to respond to their demands. If their concerns are ignored, the organisation plans to stage another march to Parliament in Cape Town.
