On Thursday, 12 March, thousands gathered in KwaZulu-Natal for a peaceful protest against the government’s plans to regulate religion. With over 10,000 participants from various cultural groups, the demonstration showed unity and respect, with no violence or serious incidents. The march started at King Dinuzulu Park and ended at Durban City Hall, marking one of the largest Christian marches to date.
This march was directed at the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission). It was organised primarily by the South African Church Defenders (SACD). The demonstrators oppose new proposals made by the CRL Commission, particularly the establishment of a Section 22 committee that released a framework to regulate religion. They believe the CRL targeted Christianity and that this committee could lead to government control over churches. Their concerns included the possibility of forcing registration or oversight of religious institutions, which they argue might limit the religious freedom protected by the Constitution.
Thousands from across the country gathered to protest state control of religion, with the largest group being the KwaSizabantu Mission from Kranskop, which brought over 700 participants by bus and other vehicles. Dirk Combrink, spokesperson for KwaSizabantu, said they participated in large numbers because they see the CRL’s proposed framework to regulate Christianity as an attack on Christianity as a whole. He elaborated that Christians face persecution worldwide, and in South Africa, freedom of religion is protected by the Constitution. The CRL’s proposed framework does not align with the Constitution. In short, their participation in the march and standing up for religious freedom aims to defend the core principles of the Christian faith and to raise their voices against the ridicule of Christianity.
This was not the first march of its kind for the Church Defenders on this matter. Other peaceful marches were held on the 8th October and 13th November last year at different locations.
Many Christians still do not know about the proposed framework for regulating faith. Many know but choose not to take a stand. For those seeking more information on the CRL matter, the online not-for-profit magazine Devoted has published a special edition (issue 54) containing essential details to help people make an informed choice on this contentious issue. The magazine offers crucial insights into a high-profile case: the CRL’s investigations into media allegations against the KwaSizabantu Mission. Devoted emphasises that if this case reflects the standard of the CRL’s work, Christians have good reasons for concern. Read this special publication online by following the link: https://devotedmag.co.za/magazines/#flipbook-the-crl-rights-commission/1/
By Gerda Potgieter
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