Pretoria will become the gathering point for thousands of believers this October as the South African Church Defenders (SACD) lead a National Christian March at the Union Buildings. The peaceful demonstration, set for Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at 12h30, calls on Christians and people of faith across the country to stand together for religious liberty.
Organisers say the march is a response to growing concerns about government proposals they believe could open the door to state control of the Church. “Our Constitution protects freedom of religion and the right of faith communities to govern themselves,” SACD spokespersons have stated. “We cannot allow that freedom to be eroded.”
Participants in the march will voice clear opposition to:
- State regulation of churches and ministries
- Licensing of pastors and spiritual leaders
- Government interference in pastoral callings
- Monitoring of faith practices
According to SACD, these measures would undermine the independence of churches and contradict the fundamental rights guaranteed in South Africa’s Constitution.
The theme of the day—For Christ. For Freedom. For the Church.—highlights the organisers’ conviction that religious communities must remain free to practice and govern their faith without undue state oversight.
“All pastors, church leaders, congregations, and believers are invited to join us,” SACD announced. “This is a historic moment to stand shoulder to shoulder, united in prayer and purpose, affirming that the Church of Jesus Christ will not be silenced or controlled.”
The march will start at 12h30 at the Union Buildings, a symbolic location chosen for its role as the seat of national government.
For more details, the public can reach the South African Church Defenders at +27 76 811 2631 or visit www.sachurchdefenders.org.