Thousands of Christian faith leaders and congregants have marched to the Limpopo Office of the Premier in opposition to the CRL Rights Commission’s proposed self-regulatory framework for the Christian sector, warning that any system that undermines religious freedom could have far-reaching consequences for churches in South Africa.

The peaceful demonstration was organised in solidarity with the South African Church Defenders, SACD, under the slogan “HANDS OFF OUR CHURCHES”.

The crowd was led by SACD chairperson Pastor Mpfariseni Mukhuba, founder and senior pastor of Unity Fellowship Church.

Church leaders from across South Africa and neighbouring countries joined the demonstration before a memorandum was formally handed over to the Limpopo Office of the Premier.

The memorandum was received by Acting Deputy Director-General for Corporate Management Rundzani Murovhi.

SACD raises constitutional concerns

At the centre of the protest is the CRL Rights Commission’s proposed Christian Sector Self-Regulatory Framework.

The SACD argues that the process raises serious questions about whether constitutional protections afforded to religious communities are being adequately respected.

The movement is seeking the intervention and leadership of Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and the provincial government ahead of the CRL’s planned consultation in Limpopo in October 2026.

The organisation wants provincial authorities to ensure that the consultation process is transparent and that members of the public are able to access and participate in the proceedings.

CRL says proposal is voluntary self-regulation

The CRL Rights Commission, chaired by Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, has been conducting public consultations on the proposed framework.

Consultations have already taken place in several provinces, with Gauteng, North West and Limpopo among those still expected to host engagements.

The Commission describes its proposal as voluntary self-regulation, rather than government licensing of churches.

According to the CRL’s position, the framework is intended to protect churches and congregants from harmful religious practices, abuse, financial exploitation and misconduct while strengthening accountability within the religious sector.

The proposed framework includes measures relating to the registration of churches and disclosure of annual financial information.

“Hands off our churches”

The South African Church Defenders, however, argues that the proposed intervention risks going too far.

The movement says Christianity has been singled out and has called on the Limpopo Premier and provincial government to consider constitutional protections relating to religious freedom.

Among the provisions highlighted by the organisation are Section 15 of the Constitution, which protects freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion, and Section 18, which protects freedom of association.

The movement also referred to Section 31, which protects the rights of religious communities, and Section 9, which provides protection against unfair discrimination.

It further argues that Chapter 9 institutions must operate independently, impartially and within their constitutional mandate.

Warning over future of religious freedom

The SACD warned that if regulation of Christianity becomes coercive, South Africa could move towards an environment in which churches face increasingly restrictive controls.

The movement drew comparisons with countries where Christians experience tighter restrictions on religious practice.

However, the CRL maintains that its proposal is designed around self-regulation and accountability rather than state control of churches.

This disagreement is expected to remain at the centre of upcoming consultations.

Call for biblical studies in schools

The South African Church Defenders also used the memorandum to call for the reintroduction of biblical studies at primary school level in public and private schools.

The movement argues that biblical teaching could contribute towards promoting values including love, respect and humanity.

The demand broadens the organisation’s campaign beyond the immediate CRL regulatory debate and into the role of religion within South African education.

Limpopo consultation now in focus

Attention will now turn to the planned CRL consultation in Limpopo in October.

The SACD wants the provincial government to ensure that Christians and members of the broader public are given meaningful access to the process.

With thousands taking to the streets under the banner “HANDS OFF OUR CHURCHES”, the dispute over how South Africa should balance religious freedom, accountability and protection against abuse is rapidly developing into a major national debate.

MDNtv will continue following the CRL consultation process and the response of the Limpopo provincial government to the memorandum.

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