Members of the Section 22 Ad Hoc Committee for the Christian Sector have briefed Mpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu about their plan to conduct public participation hearings with the Christian community this week in the province. The briefing took place on Monday at the Riverside Government complex.
The Ad Hoc Committee was established in accordance with the provisions of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Communities Act (No. 19 of 2002). In its briefing, the Committee told the Premier that the proposed framework is intended to restore order towards churches by promoting a culture of transparency, accountability and ethical leadership through, amongst others, the establishment of the Christian Practice Council for Ethics and Accountability as well as registration of churches.
The Committee asserted that the hearings will afford the Christian community an opportunity to express their views in relation to the proposed draft Self-Regulatory Framework for the Christian sector in South Africa. Accordingly, more than 400 church representatives are expected to attend the consultation from Tuesday, the 10th until Thursday, the 12th of November 2026 at Ehlanzeni District Disaster Centre, in Mbombela.
Premier Ndlovu pledged support for the consultation process. “This is the opportune moment for the church sector to introduce countrywide self-regulation, as this will enhance public trust and confidence in the church. The initiative will also improve the image of the church as the moral leader of society,” Premier Ndlovu stressed.
Premier Ndlovu further expressed gratitude to the Committee and all Christian denominations for their continuous prayers for the country and for the recent elections. “We are immensely grateful for the fervent prayers of the Church during the watershed 2026 Local Government elections in the country. The elections were peaceful, thereby affirming the critical role you played in the democratic process,” Premier Ndlovu asserted.
The Premier expressed optimism that the church will continue to play a critical role in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to protect the vulnerable in the society, and create safe and peaceful places of worship.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contact: 083 302 2774
Email:GPMthethwa@mpg.gov.za