By Michael Swain executive director Freedom of Religion South Africa
The CRL Section 22 Committee has now commenced the provincial consultation phase of its national process — and what happens next could shape the future of religious freedom in South Africa.
Although it has been presented as “self-regulation”, the committee’s terms of reference direct the process towards the development of a legislative framework. The CRL chair has also made it clear that she wants an act of Parliament to create a council for the religious sector and has previously expressly supported the licensing and registration of religious leaders. The Section 22 Committee’s draft framework also contemplates the registration of religious institutions and religious leaders/practitioners.
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That is a serious concern. Religious freedom is a constitutional right, not a privilege granted, managed or withdrawn by the state. Abuse and criminal conduct must be addressed firmly, but the answer is effective enforcement of existing laws — not state regulation of religion.
You can make your voice heard for religious freedom in two ways:
1. Make a submission through the DearSouthAfrica platform
FOR SA has worked with DearSouthAfrica to make it quick and easy for individuals and organisations to make legitimate submissions. This is a simple way to participate and do your part to protect freedom of religion – and it will take about two minutes!
- Click here to make a submission via DearSouthAfrica; or
- Scan this QR code:
2. Participate in the provincial consultations in person
Now is the time to make your voice heard for religious freedom. The Section 22 Committee is holding provincial consultations across the country. If you can attend in person, we strongly encourage you to do so.
KwaZulu-Natal consultation details now confirmed
The KZN provincial consultations will take place as follows:
Dates: 22–26 June 2026
Time: 09:00–17:00
Venue: Garden Court Marine Parade, Durban
RSVP deadline: 19 June 2026
Registration: www.section22committee.co.za/events
It is our understanding that attendees may attend any day that suits them, although the main sessions are scheduled for June 23–24.
We encourage churches, ministries, faith communities, organisations and concerned individuals in KZN to register and attend in person.
What about the other provinces?
The Section 22 Committee’s website also contains information about the other provincial consultations. Please visit www.section22committee.co.za/events to check the dates, times and venues for your province, and register as soon as possible if you can attend.
FOR SA has prepared a short template submission you can use as the basis for a brief verbal presentation and/or hand in as a written submission. Please ensure that any written submission is properly logged by the Section 22 Committee by also sending a copy to christiansector@section22committee.co.za.
- Download the FOR SA template submission here.
This is not about protest. It is about participation. It is about upholding our constitutional rights and freedoms in a lawful and orderly manner.
Make your submission today and share the DearSouthAfrica link or QR code with your family, congregation, and networks.
One submission may be a whisper. Tens of thousands become a shout that cannot be ignored.
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