MPs call for religious sector to be regulated

PARLIAMENT has thrown its weight behind calls for the regulation of the religious sector and the enforcement of laws to address the challenges facing the sector in South Africa.

This emerged after the co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) portfolio committee met yesterday to consider a draft report following hearings held last year by the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission.

The commission probed the commercialisation of religion and the abuse of people’s belief systems, but some religious leaders refused to co-operate with the probe.

In its report, the commission found that it was necessary for the religious sector to be regulated.

It said there was no comprehensive database of religious leaders and places of worship in the country.

There was also financial abuse of worshippers, with some churches demanding cuts for business deals prayed for.

Yesterday, Cogta committee chairperson Richard Mdakane said the state had a responsibility to protect life and property.

“There will never be a state that fold its arms and you believe as you wish. The state can’t outsource that responsibility,” Mdakane said.

The ANC’s Amos Masondo backed the regulation of the religion sector, saying “it is crucial that the government plays its rightful role and regulates, especially where communities are getting negatively affected”.

The draft report of the committee said there were enough laws to deal with the challenges in the sector. But it pointed out that there were loopholes in the country’s legislation.

Some churches aren’t registered as non-profit organisations with the Department of Social Development or Sars, and don’t comply with the law.

“Money collected from congregants is never banked with commercial banks. And some religious leaders don’t apply to the SA Reserve Bank to repatriate money out of the country.”

Unlike other African countries, it has become easy to establish a church in South Africa, the report stated.

Title deeds of properties also end up being registered inappropriately in the spiritual leader’s name, it added.

The ANC’s Enock Mthethwa said a database for religious leaders and places of worship was crucial.

“That will take us to good governance and accountability,” he said.

The DA’s Kevin Mileham echoed Mthethwa’s sentiments. He said the NPO directorate in the Department of Social Development should ensure that churches make submissions on their financials, constitution and new leadership on an annual basis.