The Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum is advocating for the government to create a ministerial position dedicated to religious affairs. The group's coordinator, Max Mkandla, stated that a Religion minister could address the specific needs of faith-based organizations, which he described as the nation's largest constituency.
He highlighted the difficulties faced by Apostolic sects, like the Johane Masowe, whose practices involve worship in open spaces rather than built structures. Mkandla urged local authorities to stop evicting these congregations and to facilitate land allocation for essential amenities, noting that some groups have waited over a decade for stands. He suggested drilling boreholes at worship sites to improve sanitation. This appeal comes as some councils, including Plumtree, prepare to enforce bylaws banning open-air worship.
He highlighted the difficulties faced by Apostolic sects, like the Johane Masowe, whose practices involve worship in open spaces rather than built structures. Mkandla urged local authorities to stop evicting these congregations and to facilitate land allocation for essential amenities, noting that some groups have waited over a decade for stands. He suggested drilling boreholes at worship sites to improve sanitation. This appeal comes as some councils, including Plumtree, prepare to enforce bylaws banning open-air worship.
