CRL Commission given a week to address reform pushback from faith groups
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has directed the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Commission) and its Section 22 Committee to submit, within one week, a detailed proposal outlining how concerns regarding inclusivity and the reform of the committee will be addressed.
COGTA is actively engaging with the CRL Commission regarding intense pushback from faith groups over the creation of a Section 22 self-regulation committee.
In October 2025, the Section 22 Committee was established to look at self-regulation in the religious sector after reports of abuse of congregants by some religious leaders.
However, several religious organisations have questioned the constitutionality of the process, raised concerns about inadequate stakeholder representation, and expressed interference in religious affairs.
Chairperson of the committee, Zweli Mkhize, said Parliament's primary objective was to ensure that the concerns raised by religious stakeholders are addressed through an inclusive and transparent process.
"The issue of inclusivity has to be addressed. And the issue of reforming the committee has to be addressed. Addressing these matters will go a long way towards reducing public discomfort concerning the Section 22 committee."
The committee further recommended that the process of developing a code of ethical conduct for the religious sector should continue.
However, members emphasised that the responsibility for drafting and shaping the code should rest with the religious sector itself rather than the CRL Commission.
"This separation should help address the concerns and grievances that have arisen, including those relating to public statements. We must make it clear publicly that the processes are to be separated in this manner," Mkhize said.
The committee believes this approach would safeguard the constitutional right to freedom of religion while promoting accountability and preventing human rights violations within religious institutions.
The committee noted that stakeholders were generally supportive of establishing a code of ethical conduct.
Meanwhile, it acknowledged that concerns regarding the composition and operation of the Section 22 Committee remained, with broad agreement that the process should be reviewed, reformed and made more representative of South Africa's diverse religious landscape.
POLITICAL PARTIES OUTLINE POSITION ON THE MATTER
The Democratic Alliance rejected the committee's draft recommendations, arguing that the Section 22 process should be suspended pending the outcome of the court's proceedings.
The party further called for an independent investigation into the Chairperson of the CRL Commission.
On the other hand, the African Christian Democratic Party reserved its position pending consideration of amendments it has proposed to the committee's draft recommendations.
The Portfolio Committee said it would consider the CRL Commission's implementation proposal, along with the submissions by political parties, before determining the next steps.
A separate engagement with representatives of the religious sector will also be held as Parliament seeks to facilitate an inclusive resolution to the matter.
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