Malema pleads with religious leaders not to resume church services
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has pleaded with supporters not to attend religious gatherings under level 3 of the lockdown.
Malema made the remarks at a virtual press conference on Thursday amid the debate over the impact religious gatherings could have on the spread of coronavirus.
“We pray in the EFF, we support the church,” he said, before adding: “Members of the EFF and supporters of the EFF do not go to church, it’s a trap. You’re going die. It’s a setup, do not go to church, you’re going to die.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announced on Tuesday that places of worship would be allowed to open from Monday.
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However, these gatherings would only be limited to no more than 50 people.
Malema pleaded with religious leaders to not resume services.
“We want to make a plea to religious leaders: Do not open your places if you love your people and you claim to occupy the high moral standards. You are the ones who should be saying that your members should not come to church.”
The country’s biggest church, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), confirmed in a statement on Thursday that it would not be opening under level three.
ZCC churches will remain closed until further notice.