The Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum (CSCJF) is urging the government to appoint a dedicated Religion minister to represent the interests of churches and other faith-based groups, which it describes as the largest constituency in the country.
CSCJF coordinator, Max Mkandla, said the proposed minister would work directly with religious groups to address their unique needs.
He highlighted the challenges faced by Apostolic sects, such as the Johane Masowe, whose beliefs require worship in open spaces rather than constructed buildings.
“The government must understand that these churches do not believe in building structures for worship,” Mkandla said.
“The minister would need to understand their beliefs and work with councils to secure land for essential facilities, like toilets, in their open-air spaces.”
Mkandla called on local authorities to stop evicting these congregations, emphasising that they must not be punished for practicing their faith.
“It is their belief that they should worship in open spaces, and the country has freedom of religion,” he stated.
He also pointed to systemic issues in land allocation, noting that many of these churches have been waiting for over a decade to be granted stands after applying.
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“The minister should also find out from the councils why these people are not being allocated stands, even in areas where there is illegal farming by residents,” Mkandla added.
Several local authorities, including Plumtree Town Council, have introduced by-laws banning open-air worship, citing concerns over pollution and environmental health hazards.
The Plumtree ban is set to take effect in January next year.
To mitigate sanitation concerns, Mkandla proposed that the government drill boreholes near designated worship sites.
This would allow congregants to maintain clean toilet facilities, enhancing public health and community relations.
“This country is not like other countries; people here are Christians, they put God first and they must be allowed to practice their religion anywhere,” he said.
The CSCJF said a government minister dedicated to religious affairs is essential to ensure that the interests of these large and diverse groups are represented at the policy level.
