STATEMENT: FOR SA Welcomes ANC Clarification on CRL and State Regulation of Religion

FOR SA STATEMENT

FOR SA Welcomes ANC Clarification on CRL and State Regulation of Religion

Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) welcomes the public clarification issued on 4 February 2026 by the Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, regarding the role of the ANC in relation to the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission).

For the record, FOR SA is a politically and faith-neutral civil society and legal advocacy organisation. As such, we have never alleged that any political party – including the ANC – directs, controls, or sanctions the CRL’s current agenda. Our engagement has consistently focused on constitutional principles, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. We are encouraged by every party that unequivocally confirms its commitment to uphold our hard-won constitutional rights and democratic values.

In her public remarks, Ms Mokonyane clarified that the ANC:

• does not control or direct the processes of the CRL Rights Commission;
• has not sanctioned its current agenda; and
• does not support the introduction of unnecessary new legislation where existing law already provides remedies.

She further emphasised that parliamentary and governmental processes must not undermine constitutional rights, warned against South Africa becoming a “nanny state”, and stressed that faith and religion should not be politicised or used to sow division, but rather be a source of unity in diversity. We wholeheartedly agree.

FOR SA confirms that this clarification is significant, as it dispels confusion and prevents the CRL’s current proposals from being portrayed as inevitable, government-driven, or politically mandated. It also reinforces the constitutional principle that where existing law already addresses wrongdoing or abuse, the introduction of additional regulatory or coercive measures requires strict justification.

We have always held that where abuse or crime occurs – whether in a church, home, school, or anywhere else – it must and can be dealt with through the proper enforcement of existing laws.

FOR SA maintains that the CRL’s proposals for state regulation of religion are unconstitutional, unnecessary, and unworkable. We will continue to advance non-legislative, constitutionally compliant alternatives that address genuine concerns about harm, abuse, crime, and accountability, without licensing belief or restructuring the relationship between the State and faith communities.

FOR SA welcomes any contribution that clarifies institutional roles, reduces misinformation, and helps ensure that public debate on religious freedom remains grounded in constitutional law rather than political assumption.

God bless South Africa.

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