Issued by: Pastor Bert Pretorius, President of SACOFF
Article source: Supplied
The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to constructive dialogue and the protection of South Africa’s constitutional right to freedom of religion. Speaking on behalf of SACOFF, Pastor Bert Pretorius emphasised the importance of working collaboratively to ensure that faith communities remain safe, accountable, and true to their spiritual calling.
Shared Commitment to Safe and Accountable Faith Communities
SACOFF recognises that the well-being and safety of congregants are essential to genuine ministry. The organisation continues to champion an environment where faith communities are transparent, responsible, and nurturing—where abuses are confronted decisively, victims are protected, and leaders uphold the highest moral and ethical standards.
Existing Laws Are Sufficient if Properly Enforced
Pastor Pretorius noted that South Africa’s existing legal framework already provides sufficient instruments to address misconduct when properly applied. Rather than new legislation, SACOFF calls for stronger cooperation between law enforcement, civil society, and faith-based institutions to ensure that the current laws are enforced effectively and fairly.
Ongoing Commitment to Dialogue and the Protection of Religious Freedom
SACOFF remains fully engaged in constructive dialogue with the CRL Rights Commission, government, and other key partners to advance mutual understanding and national unity. The organisation believes that sustained dialogue is the best path forward—one that preserves the integrity of faith communities while safeguarding every citizen’s right to believe, worship, and serve without interference.
Support for Genuine Self-Governance, Not State Oversight
True accountability, SACOFF maintains, comes from within the faith sector itself. The organisation supports genuine self-governance driven by internal peer-review mechanisms and ethical leadership, rather than government-imposed oversight structures. SACOFF believes that empowerment, not external control, is the path toward lasting transformation and public trust.
Legislated “Self-Regulation” Amounts to State Control
While SACOFF welcomes cooperation and engagement, it warns that legislated “self-regulation” would, in practice, amount to state control. Such a move risks eroding the independence of religious institutions and undermining the very freedoms enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution, which includes the freedom to speak truth to power. Pastor Pretorius reaffirmed that SACOFF will continue to advocate for the preservation of religious liberty alongside accountability and transparency.
“Our goal is not to resist oversight, but to ensure that it is done in a way that strengthens—not silences—the voice of faith in our nation,” Pastor Pretorius said. “We are committed to walking this journey of healing, responsibility, and freedom together.”
South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations believes:
- Shared commitment to safe and accountable faith communities
- Recognition of the CRL’s constitutional role
- Support for genuine self-governance, not state oversight
- Existing laws are sufficient if properly enforced
- Legislated “self-regulation” amounts to state control
- Voluntary Religious Freedom Charter and Code already exists
- Ongoing commitment to dialogue and protection of religious freedom
SACOFF remains open to ongoing engagement and partnership, standing firmly for integrity, justice, and the sacred right to freedom of religion for all.
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Date published: 08/10/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com
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