Press release
Issued from the Office of the President – Pastor Bert Pretorius
South Africans have every reason to be outraged by what the Special Investigating Unit
uncovered at Home Affairs. The report details serious corruption — permits allegedly being sold
for cash, officials working alongside criminal networks, systems manipulated for personal gain,
and border controls compromised. This is not an administrative oversight or minor
mismanagement. It is a profound breach of public trust that further erodes confidence in
government institutions.
Yet within hours of the SIU report’s release, the CRL Rights Commission suggested that this
situation proves churches must now be formally registered and regulated by law. That
conclusion does not follow the facts. The SIU investigation exposed corruption within a
government department. It revealed failures of internal controls, accountability gaps, and abuse
of public office. These are governance failures within Home Affairs — not evidence that
churches lack oversight or that faith communities require increased state control.
As faith leaders, we do not defend corruption. We do not minimise wrongdoing. We do
not excuse criminality, whether in government or in religious settings. However, we
must ask an honest question: How does corruption within Home Affairs suddenly
become an argument for regulating churches?
The Church must not be made a scapegoat for failures of governance or corruption within state
institutions. When government systems break down, accountability rests with those entrusted
to manage and safeguard them — not with faith communities. The corruption uncovered at
Home Affairs calls for reform, transparency, and real consequences. It does not justify shifting
blame onto the Church or expanding state control over religious freedom.
Do Not Confuse Crime with Calling
Let us be clear: if an individual who calls himself a pastor commits fraud, sexual abuse,
trafficking, or financial crime, the criminal justice system must deal with it. Religious
freedom has never been a shield against prosecution. South Africa already has a robust
legal framework to address wrongdoing, including fraud statutes, immigration laws,
anti-corruption provisions, financial regulation, labour law, child-protection legislation,
and criminal codes. These laws apply equally to everyone.
The presence of criminals does not mean churches need to be licensed. It means
criminals must be prosecuted. When a police officer takes a bribe, we do not increase
regulation of citizens. We hold the officer accountable. When a Home Affairs official
abuses power, we reform the department. We do not control faith communities in
response.
Faith Is Not a Profession Issued by the State
The proposal to treat pastors like doctors or lawyers misunderstands what religion is. A
doctor must meet defined scientific standards before performing surgery. A lawyer must
be admitted to practice before appearing in court. These professions operate within
state-created legal monopolies. Faith does not. A religious calling is not conferred by
the State. It is recognised by a community of belief. It may be shaped by doctrine,
tradition, spiritual experience, or conviction. It may look very different from one
community to another. That diversity is not disorder. It is the very definition of religious
freedom, and it is protected by the Constitution.
If the State begins to determine who qualifies as a legitimate religious leader, religious
freedom becomes conditional. It becomes subject to administrative approval. It
becomes a matter of permission, and once belief requires permission, it is no longer
free. Then we no longer have any meaningful right to religious freedom. That outcome is
unacceptable and deeply unconstitutional.
Accountability Already Exists
The narrative that the religious sector operates without accountability is inaccurate and
unfair. Across South Africa, churches, mosques, temples and synagogues operate
within structured governance systems. Denominations have councils, synods,
assemblies and disciplinary processes. Independent churches operate within fraternals
and networks. Umbrella bodies bring leaders together for oversight and collaboration.
SACOFF itself represents hundreds of member bodies and thousands of faith-based
organisations. Within these networks, ethical standards, peer accountability and
cooperation are everyday realities.
In addition, religious organisations comply with tax regulations, labour law, municipal
requirements, and national legislation. Many are formally registered entities subject to
reporting and governance standards. The suggestion that religion exists outside the law
is simply incorrect.
Reform the State, Do Not Expand Its Reach
The appropriate response to the SIU findings is to strengthen Home Affairs, improve
internal controls, vet officials properly, tighten verification systems, and restore
administrative integrity. Preventing the corruption described in the SIU report within the
Department of Home Affairs will not be fixed by registering pastors. Bribery is not cured
by theology exams. Administrative corruption is not fixed by licensing clergy. Syndicates
within a department are not dismantled by creating a religious council. We must be
careful not to use one institutional failure to justify expanding state authority into
another sphere.
Use Existing Mandates Before Seeking More Power
It is also important to note that the CRL already has the power to engage with religious
communities, facilitate communication, conduct research, and make
recommendations. If the goal is improved dialogue, compliance awareness, or
collaboration, these objectives can be pursued within existing legal frameworks.
Expanding towards a legislated system of state control over religion is neither necessary
nor constitutionally sound.
A Line That Must Be Protected
South Africa’s Constitution protects freedom of religion not as a favour from the State
but as a fundamental right. The State must prosecute crime. It must reform its
departments when they fail or fall short. It must ensure integrity in public
administration. But it must emphatically not decide who is authorised to preach, pastor,
or prophesy. While corruption in Home Affairs is a serious national concern demanding
serious reform, it does not justify controlling the Church.
As faith leaders, we will continue to support accountability, ethical leadership and
lawful conduct. We will also defend the constitutional boundary that protects religious
freedom for all. The solution to corruption in government is better government, not state
control of faith.
Issued by:
Office of Pastor Bert Pretorius
President – South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals & Federations
(SACOFF)
President – 3C Family Churches (3CFC)
For media enquiries or interview requests:
� info@sacoff.org.za � www.sacoff.org.za � +27 79 431 3248
Media Liasson: Zinhle Twala
About SACOFF:
The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals & Federations (SACOFF) is a
national umbrella body uniting faith-based fraternals, federations, churches, and ministries to
advance moral, social, and economic transformation in South Africa. With 246 member
organisations representing over 23,791 churches, SACOFF provides a platform for
engagement with government, civil society, and the private sector. Through advocacy,
collaboration, and grassroots action, it addresses challenges such as poverty, violence,
inequality, and corruption while supporting initiatives in education, health, community safety,
youth and family restoration, economic empowerment, and disaster relief. SACOFF
promotes unity in diversity, integrity, compassion, and servant leadership—standing as a
movement for national healing and collective action.
About 3C Family Churches
3C Church, founded by Pastor Bert and Pastor Charné Pretorius, is a dynamic, Christcentred movement committed to winning the lost, making disciples, and building
leaders with a heart for God and people. What began as a local ministry has expanded
into a thriving international network of more than 1,933 churches, each driven by the
mission of reaching, teaching, and empowering communities through the transforming
power of the Gospel. 3C is known for its passionate worship, strong family focus, and
culture of raising leaders at every level of society. Through cell-based discipleship,
outreach, and compassion initiatives, 3C continues to impact nations, shaping
generations to live with purpose, faith, and influence for Christ. Community, Character,
Courage
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Datum gepubliseer: 04/03/2026
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