CONFUSION OVER FIGURES ALLOWED IN CHURCHES

NHLANGANO – The announcement of the reopening of churches by Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku left some churches confused as they found themselves constantly explaining the figures permissible.

Some churches that were visited by police officers had to explain why they had over 100 people during their services. The police had reason to believe that the number of worshippers allowed per service was limited to 100. During a visit to some churches, elders were found in a meeting with police officers who were questioning them.

Explanation

The explanation from the elders was that they were not aware that there should only be 100 congregants. “We did not know that the numbers were supposed to be limited,” remarked one senior member of the Church of Christ Ministries in Shiselweni. Police also visited High Praise Assemblies International where there were over 100 congregants. The leadership of the church said they did not know that the numbers were limited. In a conversation that took about 20 minutes, the police spoke to one senior member of the church who was overheard stating that they did not know. One of the police officers was seen making a call and after a couple of minutes, she  told the senior member that the number was 100. The police warned and left the senior member who promised that they would correct the issue come next Sunday. The churches had practised social distancing and were registering, scanning and sanitising the worshippers as they walked in. It was noted that the membership of the church was huge.

Meanwhile, the church members stated that they were happy to be back in church and were aware that it was each and everyone’s responsibility to be safe. “This will minimise chances of spreading the virus,” said one Futhi Dlamini. She was echoed by Sipho Masilela, who stated that they wished churches would not close again. He said they prayed better together and it was important to meet. Pastor Patrick Mamba of High Praise Assemblies International said they were putting the country and its leadership in their prayers. He said they appreciated the move by government of allowing them to go back to church. “We do hope the third wave won’t come as it will send us back to zero,” he said. It was also noted that this time around even children were present in some churches.

Lockdowns

It is worth noting that in the previous lockdowns, it was announced that children under the age of 10 years were not allowed in church. When called for a comment on the figures allowed in church, Home Affairs Principal Secretary Nhlanhla Nxumalo said no figure was mentioned by the acting PM. He stated that the church bodies were yet to meet today and discuss on the figures allowed in church. “The figures were not mentioned by the acting PM in his speech as it has to be the ministry that initiates the meeting with church bodies to resolve on what works best,” he said. He said even the issue of whether or not children were allowed in church would be finalised by the pastors today.

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