The African Christian Democratic Party calls on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to henceforth officially and publicly declare that, in accordance with Section 31 of the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution, Churches and other places of worship be allowed to host gatherings without the limit of 250 people.

Chapter 6, section 69, of the schedule published by The Department of Co-operative Governance states:

Gatherings of faith-based institutions are limited to 250 persons or less in the case of an indoor gathering and 500 persons or less in the case of an outdoor gathering. Provided that no more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue is used, with persons observing a distance of at least one and a half metres from each other.  

We are petitioning for this to be amended and that the 250 people limit be removed, to allow gatherings for faith-based institutions to be lifted to 50% capacity, regardless of venue size.

Section 31 of Bill of Rights in the SA Constitution says:

Cultural, religious and linguistic communities

31. (1) Persons belonging to a cultural, religious or linguistic community may not be denied the right, with other members of that community—

(a) to enjoy their culture, practice their religion and use their language; and

(b) to form, join and maintain cultural, religious and linguistic associations and other organs of civil society.

(2) The rights in subsection (1) may not be exercised in a manner inconsistent with any provision of the Bill of Rights.