South African Rights Commission Defies Religious Protests to Launch Controversial Section 22 Oversight Committee

Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva refuses to resign as CRL Rights Commission launches the Section 22 Committee. Nationwide consultations on religious regulation to begin.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 9:35 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from IOL

A Firm Stance Against Sectarian Resistance

The long standing friction between South Africa’s regulatory bodies and its diverse religious sector reached a definitive breaking point this Wednesday in Johannesburg. Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission, utilized a high profile press briefing to unveil the leadership of the new Section 22 Committee, signaling a refusal to retreat in the face of escalating protests. Addressing direct demands for her departure, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva issued a resounding rejection of resignation calls, asserting that the commission remains legally obligated to stay its course regardless of the mounting pressure from organized religious factions.

Leadership Appointments Amidst Ethical Allegations

The newly formed committee will be led by Dr. John Maloma as chairperson, with Lizwi Ncwane serving as his deputy, alongside a roster of representatives from various cultural and spiritual institutions. This administrative rollout follows a wave of accusations from the South African Church Defenders, who have characterized the committee as an instrument for the unlawful regulation of ecclesiastical affairs. The critics argue that the selection process lacked the necessary transparency and ethical rigor required for a body tasked with overseeing sensitive cultural and linguistic rights, though the commission maintains that its actions remain strictly within the boundaries of South African law.

Defending the Consultation Record

In response to claims that the commission bypassed critical stakeholders, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva defended the inclusivity of their preparatory discussions. She noted that the body engaged in extensive dialogue with major entities including the Zion Christian Churches, the Nazareth Baptist Church, and the SA Council of Churches. Addressing specific criticisms regarding the exclusion of charismatic movements, the chairperson clarified that these groups were part of initial processes, though the commission deliberately prioritized mass based organizations to ensure a broad representative mandate. The commission suggests that the current resistance stems from a misunderstanding of the consultative history rather than a genuine lack of opportunity for engagement.