Government Urges Clergy Facing Allegations to Step Aside

Government says members of the clergy facing serious legal or ethical allegations may need to step aside from their responsibilities while investigations or court proceedings are ongoing.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana says such action can help protect the integrity of religious institutions and maintain public confidence without implying that the individuals concerned are guilty.

In a press statement issued on October 12, 2026, Mr Kawana says clergy can take leave or temporarily relinquish their responsibilities while competent authorities establish the facts.

He says legal proceedings involving an individual cleric should not be interpreted as an attack on the Church, a denomination or a faith community.

Mr Kawana says religious institutions across different Christian traditions and other faith communities have previously suspended ministerial functions, placed affected clergy on administrative leave or accepted temporary resignations pending the outcome of legal or disciplinary processes.

He says Government remains committed to the rule of law and the presumption of innocence, adding that every citizen is accountable under the law regardless of position, status, profession or religious office.