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President Jacob Zuma has called for the respect of Chapter 9 institutions in the country following the reports of threats, harassment, intimidation and insults levelled against the leadership of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, (CRL).

The Chairperson of the Commission, Ms Thoko Xaluva-Mkhwanazi has reported that she has received threats and insults based on the investigation they conducted into the commercialisation of religion and the abuse of people’s belief systems in the country. Other members have also been threatened.

The President met with the leadership of the CRL this week who presented him the report entitled "The Report of the Hearing on the Commercialisation of Religion and Abuse of People's Belief Systems".

The President has appealed on all South Africans to respect chapter 9 institutions, “Chapter 9 institutions are one of the cornerstones of our democracy. They have been established to strengthen the country’s constitutional democracy and must be respected. The leaders of these institutions must be given the space to exercise their powers and perform their functions without fear,’’ said President Zuma.

The President has assured the Commission of government’s support of their work of promoting diversity and social cohesion in the country.

The security matters raised by the Commission are also being looked into, said the President.

The President, as the Head of State and head of the national executive, will ensure that the issues raised in the report will receive necessary attention.

Issued by the Presidency