
A congregant from the South African Church Defenders (SACD) holds a placard during a protest march in Durban on March 12, 2026. The protestors demanded the protection of religious freedom opposing the proposed measures by the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) to tighten oversight of churches. The demonstration takes place amid an ongoing national debate over the regulation of religious institutions, following allegations that some organisations exploit congregants through questionable financial practices and claims of miracles or faith healing. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP via Getty Images)

