Mbabane – The Ministry of Home Affairs has yet again invited traditional leaders and representatives of religious institutions across the country to participate in stakeholder engagement meetings aimed at developing a national policy to govern religious institutions in the country. The meeting, which was initially scheduled for 14 October, was postponed due to other important pressing national issues.
In a statement released today by Principal Secretary Nhlanhla Nxumalo, this 2-day engagement will bring together voices from across the country’s diverse faith landscape. The consultations are intended to gather views that will inform the creation of a comprehensive framework to guide the operations of religious organisations.
The invitation of religious leaders by the government sparked concerns with ctritics viewing it as an attempt to control the pulpit.
The ministry noted that interest from churches and other belief-based groups has continued to grow, prompting a structured approach that ensures inclusivity. To allow wider participation, two separate sessions will be held on different days, both taking place at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade auditorium.
The first session, scheduled for Monday, 10 November 2025, at 09:30 a.m., will bring together Christian denominations. The second session will be held on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at 09:30 a.m. and will accommodate Muslims, Hindus, Zion Christian Church, Jews, Shembe, Jehovah’s Witnesses, traditionalists and animists, Baha’i, Rasta and other faith communities.
According to Nxumalo, active participation from all stakeholders is critical as the government seeks to engage with the country’s diverse religious sectors and gather meaningful insights that will guide the policy formulation process. The consultations are aimed at ensuring the final policy respects and accommodates the varied beliefs and practices that exist in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
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