A COMMITTEE of pastors, mostly from Zion Christian Church (ZCC) branches has made an appeal for the government to also take them into consideration when distributing funds or food parcels.
The committee is made up of about 70 pastors from around KwaZulu-Natal from various denominations.
The ZCC is one of the largest African-initiated churches operating across Southern Africa.
During a meeting with the Highway Mail, the pastors said before the lockdown, they had discussed to register as an NPO in order for them to help the impoverished communities they served.
But when lockdown hit, they were also affected badly.
“Churches differ, some are more fortunate than others and its not all pastors who get paid,” said Doctor Bishop Zwelibanzi Tshabalala of the Sibonelo Congregational Church in Clermont who was speaking on behalf of the pastors.
He said some of the pastors who were employed outside of the church had been retrenched due to the pandemic.
The committee said there are many other pastors who are in the same predicament.
“We also have families, we are not asking for money, even food parcels would be appreciated,” said Tshabalala.
Another pastor, Alfred Ntshangase of the Enhlanhleni Phillipian said his congregants have been struggling before lockdown.
“The situation has now worsened. Yes there are churches which are well off but there are also many other pastors who are struggling,” said Ntshangase.
The pastors said this is their calling which they carry out with pride.
“A recognition from the government and other stakeholders would not only assist us but the many families whose struggles we witness everyday.
“Our congregants comprise of poor people, orphans and widows,” said Tshabalala.
He added that despite president Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that churches could operate they were still in need of personal protective equipment to facilitate this.
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