AS churches across KwaZulu-Natal unite to help those affected by the economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic, Bishop Nathi Zondi has warned church leaders to obey Covid-19 protocols. The warning comes after Zondi visited a series of communities where parishioners were not wearing masks, not observing social distancing and not obeying hygiene protocols.
“eThekwini and Ilembe are hotspots. We must be careful. We must remain vigilant. We mustn’t drop our guard,” said Zondi.
“As church leaders, we want our people to remain safe and stay alive. Many of us are not opening our churches as we want to keep our people free from infection. As leaders our priority is the well-being of our congregations. Everyone must play their part and remain vigilant and take the proper precautions – we can only get through this together,” he added.
As schools and businesses open, Zondi urged the community to practise greater caution.
Also read:Church leaders applaud Ramaphosa, pledge R1 million toward Covid-19 relief
“We think that because we are no longer in level 5 lockdown, we are free from danger. We are not. Now, more than ever, we need to be reminded that only our careful and compliant behavior will overcome this pandemic,” he said.
In response to the pandemic, churches across KwaZulu-Natal have joined hands to offer support and relief to people in need said Rev Andre du Plooy from Amanzimtoti Methodist.
“I don’t think this has happened before. The churches have always had good working relationships, but now we are actively and consciously all working together as one team. I think that’s a first,” added du Plooy.
Also read: Strict restrictions for religious leaders, says Ramaphosa
Churches are organising themselves into LEANs (Local Ecumenical Action Network) to offer a united, efficient and prayerful response to Covid-19.
For more info about the KZN’s churches combined response to Covid-19, visit the KZN Covid-19: Churches Respond website via: https://www.covid19response.co.za/.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532. 
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
