Plumtree Targets Bush Churches As Council Bans Open Air Worship
Plumtree Town Council has announced a sweeping ban on uncontrolled open air worship, saying the mushrooming bush shrines have become hotspots for pollution and public health risks.
The ban is contained in Statutory Instrument 137 of 2025 under the Plumtree Town Control of Worship in Open Spaces By laws.
The directive states that “no person or persons shall gather in an open space for purposes of worship unless a permit has been issued by council after payment of a fee specified in the first schedule.”
Council said only designated worship areas will be allowed and these must have proper sanitary facilities.
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According to the instrument, the facilities must first be inspected and approved by an environmental health practitioner.
“The facilities should be inspected and approved by an environmental health practitioner in terms of the Public Health Act,” the SI reads.
Applicants will be required to submit an inspection report, building plans and the prescribed fee before being considered.
Council said it can approve or reject applications based on the Public Health Act, the Environmental Management Act and its anti litter by laws.
Southern Eye reported that the council wants strict enforcement, with the instrument noting that “the council may or may not approve such application taking into account the provisions of the Public Health Act and the Environmental Management Act.”
Once approved, permits will carry strict conditions. The by laws warn that “no person shall cut down any tree on the open space without prior council approval” and that worship will be restricted to between 5am and 6pm unless an extension is granted for a fee.
Council also stated that permits will be cancelled if holders violate conditions.
“Any person who fails to return the permit upon being notified to do so shall be liable to a fine specified in the second schedule,” the SI adds.
The tighter rules come as bush churches, especially white garment apostolic sects known as mapostori, continue to multiply across Plumtree.
