By Mduduzi Hlophe

MBABANE: Churches are expected to observe a 70 % capacity and the ban on marriages has been lifted, Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe, the wife of Bishop Kasaro from the Jesus Calls Worship Centre(JCWC) has announced.

 Speaking during a press conference held at the cabinet offices in Mbabane on Saturday, the Minister revealed that this decision follows the King\'s address and the Prime Minister's direction to ease the lockdown on the economy regarding the COVID 19 pandemic.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with church leaders herein guides religious groups that churches should observe gatherings of not more than 70% of their places of worship observing social distance.The 70% will be determined by the place of worship  observing the coronavirus regulations of  2020 regarding social distancing" she said.

 The Minister further mentioned that all meetings are required to keep registers with attendees addresses and contact numbers for contact tracing purposes. Such gatherings should not exceed 2 hours and should be held during the day.The places of worship should sanitized before and after services ,regional or national church conferences remain banned.

The Minister also announced that the marriage ban has been lifted. 

"The suspension of marriage services at the home affairs has been lifted.Marriage functions should not exceed the number of 20, the coronavirus regulations of 2020 must be fully complied with"said the Minister.