12 Jun 2019

Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Ngaka Ngaka has raised concern about churches that fail  to account for their cash flow.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Nata recently, Mr Ngaka said churches were registered under the Societies Act as non-profit making organisations.

He observed that for the past few years, things had changed within churches and a lot of money was being raised, which the church leadership failed to account for.

He called on churches to abide by the Societies Act and submit their constitutions when they register and also to follow them. He urged them to also submit annual audited financial reports.

The minister said some of the churches that submit such reports fail to produce bank statements to support their reports when required to do so.

He cautioned Batswana to guard against churches swindle them out of their hard earned cash under the pretext of praise and worship. In addition, he said congregation should ensure that they know what the monies they contribute go to.

Furthermore, minister Ngaka highlighted there were some churches that were being investigated for criminal activities including money laundering and funding terrorism.

He said they were tightening screws to act against those who fail to comply with the act.

He however appealed to Batswana to question certain process and procedures within their societies instead of just being spectators.

Mr Ngaka called on churches to hold general assemblies to explain constitutions and financial reports. By so doing, he said, members would be in a better position to understand where the tithes go. ENDS