Siphofaneni Member of Parliament Mduduzi “Magawugawu” Simelane has called for the opening of churches with immediate effect.

Simelane who is also a Preacher took it to his Facebook account on Monday where he said the country cannot defeat the war against COVID-19 without God.

“Ex35:15 “… If Your presence (God’s), does not go with us, don’t send us from here.. “

“Contending that we can or cannot afford to leave God out of this war is absurd. Personally, everything is crystal clear, all is apparent, it is obvious we desperately need The Lord Almighty,” wrote Simelane.

Churches in the Kingdom of Eswatini were forced to close when Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku announced a ban on gatherings of any kind with the exception of funerals. Only four people, a Paster, and a production team are allowed inside the house of worship (For those conducting a virtual service) during the partial lockdown.

To that effect, Simelane has called for the opening of churches with restrictions. He suggested that the attendance capacity must be determined by the size of the church structure given space specification and percentage than giving a fixed number across the board.

He also suggested that forces and community police must work coherently to enforce compliance on the ground on a daily bases.

He said it is acceptable to close schools, minimize businesses, close events but not churches as they have the authority to drive away fear which he said kills Emaswati before dying of sickness.