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SHEMBE LEADER RETURNS TO ESWATINI

16/05/2024 11:14:00 Sibusiso Shange

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MBABANE – His Holiness Unyazi Lwezulu Shembe is expected in the country next week.

Shembe is the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church and is considered 100 per cent African Messiah by members of the church. The church, which is one of the largest in Africa, was founded by Isaiah Shembe in 1910. Members of the church believe that the founder was sent by God to restore the teachings of Moses, the prophets and Jesus. However, the title ‘Shembe’ is inherited by successors of the founder. His proposed visit was confirmed in a statement issued by Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Makhehleni Derrick Dlamini.

According to Dlamini, Unyazi lwezulu is expected to arrive in the country on May 20, 2024, through Mahamba Border Post and is expected to remain in the kingdom for two weeks. Dlamini said members of the church would welcome Unyazi lwezulu on Sunday. Worth noting is that Shembe camps at Esabelweni, a place that was allocated to the church at Bethany, in Mahlanya. This is because the principle of the church is against their leader spending time in a hotel.

Shembe will visit royal residences in the four regions of the country during his stay in Eswatini. His visit always draws crowds as he is also known for healing powers through word of mouth. He always uses the phrase ‘God bless you’ (inkosi inibusise) whenever releasing blessings. The leader of the church also blesses water, vaseline and sunlight for healing, something which has attracted many to the religion.

Strictness

The church is known for strictness when it comes to its religion, which is mostly African. The church believes in the preservation of purity until the allotted time for marriage. They believe in the preservation of the Sabbath Day. The church is against its members marrying outside the church. It is also against people wearing shoes at a holy place. Members of the church do not eat pork or smoke.