CABULA CHURCH PASTOR DREAMS OF PREACHING AT NATIONAL PRAYER

MBASHENI – His Majesty King Sobhuza II is often quoted as once having said, ‘ne sidzakwa ubosilalela’, meaning, ‘one should listen, even when the person speaking is a drunkard’.

Members of the now famous Cabula Church have clung to this advise, almost as the cornerstone of their existence that, despite alcohol associated with uncontrollable gab, the followers hold the view that they are more likely to speak truthfully after drinking.

Last Saturday, the country’s tradition of hosting the  annual time of prayer in the  form of a National Prayer took place. The event was held at the Mandvulo Grand Hall, at Lozitha Palace.  Many preachers would be honoured to  participate and  preach at the national prayer normally attended by Their Majesties.

However, only a few get selected for this much sought-after pulpit. This year, during the national prayer, only four pastors had the opportunity to preach, namely, Reverends Grace Masilela, Sipho Tembe, Ianon Mnisi and Shotgun Simelane. The prayer was graced by Their Majesties and also in attendance, was the former president of South Africa (SA) Jacob Zuma, who is also the leader of the Mkhonto We Sizwe Party (MKP).

A preacher popular in his own right, Gamane Dlamini, known for his unusual alcohol imbibing congregation known as Cabula Church also wishes that he could one day have the opportunity to preach at the church. While many pastors prepare for sermons with fasting and deep prayer, Dlamini prefers a different approach—one that includes a sip of beer or buganu.

The leader of the unconventional Cabula Church has openly expressed his desire to preach at the prestigious National Prayer, a sacred event attended by Their Majesties. However, though just many other preachers, he would jump at the opportunity to preach at the National Prayer, he only has one concern – that he may not be taken seriously by the public. He said the reason is because people usually do not take someone who has consumed alcohol seriously.

Welcomes

Dlamini, known for his belief that faith and fermentation go hand-in-hand, insists that his church welcomes all—especially those who find their spiritual awakening at the bottom of a bottle. He preaches under a tree in Mbasheni, where his congregation enjoys both the gospel and a well-poured drink.

“I would be honoured to preach before Their Majesties,” Dlamini declared, his voice brimming with conviction - and possibly a bit of buganu enthusiasm. “I love my King, my Queen Mother and all emaSwati. When he was asked what he would have loved to preach about had he been given the opportunity to do so, Dlamini said he would have loved to preach about peace.

Unlike other churches that frown upon alcohol consumption, Cabula Church embraces it as part of worship. Dlamini believes that his divine calling is to spread the Word in places most preachers would not dare enter—bars, taverns and other watering holes. However, he believes that instead of bringing the people to his church and stop them from drinking, they should continue doing so while learning about the ‘goodness of the Lord’.

Outdoors

“Why should people only hear the gospel in church buildings?” he asked. “Jesus himself preached outdoors, under trees and to people from all walks of life. If Jesus was here today, he would surely walk into a bar and call out to his lost sheep!” It is this philosophy that has shaped his ministry. According to Dlamini, Cabula Church members do not merely consume alcohol—they sanctify it. “We drink as we pray,” he explained.

“We give thanks for all the good things in life. Even in the Bible, wine was present in celebrations and sacred ceremonies. Why should we act as if it is evil?” Dlamini said alcohol is a product produced naturally through fermentation.

Pastor Dlamini, despite his passion, is not oblivious to the scepticism his church faces. He admitted that should he ever be given a chance to speak at the National Prayer, many attendees might not take his sermon seriously.
Meanwhile, Bishop Samson Hlatjwako, when asked about the criteria used said there is a specific unit that is responsible for that. He referred questions to the Ministry of Home Affairs, adding that for such events, they are usually responsible.

“I don’t think if a person were to approach them, they would turn him or her away,” he said. Hlatjwako also said in his view, it is normal for people to want to preach in the presence of Their Majesties. He said it is normal for any person to desire to be seen in the presence of the King.

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