Apostle Jeremiah ‘divorces’ customary wife

Apostle Jeremiah Dlamini’s new wife Nolwazi Kunene gestures after being welcomed by one of the church members.

MANZINI – Apostle Jere-miah Dlamini of the Faith Christian Fellowship has officially announced that he has divorced his wife Sibongile Shongwe.

Dlamini, in an interview after announcing his return to preach in Swaziland and formally unveiling his new wife Nolwazi Kunene, said the Shongwe and Dlamini families met to annul the Swazi Customary Law marriage.

Dlamini and Shongwe’s marriage broke down two years ago leading to the former meeting Nolwazi Kunene.
However, Dlamini said the Sho-ngwe family requested that she should remain in their marital home together with their five children.

His Majesty King Mswati III, last week said marriage entered into through Swazi Law and Custom can never be annulled. 
“We had problems in the marriage and we quit. We had been married in Swazi Law and Custom and we later had a church event as a celebration. Our families met to annul the marriage and her family asked that their daughter should remain in the home,” he said.

The question had been asked by some of the Faith Christian Fellowship pastors after Dlamini had unveiled his wife Nolwazi Kunene. 
Pastor Muzi Myeni had said as far as he knew, the man of God had not divorced his first wife Sibongile Shongwe.

He questioned how Dlamini would preach the word of God when he was a polygamist.
“We are still waiting to hear how the apostle is fixing his marital problems. As the new wife is being unveiled today, there has been no announcement of any divorce. I am confused on whether or not he is a polygamist,” Myeni said.

“We do not have a problem with the apostle setting up a new church, but he has to explain what he is going to do with the two wives.”
In response, Dlamini said that was the reason he resigned from the church because he did not want to burden the brethren with embarrassment.

He said he had gone to make an announcement in the church, not to seek advice. “If you have problems with that, praise the Lord, but if you say you have concerns, but respect what has been put by the Lord in me, jump and join me,” Dlamini said.

He said there had already been about 100 Christians who gave him support. He said he was at pains to note that his new wife was not welcome in the church.

... makes emotional return, introduces new wife

MANZINI – Faith Christian Fellowship founding Pastor Apostle Jeremiah Dlamini yesterday made an emotional return to preach in Swaziland.

He announced that he would be opening a new branch in Mbabane where those who would not criticise his second marriage were welcome to follow him.
Dlamini made the announcement before a handful of Christians at his Ngwane Park church, from which he resigned about two years ago, when his marriage to his first wife Sibo-ngile Shongwe had problems. He then married Kunene through Swazi law and custom.

The announcement was made at about 3pm during Dlamini’s service that began at about 2pm where he prayed for people.
Dlamini had relocated to South Africa after parting with his first wife and mother of five children. He sold his vehicles and opened up branches in South Africa.

“I resigned two years ago because I had to attend to family problems and said I would return after sorting them out. In leadership there are things you cannot run away from. There are things you need to face and sort out yourself. You have to solve your mess. I believe that everyone in Swaziland and at Faith (Christian Fellowship) knows about me,” he said.

He said when he got married to Kunene, after the breakdown of his first marriage, he was supposed to resign as a pastor, but many people advised him otherwise saying it would kill the church, because he was the vision bearer. He said he even thought of starting a new church.
“I would like to thank all those who showed maturity and never interfered in my life. Even to those who tried to interfere, thanks. I have passed the time to justify myself. There were issues I could not talk about,” he said.

He said, being cognisant of his background, he decided not to live his life to please others, but one that would lead him to heaven.
“I will be establishing a new church in Mbabane and I will start by staging multi-revivals. Those who accept that my first marriage broke down and I married Nolwazi (Kunene) can join me. It is indeed true that Nolwazi Kunene is my wife. It was a tough decision. It may not please you, but do not be worried. Many Christians hated me as if they were God. I was an enemy to many people,” Dlamini said.

He said he would continue to conduct the 2pm services to determine if he was still welcome to the church. He said if he would not be welcome, the church would lose him for good and it would remain on its own.
Asked if the Mbabane church would still be called Faith Christian Fellowship, Dlamini said he had not yet decided on the name. He said for the first three months the church would operate without a name until he decides whether or not to link it with the church.

Kunene was present during the service but Shongwe (the first wife) was a no show.
The announcement was met with mixed feelings as other Christians said they would support him on his return.

Relinquishes monthly dues for maintenance

MANZINI – Apostle Jeremiah Dlamini relinquished his monthly dues from Faith Christian Fellowship to feed his ex-wife and five children.

He said the arrangement was agreed upon after his fallout with Sibongile Shongwe resulting in him getting married to Nolwazi Kunene.

However, he refused to state how much his dues were. He assured that his children and Shongwe’s needs were being catered for by the church.

Nolwazi happy with marriage

MANZINI – Nolwazi Kunene has said she is enjoying her marital life with Apostle Jeremiah Dlamini.

In an interview, she said she was excited that she has finally been unveiled as the first lady of the Faith Christian Fellowship Church, a church founded by Dlamini.

On the urge by church members for her husband to support his children, Kunene said she supported it as she was well aware of the children.

She further said she would accept everyone from the church with love, even those who did not welcome her.

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