NGCOSENI – Members of Melika Jericho Church in Zion were left with many questions following a request for an urgent meeting involving bafundisi, bakhokheli and the Vilakati family.
The request was made by Jeremiah, the elder son of the late founder of the church, Melika Gadlasenyama Vilakati. The meeting was called during the Christmas vigil at the church headquarters, Ngcoseni.
Although Vilakati chose not to disclose the agenda, he informed church members that the meeting was prompted by a dream shared by a foreign pastor concerning the founder.
The pastor reportedly told Vilakati that the founder appeared to him in a dream and conveyed, ‘Go to Jeremiah and tell him this and that’.
Vilakati further illustrated the situation with a parable, saying that if people are on a bus, they can hardly see that the bus is in motion with a broken spring.
He said only those outside the bus could identify the broken spring. He explained that the same applies to a car with a puncture.
He further told the congregants that a lot was placed on him concerning the church.
He said nobody from the church and the family was present when the founder of the church gave him the succession plan before he passed away.
Vilakati stated that the proposed meeting was so important that it should be held before the cleansing ceremony.
He requested that the meeting take place on January 17, 2026, prior to the scheduled cleansing ceremony, known as siwasho, which is set for January 31, 2026.
Additionally, Vilakati warned members of the church against the use of concoctions (tindayela), describing such practices as unacceptable within the church.
He dismissed the notion held by many that these concoctions, mixtures of various teas, madubula, distilled spirits and other substances, could result in individuals being possessed by the Holy Spirit.
Vilakati emphasised that the use of tindayela could only lead to drunkenness, strange behaviour mistaken for the Holy Spirit and illness, thereby tarnishing the church’s reputation.
He further condemned the practice of bafundisi making and sharing these concoctions, often with innocent children.
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Sharing of crucial, sensitive info worries Khwanyakwezwe
GCOSENI – Melika Jericho Church Archbishop Khwanyakwezwe Vilakati has expressed concern regarding the sharing of crucial and sensitive information with congregants without the knowledge of the leader.
He stated that such actions only cause shock to the leadership.
Addressing members of the church during the Christmas vigil held at the church headquarters at Ngcoseni, Vilakati posed the question: ‘Who should inform the church about crucial information?’
He noted that these days, members anticipate hearing the dates for the cleansing ceremony, but he expressed doubt about whether he should publicly announce them.
He said some members believe that the doors are closed to new ideas; however, Vilakati clarified that this is not the case. He emphasised that the doors are open to any ideas and that everyone should feel free to bring suggestions to the church.
The archbishop mentioned that the founder of the church, Melika Gadlasenyama, left a clear map to be followed before his passing, and he expressed gratitude to the elders for unveiling this map. Vilakati affirmed that, as far as he is concerned, he remains on the right path in leading the church. By this, he meant that he continues to be in constant communication with the angels of the church.
He urged any member who has lost their way to seek the correct path before their death, as the earth is not an eternal place.
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