KAMZIZI – A local pastor has reportedly been banned by the umphakatsi from conducting siguco.
Siguco is a gathering held outside a church, which can take place at one’s homestead, school or any other location. In the case of Pastor Thulani Dlamini, who founded Miracle Revival Arising Ministries in 2023, the gatherings were held at his homestead situated in the area. In an interview yesterday, Dlamini narrated that on a particular day, members of the inner council came to his homestead and ordered him to cease conducting any services. The man of God stated that the inner council informed him that his voice should not be heard, accusing him of praying like members of the Red Gown Sect, despite leading a ministry church.
He claimed that the inner council instructed him to pray only with his family, without inviting or being joined by outsiders. He said the council also expressed concern about the nature of his prayers. Dlamini further stated that the most severe aspect of the issue was that he was not only banned from praying at his homestead, but also from conducting prayers on the mountain.
“It has been a year since I was banned from conducting prayers at home and on the mountain. This is not only frustrating me, but it also frustrates the members of the church,” he said.
Regarding membership, Dlamini mentioned that approximately 50 congregants currently attend prayers at his homestead. He added that the situation was so tense that he was previously fined E1 200, equivalent to a goat, for defying the instructions from the royal kraal. He also stated that the matter was referred to ndabazabantu in the Shiselweni Region.
When asked why the inner council would ban him from praying, Dlamini said he did not have a clear explanation, but suspected influence played a role. He mentioned hearing that the inner council had temporarily halted the allocation of church land while siguco activities continued. He noted that he is not the only one operating siguco in the area.
The royal kraal operates with a structure that includes an inner council headed by an indvuna. After deliberations, the inner council reports to the bantfwabenkhosi, who are responsible for the royal kraal.
However, the bantfwabenkhosi of the area requested additional time to investigate the matter, as they had only just heard about it.
A member of the Mdluli household stated that they heard about the issue but had not received a formal report from the inner council.
“I cannot confirm we are aware of the issue since it has not been formally reported to us by the inner council. However, I must say we will need to look into it before the reputation of the royal kraal is compromised. It is not appropriate for issues involving the royal kraal to reach the media in Mbabane without our knowledge,” the member said, before promising to respond after engaging the relevant parties.
The member also noted that royal kraals generally do not interfere in family businesses, unless there is a genuine concern from residents.
Shiselweni King’s Liaison Officer (ndabazabantu) stated that he did not have the authority to comment on the matter, as such comments are reserved for the regional administrator (RA). He advised that the RA should be contacted after the annual Incwala Ceremony, to allow time for an update. He said currently, he did not think the RA was aware of the matter because he had yet to update him first.
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