WATCH: Shembe church march goes viral on social media

THOUSANDS of congregants from the Shembe church eBuhleni fraction marched through Durban yesterday to oppose an ongoing court battle to name the successor of the church. These congregants were singing and dancing as they made their way to the City Hall.

Nkosinathi Makhanya, who was appointed as the spokesperson for the march, said congregants marched to oppose an ongoing court battle. Makhanya noted that the court case that was opened in 2011 at the Durban High Court has since been heard in Pietermaritzburg and the Supreme Court. He said the case was appealed at the Constitutional Court in March this year. 

In case you missed it: Students join silent protest to fight GBV

Makhanya said the march took place to show support for Mduduzi ‘Unyazi Lwezulu’ Shembe.

“When former leader, Thingo Lwenkosazana passed on, two people were nominated as new leaders.  Chief Ngcobo nominated Unyazi Lwezulu (Mduduzi Shembe), who we supported in the march. V. Shembe was also nominated. These names were announced by the court. We only recognize Chief Ngcobo’s nomination. Our views and sentiments were never considered,” said Makhanya.

“The battle was between the two leaders and the court decided who would lead the church,” he added.

@_AfricanSoil lock down for who, shembe is in charge… pic.twitter.com/BUuQMPNd3A

— Salim Ikbaar (@BlessyD89) September 28, 2021

Also read: Wrap up heritage month and support local  

Makhana said an interim task team was formed to convene the peaceful march.

“The aim of the march was to demonstrate and convey our freedom to the president. We have requested the eThekwini Mayor and KZN Premier to receive a memorandum on his behalf.  We indicated that our constitutional rights were undermined. We have a right to choose any religion we want to follow. We can’t accept the court appointing someone to represent us,” concluded Makhanya.