Nazareth Baptist Church leader Lunyazi Lwezulu has congratulated His Majesty King Mswati III on the 40/58 celebrations, while also praising the beauty of Ezulwini Palazzo, which he described as unmatched.
Addressing congregants during the church’s Sabbath service yesterday, the Shembe leader wished the king ‘doubles and doubles’ of the years he was celebrating and extended well wishes to the nation on the milestone commemorations.
“As the Nazareth Baptist Church, we wish His Majesty and the nation a happy 40/58 celebration,” he said.
The church leader also marvelled at the grandeur of Ezulwini Palazzo, saying the beauty he witnessed was difficult to describe. He said he wished a structure at eBuhleni, the church’s headquarters in South Africa, could mirror what he had seen in the kingdom.
He revealed that a structure at eBuhleni had recently been demolished and expressed a desire for it to be rebuilt with the same elegance as Ezulwini Palazzo.
“The beauty I have seen here is undefined. This is gold,” he said. In a lighthearted moment, the religious leader urged his brethren to dig deep into their pockets as he expressed his desire to see a similar structure erected at eBuhleni.
He further appreciated the growing relationship between the Nazareth Baptist Church, the royal family and the nation. He recalled that the church had not visited the kingdom for about 40 years before resuming its visits following an inquiry from His Majesty regarding their absence.
He said after receiving word that the king questioned why they had stopped coming to the country, the church resolved to return and strengthen its relationship with locals.
He said they were back and would continue visiting, adding that they would return again next year. The Nazareth Baptist Church leader said their mission was to bring prayers and blessings to the country and expressed hope that this work would continue for generations to come.
Lunyazi Lwezulu said part of the purpose of their visit was to pray for the country and royal residences so that all evil could be washed away. He also urged princes and princesses to remain united and not allow outsiders to create divisions among them.
He urged them to remain strong and protect the king. The church leader further commended the hospitality extended to the delegation, saying they had been well cared for from the moment they entered the country.
He said security personnel had accompanied them from the border, adding that all their needs had been provided for during their stay at Esabelweni.
INDLOVUKAZI JOINS 1 000 SHEMBE CONGREGANTS
BY NOMALUNGELO PHIRI
Her Majesty the Indlovukazi yesterday joined over 1 000 congregants of the Nazareth Baptist Church at Ludzidzini Royal Residence for a spiritually uplifting Sabbath service.
The service was led by the church’s leader, Lunyazi Lwezulu, who is currently on a two-week spiritual visit to the kingdom, having arrived on May 19.
The gathering formed part of the church’s annual religious programme in the country.
The atmosphere was filled with prayer, worship and song as members gathered to receive spiritual guidance and blessings.
Her Majesty observed the day’s proceedings, which included prayers, scripture readings and lessons presented by various church formations.
The congregants included Jamengweni (married women), Sikoshi (male youth), Injobo (married men) and Amakhosazane (female youth), each playing a significant role in the church’s worship programme.
Speaking after the service, Shembe Church National Coordinator Derrick Dlamini expressed gratitude to Her Majesty for honouring the congregation with her presence.
“We are deeply humbled and grateful that Her Majesty took time to join us during this important Sabbath service. Her presence means a great deal to the church and its members,” said Dlamini.
He added that the visit by Lunyazi Lwezulu had been a remarkable spiritual journey for congregants across the country.
“We are very excited to reach this far; it has been an amazing stay. Since our arrival, we have experienced overwhelming support from the nation and continue to pray for peace, unity and prosperity for this beautiful country and its people,” he said.
Dlamini noted that prayer remains central to the church’s mission and expressed hope that the services would continue to inspire unity among citizens.
The event was attended by dignitaries, members of the royal family and government officials, who joined congregants in worship.
Over the past two weeks, the church has held services at several royal residences, including Mphumalanga, Ngabezeni, Hlane and Buhleni, with the journey beginning at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
The services form part of the church’s annual sermon and spiritual programme centred at its local headquarters at Esabelweni, Bethany, where thousands of congregants are currently camped.
