Unyazi sends delegation to assure Zulu King of forgiveness

Nazareth Baptist Church leader Unyazi Lwezulu has sent a delegation to Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to assure him that he remains welcome in the church despite a recent controversy involving a leaked video.

The move follows the circulation of a video on social media over a week ago in which the king allegedly made offensive remarks about the Shembe Church. The video quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate and concern among church members and the public.

Soon after the video surfaced, Unyazi publicly forgave the king, saying he held no grudge against him. On Monday, he took another step by sending senior church leaders to KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal, to personally deliver a message of reconciliation and strengthen the long-standing relationship between the church and the Zulu royal household.

In a video captured at the royal household, the delegation was welcomed by Prince Hlangabeza, who said the bond between the king and Unyazi remained unshaken.

“Unyazi and the king cannot be separated. The two have made a commitment that they will never leave each other. Unyazi has openly stated that the king is always welcome in the church at any time,” said Prince Hlangabeza.

He said the relationship between the Nazareth Baptist Church and the Zulu royal family has existed for many years and would not be destroyed by one unfortunate incident. Prince Hlangabeza is currently in KwaZulu-Natal and was part of the royal delegation that recently finalised lobola negotiations for King Misuzulu’s marriage to Princess Sihle Mdluli.

The negotiations took place over the weekend at the Mawewe Royal Homestead in Mgobodzi village, Mpumalanga. The royal delegation was led by Traditional Prime Minister Phathisizwe Chiliza and included Prince Hlangabeza, Prince Vumile and Chief Makhosikhosi Khumalo. During the ceremony, the royal family paid 70 cattle as lobola for Princess Sihle Mdluli, who became the monarch’s fourth wife.

King Misuzulu is himself a baptised member of the Ebuhleni Nazareth Baptist Church under the leadership of Unyazi Lwezulu at Inanda, west of Durban. Following the release of the controversial video, the king moved quickly to apologise. On July 11, he sent a delegation to Unyazi Lwezulu at Ebuhleni to seek forgiveness.

At the time, Unyazi Lwezulu accepted the apology and said he understood that the king had been intoxicated when the remarks were made.

“There are people who insult me while completely sober, yet I forgive them. I have forgiven the king because he was drunk,” Unyazi Lwezulu said during his weekly sermon.

He also urged church members and the public not to continue debating or spreading the issue, saying forgiveness was a central teaching of the church.

The decision to send a delegation back to the king has been welcomed by members of the Nazareth Baptist Church, who described it as a demonstration of humility and true leadership. Speaking on behalf of local church members, Umvangeli Qedusizi Ndlovu said Unyazi acted out of genuine concern for maintaining peace.

Misunderstandings

“Unyazi is someone who does not like misunderstandings. When there is conflict, he always wants to restore peace. The best way to win someone over is through humility, and that is exactly what he has shown,” said Ndlovu.

He said church members were proud of their leader for choosing forgiveness instead of anger.

“We say, ‘Uyingcwele’ to Unyazi for what he has done. He has shown us what true leadership looks like. His actions remind us that forgiveness is more powerful than revenge,” he said.

Ndlovu added that the close relationship between the Nazareth Baptist Church and the Zulu royal family made reconciliation even more important.

“Unyazi lives in Zululand and has always enjoyed a close relationship with the Zulu royal household. By sending this delegation, he has shown a heavenly spirit and reminded us of the importance of humility and unity. This is part of our church culture and our Christian values,” he said.

The latest developments appear to have brought an end to the controversy, with both the church and the Zulu royal displaying their commitment to preserving their historic relationship built on faith and respect.