NAZARETH Baptist Church leader Unyazi lwezulu’s scheduled visit, initially planned for today, has been rescheduled to tomorrow.
The KaShembe church leader was originally scheduled to arrive today through the Lavumisa Border Post, but this has been postponed to tomorrow because of unforeseen circumstances.
It was gathered that His Holiness will be engaged with some church internal activities tomorrow, hence the eventual postponement.
The latest development was confirmed by the church’s Spokesperson Derrick Dlamini yesterday.
“There’s a slight change. His Holiness will now arrive on Tuesday, through the same port of entry, which is Lavumisa Border,” he said.
Yesterday church members were busy with preparations, ahead of His Holiness’ anticipated three weeks-long visit. Members were busy doing final touch ups for construction work that has been taking place at the worshiping site, located around Bethany in Mahlanya, otherwise known as eSabelweni.
Shiselweni folk still fondly remember the snaking convoy of members of the Nazareth Baptist Church which passed through the region, with His Holiness Unyazi lwezulu hurling ‘l oads’ of blessings from his car window.
About 30 cars and a couple of buses transported the congregation from neighbouring South Africa during the inaugural visit of the KaShembe church leader around May last year.
There was a heightened interest on the church leader’s activities after it transpired that this will be a regular sight, at least once in every year for His Holiness Unyazi lwezulu to make the pilgrimage to the country.
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The news of the latest arrangement was confirmed by President of the League of African Churches Archbishop Samson Hlatshwako.
expected
The church leader is expected to remain within these shores for about three weeks.
The Nazareth Baptist Church or KaShembe, which is rooted in traditional values, has a significant presence in the country and has its headquarters at eSabelweni, around Bethany.
Church members disclosed that His Holiness’ upcoming journey will start off at Ekwenameni Temple, which is located around Hluhluwe in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of neighbouring South Africa, and proceed to the Lavumisa Border Post, where he will be welcomed by church members.
As this is a second visit, His Holiness is expected to show up with a large entourage, with supporters drawn from as far as Durban.
Dlamini hinted that the country’s authorities were aware of the expected visit, and that a draft itinerary was submitted to them for approval or any possible modifications.
“The church leadership is expected to visit Ludzidzini Royal Residence tomorrow (today) for the final arrangements,” Dlamini said.
He then mentioned that the church’s spending was expected to increase during the current year’s pilgrimage, given the large numbers which were expected to attend the gathering.
The overall costs for the anticipated visit were estimated to reach more or less E300 000, which will be allocated for expenses such as accommodation for His Holiness, transportation and food for all congregants.
“We expect the numbers to multiply, particularly during the last prayer meeting on the last weekend of June 7. The figures may reach up to 30 000. It is a tradition for people to come in their numbers during the last prayer meeting,” he said.
On the aspect of the accommodation for His Holiness, the church mouthpiece disclosed that members were busy with construction, making necessary modifications to the sacred structures at the church’s headquarters since the religious leader does not use hotels.
Dlamini then appealed for help from the public in assisting the church to meet the projected costs of this year’s gathering.
Those willing to help ease the financial burden of the church may contact Dlamini at 7602 8614.
“Our hands are open to anyone willing to assist the church to fulfil the religious obligation,” he said.
The KaShembe church is one of South Africa’s biggest indigenous churches, especially in KwaZulu Natal region. KaShembe church members are known to make an annual pilgrimage to the holy mountain of Ekhana around Durban. This is described as a unique expression of faith and hope at the beginning of a new year.
This pilgrimage, steeped in tradition and spirituality, holds immerse significance for the members of the Nazareth Baptist Church, and it is believed that the local gathering which will now be held annually at the church headquarters at eSabelweni will be of much significance to the local congregation. During the last visit by His Holiness, he visited several areas and prayed for the sick and those spiritually troubled.
He also had the opportunity to preside over a mass prayer at the ludzidzini Royal Residence with His Majesty King Mswati III and the Queen Mother. That church service was also attended by Zulu king, King Misuzulu. Local church members said they would be very happy to see His Holiness visiting the country again.
