The contribution of Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe) leader Inkosi Vimbeni Mbusi Shembe to South Africa has been monumental, President Jacob Zuma told mourners at his funeral in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday.
“It was with shock and sadness that we received the news of the passing of Inkosi (chief) Shembe. That he had finally departed to join the land of his ancestors,” Zuma said in a speech prepared for delivery.
“We are, however, comforted in our faith, knowledge and our belief that he has been warmly received by his ancestors, including the Prophet Isaiah Shembe, the founding father and leader of the church of Nazareth,” Zuma said.
Shembe died of an undisclosed illness at his home at Ebuhleni village in Inanda on Monday.
The SABC reported on Sunday that Mduduzi Shembe had been officially named his successor.
The announcement was made by Inkosi Mqoqi Ngcobo, of the Ngcobo clan, at the funeral.
Members of the church reportedly applauded the appointment, even though it differed from the name contained in an affidavit written by Vimbeni Shembe.
The church has four factions, three in KwaZulu-Natal and the fourth in Gauteng. Vimbeni Shembe led the largest faction.
Zuma described the formation of the church in 1910, by Inkosi Isaiah Mdliwamafa Shembe, as a historical landmark in the country.
“This church is as old as the history of South Africa itself as it was formed in the same year the whites decided to form the Union of South Africa in 1910 with the exclusion of black people, and hence its history is closely intertwined with that of this country and its people, he said.
“It was formed as a response to the kind of Christianity that was being propagated at the time where inequality was promoted in the name of God.
Zuma said it was a rejection of the values that the state sought to promote - white superiority and black oppression.
“The pain that all your members feel because you have lost your leader also affects us because of our close relationship,” he said.
“The passing on of Inkosi Shembe, while painful, we are comforted by the fact that he lived a full life. His contribution to his country and his church was evident and visible (for all to see).
“His leadership was trusted by millions of people in his church as well as in society in general.”
Zuma said it was because of his leadership that the church grew.
“We commend and appreciate the teachings of Inkosi (Vimbeni) Shembe, he taught people the value of working hard and the importance of being independent and self-reliant.
“Inkosi Shembe also played a critical role in promoting community development and self-help projects in the community,” he said.
“We have all lost indeed, not just the Nazarites people, the whole nation has lost a leader who was dependable and reliable, and who loved community development,” Zuma said.
“As national government we would like to express our deep felt condolences to all family members, friends and relatives, the people of South Africa are behind you during this dark moment,” he said. - Sapa