President funds bible translation

According to a member of the Mariannhill Diocese fundraising committee Lindani Madela, they approached the Jacob Zuma Foundation for help with the translation of the Zulu Bible.

They had asked the foundation to assist after “many other people and companies both in private sector and government had been requested to help but could not.”

Lindani says that when the foundation heard about their predicament, “they deliberated, sought information about the project, interrogated the project and finally decided it was a worthwhile and noble project to support.”

Early this month President Jacob Zuma met with Bishop Mlungisi Dlungwane of Mariannhill and sealed the agreement of support and help pledging pledging R500 000.

Various people within the religious sector in Kwatsaduza were asked if they think translating the Bible is necessary?

Buti Mokoena who is a lay priest at the Lutheran Church in Duduza said it is a waste of money and not a priority.

“The bible has already been translated from Xhosa to IsiZulu and has no mistakes.”

Preacher and senior member of the Truth in Christ Church in Tsakane, Vusi Mabena, believes there is no need for so much money to be spent on this project.

“The information in our Bibles is correct, and if we need more information we consult the new edition as well as online sources.”

Pastor Margaret Nkwanyana of the Christ Miracle Church in Tsakane echoed the same sentiments. She said, “We already have a Zulu, new Zulu and recently the modern Zulu version, how far do they want to take this?”

The pastor’s concern is that too many translations might lead to useful information being removed.

However, Pastor Lawrence Qubu, from the African Catholic Church sings a different tune.

“I don’t think it’s wrong, it’s good that the President is involved with Christianity.”

He continues to say that we must not look at this with a political eye.

“It might be God speaking through him.”