‘Ambassador of love’ – The mysterious robed preacher drawing attention in Umdloti

A man dressed in flowing white robes and carrying a wooden staff has become a curious sight in Umdloti and nearby Waterloo, where he tells passers-by he is an “ambassador of love” with a divine mission.

Videos circulating on social media show the long-haired, bearded man speaking with residents and beachgoers. Some approach him for blessings, while others ask about his origins and beliefs, prompting him to passionately share his message.

The unusual man first appeared in Umdloti about two years ago and has since become a familiar but puzzling figure to locals. We recently met with the wandering preacher, who introduced himself as Josua, at the South Beach showers in Umdloti, where he collects water most days. Arranging the meeting required some persistence as he does not own a cell phone.

Josua said he comes to Umdloti regularly for food, often provided by the local Kwikspar, and enjoys spending time in the town because it is peaceful and the people are kind.

While he described himself initially as an ambassador of love, his account gradually shifted into a first-person retelling of the birth and crucifixion of Jesus, at times suggesting that he himself is Jesus.

He later revealed his surname as Lottering, saying he is originally from Namibia.

According to Josua, he was created from clay in heaven and has been sent to Earth many times, most recently as a Namibian farmer. The wooden staff he carries, he said, is “not of this world” and was given to him by God.

Josua, who turns 50 later this month, said he previously worked as a tour guide, field guide and professional hunter in Namibia before leaving those professions behind.

He has since travelled around South Africa, from Potchefstroom, to the Cape and the KZN South Coast, to his most recent stop in Umdloti. He says he prefers to live in the bush. He rejects money and modern technology, describing cell phones as a form of idolatry.

“The position in which people spend hours staring at their phones is the position of worship,” he said.

Despite this view, he does not object to being filmed for social media if it helps spread his message.

For now, the man known as Josua remains an enigmatic figure in Umdloti, part curiosity, part street preacher, sparking fascination and debate among locals.

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