Vulamehlo Temple celebrates 105th anniversary
aMakhosazana and iNkosana sang religious traditional songs in celebration of 10th anniversary.
eMBALENHLE – The Vulamehlo Temple under the Nazareth Baptist Church, eBuhleni, celebrated its 105th anniversary on Sunday.
The church, Shembe, was established on 10 March 1910 by the late Prophet Isaiah Mudliwamafa Mloyiso Shembe.
It is currently divided into four factions, all led by the direct descendants of the founder.
The biggest faction, which is estimated to be four million strong, is based in eBuhleni and the second biggest, with about 800 000 members, is located at the headquarters of the late Prophet Isaiah at Ekuphakameni.
The founder of the church was illiterate and so were his parents.
He was born in Ntabamhlophe in the Estcourt area and it is estimated that he was born in 1867.
Mr Martin Dzanibe and Ms Mnguni Dzanibe, local ministers, bought two cows for slaughtering as a gift to the church and the church bought others.
The local police, councillors and members of the community attended the event.
Mr Dzanibe said this was the most important feast celebrated by the church and that it marks an historic change in the history of religion in Africa.
He said the March celebrations are like Christmas for the Shembes as they celebrate and exchange gifts.
“We are following the instructions of our father who instructed us to always celebrate this day.
“Because we kept his instructions, we know blessings are coming to us.”
He thanked everybody who attended the event and promised blessings from Prophet Isaiah Mudliwamafa Mloyiso Shembe.
