On Wednesday, His Holiness MD Shembe, Unyazi LweZulu, leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church, visited Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu in Empangeni.

This visit coincided with the Interfaith Peace Prayer, which has been held annually for the last 10 years.

This event promotes universal love, peace and unity in diversity.

Many followers of the Nazareth Baptist Church and the Indian community came together for this prayer service, which was also a birthday celebration for His Holiness Lwezulu, with a statue unveiled in his honour.

Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu’s association with the church goes back decades, to the times of the past leader, the late His Holiness MV Shembe.

“We need to live in harmony as communities, and the only way is to accept each other and understand each other’s culture and traditions,” said Ramlutchman.

“Social cohesion must be at the forefront in all we do to avoid racism in society.

“We have for the last 10 years hosted this historic prayer day. I give thanks to Baba Shembe Unyazi LweZulu for giving us his time to be with us, and for the love he has for the people.”

During this event, there are hymns and talks, and traditional Indian and Zulu dance is performed.

Reverend Mjadu expressed his thanks and appreciation to Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu for having embraced Shembe and the Nazareth Baptist Church.

“We have come a long way. Ishwar Ramlutchman has been a friend to the church for many years,” said Reverend Mjadu.

“This prayer day is unique because it was the first ever prayer that Shembe attended in 11 years, and is hosted by Ishwar Ramlutchman who is Hindu.

“This is a historic coming together highlighting oneness and togetherness,” he said.