By Lungani Zungu
Thousands of Shembe church members from the eBuhleni faction joined church leader Mduduzi “Nyazilwezulu” Shembe as he visited Jacob Zuma at his Nkandla homestead on Wednesday.
Zuma’s yard was turned a dazzling white by the clothing donned by the Shembe congregants, whose church is formally known as the Nazareth Baptist Church.
Zuma humbly asked for blessings from the Shembe leader amid the woes which have been encircling him.
Kneeling before Shembe, Zuma said: “I am grateful that you chose to visit this house, which belongs to my father. Please pray for me so that all the problems following me can be resolved.
“We know how powerful your church is. And I know your prayers will be answered because you are the chosen one.”
In return, Shembe said to Zuma: “Inkosi ikubusise”, which translates to “God bless you”.
The former president later held a meeting with Shembe behind closed doors.
There was ululation and whistling when the visibly elated Zuma entertained the crowd with his traditional dance skills, holding a stick and shield.
Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile, described the visit as “historic”.
Shembe’s visit comes just days after the Supreme Court of Appeal declared that Zuma’s release on medical parole in September last year was unlawful and invalid.
Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison on 7 July last year for defying a court order telling him to appear before the state capture commission of inquiry.
But his long-time ally Arthur Fraser, then head of Correctional Services, authorised his release on medical parole in September.
The DA wants Zuma to go back to prison.
Among the guests were ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma and his deputy Nomagugu Simelane.
Zuma is the second ANC leader to turn to the Shembe church leader for blessing in the past few days.
Like Zuma, ANC presidential contender Zweli Mkhize knelt before the Shembe leader on Saturday, asking for blessings as he contests for the ANC top job ahead of the elective conference in December.
Pictured above: Former president Jacob Zuma
Image source: @skhangiwem
