By Celani Sikhakhane
- EThekwini Community Church marked its 20th anniversary with prisoners, Zulu regiments and former minister Zweli Mkhize.
- The church supported Jacob Zuma in 2006 and later became his campaign base for the ANC presidency.
The EThekwini Community Church, known for its political ties in KwaZulu-Natal, celebrated its 20th anniversary over the Easter weekend — ending with a worship service at Westville Prison for inmates serving life sentences.
Founded in 2004, the church gained national attention in 2006 for backing Jacob Zuma after he was fired by then-president Thabo Mbeki during his rape trial.
The weekend-long celebration began on Good Friday. On Saturday, Zulu regiments led by the Mkhize clan joined the congregation, along with former Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize.
On Sunday, Bishop Vusi Dube and the church members visited Westville Prison to worship with inmates.
“We understand that some of them are here for life, but we wanted them to know that they are not alone,” said Dube.
He said the church aimed to bring hope to those locked away from society.
The Ethekwini Community Church was founded by Dube, former EFF KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Vusi Khoza and Sipho Nyawo, son-in-law to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.
The church began in a white marquee at Albert Park in Durban. It was eventually evicted by the eThekwini municipality following a legal battle led by the late DA councillor Tex Collins over by-law violations.
The ECC also played a key role in Zuma’s political comeback, becoming his campaign base in the lead-up to the ANC’s 52nd elective conference in Polokwane, where he won the presidency.
Dube said the journey hasn’t been easy, but they are still standing.
Pictured above: EThekwini Community Church celebrated 20 years at Westville Prison with inmates who are serving life sentences.
Image source: ECC
