Celani Sikhakhane brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s latest news.
Newcastle: Maskandi fans know Njabulo Langa for his music, but many have now discovered another side of his life.
Before becoming a popular maskandi artist, Langa was known as an evangelist who preached the word of God around Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal.
Videos of his preaching surfaced on social media this week, leaving many of his followers surprised.
In the videos, Langa can be seen preaching passionately to congregations and encouraging people to declare their faith in God.
His preaching was particularly popular around Newcastle, where his message reached many young people and encouraged them to turn away from what he regarded as sin and social problems.
But Langa later followed a different passion and entered the maskandi music industry.
He has since built a growing following among maskandi fans and on social media.
His latest trend, “Akondli”, has sparked lively conversations online, with women using it to call out boyfriends and husbands they accuse of failing to support their children.
Langa is also known for songs including “uBhanyazile”, released on 10 July this year as part of an album featuring several other artists.
The discovery of his preaching past left fans with plenty to say.
Some jokingly blamed Johannesburg for changing the former evangelist’s life. Others blamed his friend Quality Biyela for supposedly pulling him away from the church and towards maskandi.
But Langa has made it clear that his music career does not mean he has turned his back on his faith.
Speaking to King Zoso Ntombela this week, Langa said he remained a child of God and referred to Bible verses while explaining his relationship with his faith.
For fans who only knew the musician, the old preaching videos revealed a surprising chapter in the life of the man now making his name in maskandi.
Buffelsdraai: Thousands of Buffelsdraai residents have spent more than 10 years struggling without reliable water.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Jack Bloom visited the Durban community on Thursday and said he was shocked by the conditions residents face.
Families, including those with young children, continue to struggle for one of life’s most basic needs.
“No person should have to live under these conditions,” Bloom said.
He said residents had complained and asked for help but the problem had continued.
“This is not just about water. It is about dignity, health and the basic rights every resident deserves,” he said.
Bloom said the aim was to find solutions, restore people’s dignity and make sure communities across eThekwini receive reliable services.
Pietermaritzburg: Police have recovered a government double cab bakkie stolen from KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport officials while they were on duty.
The officials were hijacked on Tuesday.
Police recovered the vehicle in Azalea Township in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday afternoon and arrests followed.
KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements and Transport MEC Siboniso Duma welcomed the breakthrough.
Duma said the arrests showed authorities were taking a firm stand against criminals targeting government vehicles, assets and infrastructure meant to help communities.
He said stolen and hijacked state vehicles are sometimes taken out of KwaZulu-Natal and sold in other provinces or neighbouring countries.
Pictured above: Njabulo Langa, whose past as an evangelist has surprised some of his maskandi fans.
Image source: Njabulo Langa, Facebook
