The Shembe Church has distanced itself from the recently created political party, the Africa Unite Congress (AUC).
This decision comes after rumours that the leader and founder of the AUC, Lizwi Ncwane — a former magistrate — is facing disciplinary action within the church due to his involvement in the formation of the political party.
Shembe Church spokesperson Thokozani Mncwabe said the church has no affiliation with the newly-formed political party.
“We need to make it clear that the party was founded by a fellow church member inhlalusuthi (Shembe church male congregant), but the church has no link to the party,” said Mncwabe.
“Our leader Inkosi Mduduzi Nyazilwezulu Shembe is a father to all political parties in the country. Therefore we are only aligned to God.”
Mncwabe refrained from providing further comments, noting that the church would release a statement addressing the issue.
The AUC was launched by Lizwi Ncwane in Inanda, north of Durban, earlier this week.
Some members of the Shembe Church expressed their anger on social media, accusing Ncwane of ruining the church’s reputation through his political involvement.
In response to the backlash, Ncwane claimed his right to political association as a South African citizen.
“I founded this political party by myself as Ncwane. My focus is on this organisation and the church. It is up to the leaders to release me from my church duties as I am full-time in politics,” said Ncwane.
Pictured above: Former magistrate Lizwi Ncwane faces backlash from the Shembe Church after forming a political party
Image source: Twitter
