Durban - Former president Jacob Zuma says he is humbled by the visit of Shembe church leader Mduduzi “Unyazi lweZulu” Shembe and believes that the prayer delivered by him yesterday will bring him some relief.
Making welcoming remarks to the church leader and dozens of his followers, Zuma expressed the belief that Shembe had been guided by God to provide him spiritual help.
The former president maintained that the allegations against him had no substance.
“I think His Holiness, after careful thought, decided to visit me because he realised that ‘God’s child was under constant attack, let me go and pray at his father’s home’. I am hopeful that today’s prayer will make a huge difference,” said Zuma.
He noted that while many of the province’s citizens belonged to different churches, black people especially had great respect for the Shembe church because it had been established under the principles of ensuring freedom for black people.
“My duty right now is to welcome His Holiness with open arms in our home,” said Zuma.
Church spokesperson Thokozani Mncwabe revealed that the Shembe leader visited Zuma’s homestead following a request made by the former head of state to have the leader bless his home with a visit.
He dismissed suggestions that the visit had been a spur-of-the-moment decision.
“Many people did not believe it when told some time ago that the visit would happen, because such a visit is quite rare by the leader.
“Today is a day of festivities and the former president will donate some livestock (goats) as a token of gratitude because he understands the significance of the visit by His Holiness,” Mncwabe said.
He added that news of the visit had been communicated in advance and that was the reason for the huge turnout of people, many of whom are church worshippers.
“The massive turnout is a reflection that this church enjoys great support in all parts of the province,” the spokesperson said.
he Shembe church leader’s visit was also attended by the ANC KwaZulu-Natal top brass led by chairperson Siboniso Duma, who indicated that their presence was part of acknowledging and cementing relations between the governing party and the church.
In the past, ANC leaders from current president Cyril Ramaphosa to party presidential contenders Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, have met with the church leadership as affirmation of the church’s significance.
During yesterday’s visit, Zuma showcased his stick-fighting skills before a large crowd that ululated in appreciation, and later knelt before the leader in a show of accepting blessings.
Zuma will be among ANC delegates who will attend the governing party’s elective conference at Nasrec, in Gauteng, this month.