KwaMaphumulo Religious Group’s Practices Raise Eyebrows, South Africans Divided Over Cult Claims
- The isolated Ekhaya Labafundi bakaJehova religious group in KwaMaphumulo, north of Durban, has raised eyebrows online
- The group's members gave up everything to join, do not leave the property and also do not socialise with the outside world
- South Africans took to social media to share mixed reactions about the group's practices and claims that it was run like a cult
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
KWAZULU-NATAL - The formation of a religious group in KwaMaphumulo, north of Durban, has raised eyebrows online.
The Ekhaya Labafundi bakaJehova (House of the students of Jehova) made headlines after more than 50 people gave up their families, jobs and even medical treatment to join the group.
The group describes itself as a congregation that is dedicated to serving Christ, and its members live full-time on the property.
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Members aren’t allowed to leave the property
According to available information, the members of the group do not leave the property and are not allowed to socialise or access public services such as clinics and hospitals. They say that this goes against their beliefs.
Vusumuzi Sibiya, the group's founder, who refers to himself as a messenger, said that there were certain criteria for acceptance into the group.
“This place is for the people who are separated unto God only. People who came out of the system of this world, who follow the command of Jesus Christ. We are a holy nation, a nation separated unto God,” he said.
He explained that they sustained themselves by farming with crops and animals.
Sibiya rejects cult label
Sibiya also rejected accusations that the group was a cult, saying they were often called that.
“I don’t blame them if people call us a cult. Actually, there are so many people who call us by that name. So, Jesus spoke about that when he said that if they call you with all sorts of names, do not worry, but rejoice,” Sibiya said.
He also confirmed that apart from people giving up everything to join the group, the children there were not enrolled in formal schools, but were taught basic skills within the secluded community.
How did South Africans react to the news?
Social media users share mixed reactions to the news, with some defending the group and others raising concerns about their practices.
Dean Naidoo said:
"It’s a matter of choice. It’s not a matter of your life and death. It’s not your life or your death."
Nsika Vezi stated:
"When someone said Islam is dangerous, and I told him Christianity is dangerous too, he fought with me. Religion is here to manipulate people."
Hellen Jack exclaimed:
"It's giving cult vibes."
Mo Jacobs added:
"That's why we need urgent regulation of the churches."
Joseph Lucky Khumalo argued:
"It's their constitutional right.”
Yolanda Tone asked:
"Why are there so many churches in SA and still counting? What right do people have to come open churches anyhow here, vele?"
Sipho S Mogale recalled:
"I remember the 12 angels in EC. The leaders bewitched followers and took their pension funds."
Ntobeko Mvunyiswa urged:
"They are not allowed to use phones, they don't use social media, they know nothing. We need to help them, please."
Nthabiseng Gabaotswe exclaimed:
"Iyooh, just imagine going there. Leaving my soft life for a church? Na, never."
Sipho Psyfo Mthembu stated:
"The KwaMaphumulo area has always been synonymous with cults. Remember KwaSizabantu Mission and the Aquelle brand. Read up on that. This is another cult in the making."
Cult member pleads guilty to murder
Briefly News reported that one of the men accused in the 2018 Ngcobo police massacre pleaded guilty to all counts.
Siphesihle Tatsi was a member of the infamous Mancoba Seven Angels Church cult, which was responsible for the murder of several cops.
The 23-year-old testified that the cult treated them like soldiers, and they were forced to commit various crimes.
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Source: Briefly News
