Leader of Religious Organisation Defends Lifestyle of Isolation

• The leader of a religious community in KwaZulu-Natal, which has isolated itself from society, has defended its way of life
• The community, which is located in KwaMaphumulo, does not socialise with the outside world and lives off the land
• The leader of the organisation claimed that the community is a heavenly system and the education system is guided by the Bible

Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of Current Affairs, contributed coverage of international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa, during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

KWAMAPHUMULO, KWAZULU-NATAL— The leader of a religious community in KwaMaphumulo in KwaZulu-Natal said that the organisation is a heavenly community where the children’s education system is guided by the Bible.

Vusimuzi Sibiya spoke to Newzroom Afrika after the existence of the faith-based mission in Dabangu went viral. Sibiya said that people who live in the community come of their own free will. He added that the children who live there have a basic level of education built on the Bible.

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A look inside the Dabangu religious community

Sibiya added that the education of the community is the word of God. He said the children are taught the basics of life, including basic calculations and language skills. He said the children are fluent in English and are taught to sustain themselves.

Sibiya also said that the community of over 100 people does not believe in modern healthcare, as they are given the name of Jesus to heal them. He says when someone is sick, they use the word of God. Sibiya added that most of the residents have stopped relying on modern systems because they received no help. Sibiya said he was also ill and close to death when Jesus’s name saved him.

The leader said that the community’s existence has not been without resistance. They lived in another unidentified area in the province, which was shut down. Sibiya explained that the government thought the community was depriving the children of their rights. He also said that the outside world criticised the community’s religious practices. The community survives on animals and growing food.

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What did South Africans say?

South Africans were not happy with Sibiya’s response to the question on access to education for children in the community.

TheRainMaker said:

“Freedom of religion is derived from the same Constitution that defines South Africa as a unitary state that protects the rights of children to education.”

Zamxaka Nxarhumi was unhappy.

“A serious government would have known about this cult a long time ago and closed it immediately.”

Ta Ritz recommended:

“They must register them as homeschooling learners, then have them write exams.”

Babakho was sarcastic.

“The Orania of black people. Now let’s leave them alone to self-determine and exercise their constitutional rights!”

SanelF said:

“Close that thing. It’s a cult.”

Church’s Palm Sunday celebration causes a stir

In a related article, Briefly News reported that South Africans were entertained by the antics of a Soshanguve church celebrating Palm Sunday. The church reenacted the scene of Jesus entering Jerusalem during the Passover.

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The United Reformed Church of South Africa had two young church members riding atop donkeys, with the pastor leading the procession. Netizens joked about the reenactment.

Source: Briefly News