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MEET OUR FOUNDER

Umqali Wendlela

Isaiah Mloyiswa Mdliwamafa Shembe

1865 - 1935

His Story

Umqali Wendlela reshaped African spirituality. Born in 1865, he challenged colonial rule, performed miraculous healings, and led thousands back to their spiritual roots. He established Ekuphakameni, the sacred pilgrimage to Nhlangakazi, and a faith that thrives today. His legacy endures—a bridge between the old and the divine.

Timeline

“Ibusise Nkosi Baba Imisebenzi yezandla zethu Singadingi singesweli thina Bantu bakho .”

Bless Lord Father the works of our hands let us not be in need, let us not lack anything, us your people

“Nkulunkulu onamandla onke, Yise wabo bonke abamkhonzayo Busisa ukuvuka kwethu kwaNamhlanje Usigcine ngomsa wakho.”

Almighty God, Father of all who serve Him. Bless us as we wake up today and keep us in your grace.

“Ngiyakuthanda Mkhululi Ngikuba usungithandile, Ngokuba uthobele ukungincenga Nothando lwehliziyo yami empofu.”

I love you, O Redeemer, because you have loved me. You have heeded my plea & the love of my poor heart.

“Akakho ubaba emhlabeni onothando Olunjengolwakho Akakho nomame onjengawe Mthwali wazo zonke izono zethu, Nezami mina moni olusizi.”

There is no father in the world who has love like you. There is no mother like you. The bearer of all our sins and mine, a miserable sinner

“Hhayi inhlanhla yabo Abahambisa izwi lakho Uyathokoza uMkhululi ngabo Benqamula emazweni.”

Not the fortune of those who spread your word. the Redeemer rejoices in them crossing the lands.

“Sigcinwe nguwe Nkosi Ngalobubusuku Siyavuka sisaphila Ngalowo musa wakho.”

We are kept by you Lord. Tonight we rise while we are alive by that your grace.

“Abantwana bakaBaba OseZulwini bayathandana Ngemizuzu nezikhathi, Musani ukwehlekani Nin’abasemhlabeni Hlanganani nibe munye NjengabseZulwini.”

The children of the heavenly Father, love each other in minutes and times. Do not laugh at each other. You who are on earth, come together and be one as in Heaven.

“Wena Nkosi unamandla Geza inhliziyo yethu Wena Nkosi ungumlilo Mawuqed’izono zethu.”

You, O Lord, are powerful. Wash our heart you, O Lord. As a fire, may our sins be consumed.

“Uyalwazi lonke usizi Leenhliziyo yami. Lungethulwa Ngubani Enhlizuyweni yami. Mondli weziNtandane Yondla inhliziyo yami.”

You know all the sorrow of my heart. Who can deliver it from my heart. Nurturer of the orphans, nurture my heart.

Timeline

-> Evangelist & Itinerant Preacher <-

1890 - 1906

-> 1890s

Travelled across Natal as a wandering preacher and faith healer. He developed a distinct preaching style that blends Christianity with African spiritual traditions.

-> 1895

Became a self-taught evangelist, rejecting missionary influence.

-> Early 1900s

Gained a reputation as a powerful faith healer, performing miraculous healings and exorcisms.

-> 1906

The Bambatha Rebellion erupted as Zulu leaders resisted British colonial taxation. Shembe remained a spiritual leader, calling for peace.

-> Early Life <-

1865 - 1885

-> 1865

Born in Ntabamhlophe, Estcourt, in the Colony of Natal ( now KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) to a Zulu Family.

Raised in a Christian household, his parents converted to Baptist Christianity.

-> Late 1870s - 1880s

Worked as a herdboy in his youth while developing a deep interest in spirituality.

1884 - 1885

Baptised into Christianity but struggled with the Westernised doctrine taught by missionaries.

-> Founding & Leadership <-

1910 - 1935

-> 1910

Isaiah Shembe officially established iBandla lamaNazaretha (the Nazareth Baptist Church) as a distinct African church. This marked the beginning of his leadership within the religous community, where he combined African traditional beliefs with Christian teachings.

Moved to Inanda, near Durban, where he started gathering Zulu followers disillusioned with Western Christianity.

Claimed to have received a divine revelation from God, instructing him to restore African spirituality within Christianity.

-> 1910 - 1935

Served as INkosi yaseKuphakameni and led the Nazareth Baptist Church while guiding thousands of followers.

Emphasised spiritual healing, communal living and a return to African roots.

-> Expansion & Persecution <-

1911 - 1914

-> 1911 - 1914

Faced opposition from colonial authorities and Christian missionaries who saw him as a threat to their influence.

1913

Shembe introduced Sabbath worship on Saturdays, following the Old Testament’s teachings.

1914

Shembe acquired holy land at Ekuphakameni, which became the spiritual headquarters of the church.

-> 1916

Led his first annual pilgrimage to Nhlangakazi, a practice that continues to this day.

-> 1917

Colonial authorities arrest and interrogate Shembe for challenging church doctrine but ultimately release him.

-> 1920s

Shembe’s church grows rapidly, drawing thousands of Zulu followers.

-> Cultural & Religous Innovations <-

1920s

-> 1920s

Church continued to grow in membership. It established itself as a significant religious movement in KwaZulu-Natal and promoted beliefs in prophecy and divine healing.

-> 1921

Shembe composed the first Nazareth hymns, blending African oral tradition with religious themes.

-> 1926

Began writing, “The Book of Shembe,” a sacred text documenting his visions and teachings.

-> 1927

Introduced traditional Zulu attire into worship, creating a unique religious identity.

-> Late 1920s

Shembe’s healing powers and prophetic visions attracted national attention, further solidifying his legacy.

-> Final Years & Legacy <-

1930 - Present Day

-> 1930 - 1933

Despite poor health, Shembe continued leading the church and hosting large pilgrimages.

-> 1934

Shembe declared that his mission was nearing its completion and urged his followers to remain faithful.

-> 2 May, 1935

Isaiah Shembe died at Ekuphakameni at 70, leaving behind a thriving religious movement.

-> 1935 - Present

His legacy continues through iBandla lamaNazaretha, which grew into one of South Africa’ largest independent churches.

He is recognised as one of the most influential African prophets and has integrated Christian and Zulu spiritual traditions, offering African religious self-determination.

iBandla lamaNazaretha continues with over 4 million followers, proving that his vision remains powerful today.

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MEET OUR FOUNDER

Umqali Wendlela

Isaiah Mloyiswa Mdliwamafa Shembe

1865 - 1935

His Story

Timeline

-> Early Life <-

1865 - 1885

-> 1865

Born in Ntabamhlophe, Estcourt, in the Colony of Natal ( now KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) to a Zulu Family.

Raised in a Christian household, his parents converted to Baptist Christianity.

-> Late 1870s - 1880s

Worked as a herdboy in his youth while developing a deep interest in spirituality.

1884 - 1885

Baptised into Christianity but struggled with the Westernised doctrine taught by missionaries.

Share your voice

STRENGHTEN OUR JOURNEY

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