BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Acting Minister of Home Affairs Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe has urged emaSwati to verify information before sharing it on social media, stressing that there is “nothing secret or evil” about the visit of Nazareth Baptist Church leader Unyazi LweZulu to the country.
Speaking during the official welcome of the Shembe leader at Esabelweni in Bethany on May 20,2026 the Minister condemned insults and false rumours linking the church leader’s visit to the disappearance and killing of children.
The Minister said different churches and religions have their own beliefs, practices and values which deserve respect and understanding from the public.
He encouraged people to seek clarity from church elders whenever they do not understand certain practices within the Shembe Church instead of spreading misinformation online.
“There is nothing secret or evil about the visit of the Shembe leader. People must verify information before sharing it because false claims create unnecessary fear and division in the country,” he said.
The Minister further warned against the circulation of insulting comments and fabricated stories surrounding the visit of the church leader.
Meanwhile, in a video aired on a social media page belonging to Ncamiso Ngcamphalala, Ngcamphalala said large crowds of Shembe followers from Eswatini and outside the country were expected to gather during the visit of the church leader.
He said it was unfortunate that whenever the Shembe leader visits the country, some social media users spread allegations linking the church to the kidnapping and ritual killing of children.
Ngcamphalala described the allegations as “manufactured lies” with no connection to the church or the visit of the leader.
“It is saddening that every time the Shembe leader comes to Eswatini, people push an agenda about children going missing. Those are pure lies,” he said.
He added that some criminals were taking advantage of public fear and misinformation to commit crimes for their own personal reasons.
The arrival of Unyazi LweZulu at Esabelweni was marked by song, trumpet sounds and traditional dancing as hundreds of Nazareth Baptist Church faithful gathered in anticipation of his arrival.
The Shembe leader arrived in Eswatini on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, entering the country through the Lavumisa Border before proceeding to Esabelweni in Mahlanya, where hundreds of followers had already gathered awaiting his arrival.
As the church leader’s vehicle entered the premises, amakhosazana danced slowly alongside the vehicle while congregants sang in unison awaiting his arrival.
During the ceremonial welcome, church elder Umfundisi Dlamini announced offerings presented in honour of the visit, including goats and other gifts brought by followers.
Upon being informed about the offerings, the Shembe leader responded with the words, “Inkosi inibusise,” drawing loud ululations and cheers from congregants gathered at the venue.
The latest remarks come amid ongoing public debate surrounding the visits of the Shembe leader to Eswatini.
During a previous visit in 2025, Unyazi LweZulu also dismissed criticism directed at him on social media over ritual killing allegations.
Speaking at Ludzidzini Palace during prayer services at the time, he said he had come to Eswatini as a guest of His Majesty King Mswati III, the Queen Mother and Shembe followers, and not for those criticising him online.
“I did not come here to visit those who criticised me but as a guest for the King, Queen and all Shembe followers,” he said during the 2025 visit.
As thousands of worshippers continue gathering at Esabelweni for prayer services and religious activities, government authorities and church leaders have called on the public to promote tolerance, respect religious diversity and refrain from spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary tension in the country.
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