BY MBONO MDLULI
LUDZIDZINI – According to His Holiness Unyazi Lwezulu, it had been 40 years since a leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church participated in major church activities and prayer festivals in Eswatini before the resumption of the gatherings in 2023.
The leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church, popularly known as Baka Shembe, made the remarks during a Sabbath service held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Saturday, May 30, 2026. His comments highlighted the significance of the church’s renewed presence in the Kingdom after decades without its top leadership attending religious events in the country.
PRAISE FOR THE KING
Addressing congregants gathered for the annual convention, Unyazi Lwezulu first congratulated His Majesty King Mswati III on reaching 40 years of leadership. He commended the king for guiding the nation with wisdom and stability over the years and wished him many more years of good health and successful leadership.
The church leader then reflected on the history of the Nazareth Baptist Church in Eswatini, explaining that the revival of the church’s prayer festivals in 2023 brought an end to a 40-year period during which a leader of the church had not participated in such activities in the country.
RETURN OF THE PRAYER FESTIVALS
Available records indicate that Unyazi Lwezulu first returned to Eswatini in 2023 for a prayer festival, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the church and the Kingdom. Since then, his visits have become an annual event, drawing thousands of worshippers from Eswatini, South Africa and other neighbouring countries.
According to Unyazi Lwezulu, the lengthy absence of church leadership from Eswatini created a strong desire among members to once again worship and fellowship directly with their spiritual leader. He said this was one of the reasons behind efforts to restore and strengthen the church’s activities in the country.
He further stated that His Majesty King Mswati III had emphasised the importance of the prayer festivals and conventions, recognising their spiritual and cultural significance to members of the church in Eswatini.
GRATITUDE TO THEIR MAJESTIES
Unyazi Lwezulu also expressed gratitude to Their Majesties for the hospitality extended to him and members of the church leadership since their arrival in the country nearly two weeks ago. He said they had received exceptional care and support throughout their stay.
The church leader described the improving relationship between the Eswatini Royal Family and the Nazareth Baptist Church as encouraging and beneficial to both parties. He said he was pleased with the strengthening ties and looked forward to further engagements in the future.
In a development welcomed by congregants, Unyazi Lwezulu assured worshippers that he would return to Eswatini next year. The announcement was met with excitement, particularly among members who regard the return of the church’s leadership to the Kingdom as a historic achievement.
CONCERNS OVER SOCIAL MEDIA ATTACKS
However, the spiritual leader also expressed concern about what he described as ongoing defamatory attacks directed at the church and its leadership on social media platforms. He said such actions were unfortunate and had the potential to undermine the church’s mission and teachings.
Despite these challenges, Unyazi Lwezulu encouraged church members not to be discouraged. Instead, he urged them to strengthen their faith, remain committed to spiritual growth and continue upholding the values of the church. He said believers should respond to negativity through prayer, discipline and devotion to God.
CALL FOR UNITY
He concluded by encouraging congregants to remain united and steadfast in their faith, stressing that spiritual commitment would enable them to overcome any challenges they encounter.
