Ludzidzini – The leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe Church), Unyazi Lwezulu, has issued a strong warning to an individual he accused of persistently tarnishing his name and that of the church on social media platforms.
Addressing thousands of congregants during a Sabbath Service held at Ludzidzini on Saturday, Unyazi Lwezulu said he had become aware of a person who regularly posts negative content about him on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Without mentioning the individual by name, he described the person as troubled and urged church members not to be distracted by such criticism.
“There is a person who is always talking about me on TikTok. That person is sick and does not listen,” he said. “I do not associate with madness, but if someone behaves irrationally, I know how to deal with that.” Unyazi Lwezulu said criticism and insults directed at him did not concern him personally, but he believed the individual was on a destructive path.
He said instead of wishing harm upon the person, he hoped they would eventually seek help and change their ways.
“I do not not wish death upon him. Let him come to me and I will help him and bless him. We do not want him to be lost. We want him to become a better person,” he said.
He further warned congregants against allowing negative voices to weaken their faith, saying opposition often emerged wherever there was spiritual growth.
“It is often said that where there is holiness, there will also be evil. For all the years I was not in Eswatini, this person was not writing about me. Now that I am back, he has started again,” he said.
Quoting from Ephesians 6:10, he encouraged believers to remain steadfast in prayer and rely on God’s strength.
“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armour of God,” he said. “Do not pay attention to people who seek to distract you. Continue praying and remain faithful.”
He added that those who continuously attack spiritual institutions would ultimately face divine judgment.
The service attended by Her Majesty Indlovukazi, members of the Royal Family and thousands of worshippers from Eswatini and neighbouring countries.
Unyazi Lwezulu opened his address by paying tribute to King Mswati III, congratulating him on reaching 40 years on the throne and wishing him a happy birthday, good health and many more prosperous years of leadership.
He also thanked Their Majesties for the support and protection extended to the church during its visits to Eswatini.
“We appreciate Their Majesties and the police officers who accompany and protect us from the time we arrive at the border. We are also grateful to the princes and princesses who have continuously supported us and even visited us at eSabelweni,” he said.
The church leader noted that gatherings of the Nazareth Baptist Church in Eswatini were not a new phenomenon, recalling that there was a period when such meetings had ceased until the King enquired about the situation and encouraged their return.
He revealed that the King had personally expressed interest in seeing the church continue holding annual gatherings in Eswatini.
“His Majesty asked what had happened when the meetings stopped. When we met and spoke, he blessed me and said every November we must come here whether he is present or not. Once Shembe arrives somewhere, his presence becomes permanent. Even next year we will be here again,” he said.
Unyazi Lwezulu also highlighted what he described as the growing relationship between the Nazareth Baptist Church and the Swazi monarchy, saying the church was experiencing rapid growth within the Kingdom.
He expressed hope that the spiritual gains and unity achieved through the gatherings would continue to benefit the country.
Reflecting on his recent experiences in Eswatini, the church leader praised the country’s tourism facilities and cultural preservation efforts.He singled out the ICC Palazzo at Ezulwini, which he visited on Friday, describing it as one of the most impressive places he had ever seen.
“That place is beautiful beyond description. It is putting Eswatini on the map and showing the world what the country has to offer,” he said.
Inspired by the facility, Unyazi Lwezulu challenged members of his congregation to contribute towards the construction of a large church structure in South Africa.
“Open your pockets because I want us to build a church structure of that magnitude,” he told worshippers.
He further commended Eswatini for preserving its cultural heritage, saying countries that safeguard their traditions were often blessed and stable.
“I have learnt and seen many good things in this country. Let us take some of these lessons and apply them at home. A nation that keeps its culture is a blessed nation,” he said.
Before concluding his address, Unyazi Lwezulu urged members of the Royal Family, particularly the King’s children, to continue protecting and supporting His Majesty.
He noted that leaders were often criticised despite their efforts and sacrifices, adding that people did not always appreciate good things done for them.
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