THE leader of the Ebuhleni faction of the Nazareth Baptist Church Mduduzi “Unyazilwezulu” Shembe won’t attend his uncle’s funeral.
His uncle and leader of the rival Thembezinhle faction, Vela “Imisebeyelanga” Shembe, died last week.
Ebuhleni spokesman Thokozani Mncwabe said the customs of the church did not allow a leader to attend a funeral, even that of a relative.
He said that even though Mduduzi had not visited Vela’s family, he was mourning his death because they shared the same ancestors.
He said the leader had instructed all churchgoers at the Emlindweni Temple in Ulundi, northern KZN, to stop showing excitement over the death because he was their own blood.
“He hasn’t issued a directive whether ordinary churchgoers who want to attend the funeral are free to go or not,” said Mncwabe.
“We wouldn’t know if he was planning to send people openly or privately as this is a family matter.”
Vela and Mduduzi had been in and out of court over the leadership of the church since the death of the late Vimbeni “Uthingolwenkosazana” Shembe in 2011.
Church lawyers said Vela was named the rightful successor to Vimbeni in his will.
But Mduduzi was named his successor by AmaQadi clan leader Inkosi Mqoqi Ngcobo at Vimbeni’s funeral. Ngcobo claimed Vimbeni had told him before he died that he wanted to be succeeded by Mduduzi.
Last October, Vela won the case at the KZN High Court in Durban, but Mduduzi appealed.
Funeral arrangements haven’t been finalised, but the leader is likely to be buried on Sunday.
