INLSA
Swazi Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule and his wife, Zanele Mbokazi, at the first service of their Word of Hope church. Picture: Sibonelo Ngcobo
Kamini Padayachee and Nokubongwa Phenyane
A NEW charismatic church, led by high-flying KwaZulu-Natal celebrity and evangelist Zanele Mbokazi and her husband, Swazi Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, held its first church service in Durban yesterday.
The church, which will hold services at a hall in Stamford Hill, Morningside, is the newest branch of Nkambule’s Swazi-based Word of Hope Ministries.
A delegation from Swaziland, including pastors, was present at yesterday’s service.
Mbokazi, a radio and television personality and the founder of the Crown Gospel Awards, said the service had been well attended.
“I do not know the exact numbers, but the hall was full and the service went very well.”
She said the church would eventually move to a permanent site.
Mbokazi said the church’s slogan was “Unashamed of the Gospel of the Jesus Christ”.
“The vision of the church is based on the message of healing, deliverance and hope.”
At the service, Mbokazi and Nkambule sat on large, throne-like leather chairs, with elaborate wooden carvings, and were flanked by bodyguards.
Asked about the security, Mbokazi said they were “standard security measures for the bishop”.
The service was attended by Ukhozi FM DJs Ngizwe Mchunu and Dudu Khoza, among others.
Worshippers at yesterday’s service were ushered to their seats and received cold refreshments and handkerchiefs.
Mbokazi said it had been her dream to start a church in Durban.
“I have wished for this for a long time and it has been a struggle to bring the church to Durban. However, with God’s power it has happened.”
While it was believed that the launch would cause a rift between Mbokazi and her close friend, flamboyant eThekwini Community Church pastor Vusi Dube, Dube wished the couple well yesterday.
“I congratulate them on their venture,” said Dube, who is moving his own church from Durban’s Albert Park to a building in Brickhill Road.
