Chaos Erupts at KwaSizabantu Mission as Woman Confronts Preacher with Serious Allegations
A sermon at the controversial KwaSizabantu Mission spiralled into chaos on Sunday when a woman boldly confronted preacher Jabulani Dube at the pulpit, snatching his Bible and accusing him of taking her virginity. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the mission, which has faced serious allegations of abuse and misconduct.
In a video clip shared with News24, the woman, dressed in a green dress, approached Dube mid-sermon, seized the Bible from his hands, and accused him of lying. She shouted in isiZulu: “Amanga lawa osiqambela wona, uzoshumayela ngamanga, sikhathele amanga!” which translates to, "You are telling us lies; you are here to preach lies; we are tired of lies!"
In response, Dube appeared dismissive, telling those around him to “Catch her. I don’t even know her. Take the Bible away from her.” When the Bible was returned, he remarked, “I don’t know where this girl is from; I just know her by sight, and here is the devil using her… her demon says that I took her virginity. I don’t know her.”
The woman has since left the KwaSizabantu Mission, and the recording of the service has been deleted from the church's YouTube page. Critics of the mission point out that such confrontations reflect a culture of silence and repression, particularly among women who voice grievances.
This dramatic scene occurred against a backdrop of renewed scrutiny following the recent withdrawal of a CRL Rights Commission report that had cleared the mission despite extensive allegations of abuse. This report had sparked outrage, especially among former members who had bravely shared their harrowing experiences in an effort to shed light on the mission's controversial practices and teachings.
Founded in 1970 by Erlo Stegen in KwaZulu-Natal, KwaSizabantu Mission has long been accused of spiritual abuse and human rights violations. Allegations include assault, rape, and psychological terror from ex-members who have distanced themselves from its teachings. Critics also allege that the mission operates in a cult-like manner, a claim that leadership has vehemently denied, asserting that their teachings align with biblical principles.
Dr Daniel Schricker, who grew up within the mission and studied its theology, expressed concern about Dube's dismissal of the woman's allegations as demonic influence. He stated, "Language of this kind in response to someone expressing a grievance—albeit in very dramatic fashion—should not be employed to immediately dismiss the complainant." Schricker has previously testified in CRL Rights Commission hearings about the mission's controversial worldview and belief system.
Erika Bornman, another former mission member who testified at the hearings, described the allegations against Dube as “very serious.” She highlighted the troubling tendency within the mission to blame women for the failings of male leaders. “Erlo Stegen used to tell rape victims and victims of sexual assault that they had to repent of the sin of making the men of God stumble,” she stated. Bornman fears that if the woman's claim proves true, she would, according to the mission’s ethos, be blamed for the incident.
The woman involved in the confrontation was known to have worked for Aquelle, a beverage produced by the mission. Bornman pointed out how the mission has a strict code of conduct regarding relationships and that women have previously been dismissed for getting pregnant out of wedlock. "She would lose her job while he would be blameless," Bornman remarked, emphasising how the mission perpetuates a dangerous narrative around accountability.
As the dust settles from this incident, many are left questioning the internal dynamics of the KwaSizabantu Mission. The recent CRL Rights Commission’s retraction of its controversial report indicates the complexities of navigating the boundaries of religious freedom and safeguarding the rights of individuals within such communities.
Our News Team attempted to reach out to preacher Jabulani Dube and the mission for comments, but as yet, no responses have been received. The woman who confronted Dube declined to comment further, stating, “For now, I don’t want to talk about this thing. I need to go home and have some private time at home.”
As investigations and discussions continue, it is clear that the allegations surrounding KwaSizabantu Mission warrant further scrutiny to ensure the safety and well-being of all its members.
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