KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga addressing reported contraventions at iKhaya Labafundi baJehovah Church in the KwaMaphumulo. Image credit: KZN Department of Social Development
(The Post News) – Authorities have rescued 19 children from a controversial religious group in KwaZulu-Natal amid allegations of children’s rights and social isolation.
This move followed authority’s oversight visit to iKhaya Labafundi Baka baJehovah church in Dabangu village, KwaMaphumulo in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Founded by Reverend Vusumuzi Sibiya, the mission reportedly houses over 50 people, including men, women, and children. It is alleged that followers of this religous group abandoned their jobs, homes and personal aspirations, with some ceasing medical treatment in the belief that they would be healed at the mission.
KZN Department of Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Culture, Religion and Linguistic Rights Commission (CRL), Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, traditional leaders, and departmental stakeholders. The visit followed growing concerns over alleged human rights violations linked to the religious group, particularly those affecting children and surrounding communities.
As the custodian of child protection, the Department of Social Development sought to assess the situation on the ground, present a progress report on interventions already undertaken, and obtain guidance from the CRL Commission. The visit also responded to complaints regarding the infringement of the rights of residents living near the compound,” it said in a statement.
Social Development Department Releases Investigation Findings
Department investigations found that iKhaya Labafundi Baka Jesu Chrestu is not registered with any regulatory authority, which has raised compliance concerns. The department has removed the children from the premises during its intervention. The children come from three provinces. 11 were placed in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) under Section 150(1)(f) of the Children’s Act, which covers children in need of care and protection.
MEC Shinga said the department is mandated to intervene when social challenges threaten community wellbeing. She called for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to tackle unregulated religious groups that undermine human rights and social stability.
Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission, warned of a rise in cult-like religious groups operating in communities. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said the operations were unethical. “We have said to Rev Sibiya that what is happening here is unconstitutional because people here, their rights to life is at risk, and he has actually given us an impetus as CRL to even push harder for the regulation that will create a council for Christians. They would have been here a month ago and they would have told Sibiya that what you are doing here is out of order and he would have been forced to shut it down,” Mkhwanazi-Xaluva told SABC.
According to the SABC , Mission leader Vusumuzi Sibiya believes that this situation is beyond his control. “We are not contending with the laws of this country, but the challenge comes when the two laws clash, God’s laws and laws of the country and that is where the problem starts. The problem is that I am not the one who brought them here, and I conclude that it’s God. I don’t have any power to send them back since it’s God who brought them here, said Sibiya.
MEC Shinga said the department will closely monitor the situation.
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