The history of the South African revivalist church, Nazareth Baptist Church, commonly known as the Shembe Church, dates back to the early 20th century. The death of its founder, Isaiah Shembe, is still shrouded in mystery and controversy, causing debates among the church elders, historians, and scholars.
Who was Isaiah Shembe?
Isaiah Shembe was born in 1865, in the district of Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He was a Zulu Christian missionary and a prophet who founded the Shembe Church in 1910. Shembe was a prominent and influential figure in the revivalist movement that swept through South Africa in the early 1900s, advocating for African traditional custom and culture in Christianity.
The Death of Prophet Shembe
The death of Prophet Shembe on May 2, 1935, was a significant event in the history of the Shembe Church. The cause of his death is a subject of debate among his followers and scholars.
The Official Cause of Death
The official cause of Prophet Shembe's death, according to the church's records, was a heart attack. The church's version of events states that Shembe arrived at Ntabamhlope, his homestead in Ekuphakameni, an area in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, on May 1, 1935.
He addressed the congregation that had gathered, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commandments. After the address, he retired to his quarters, where he passed away peacefully in his sleep, in the early hours of the morning of May 2, 1935.
Alternative Theories
However, some theories contradict the official version of events, suggesting that Shembe might have been poisoned, assassinated, or died of natural causes due to his advanced age.
One theory suggests that Shembe might have been poisoned while attending a conference in Durban, a few days before his death. His rivals in the church might have been responsible, fearing his popularity and influence among the congregation.
Another theory suggests that Shembe might have died of natural causes arising from old age, diabetes, or other health complications. There are claims that Shembe's health had been declining in the months leading to his death, and his sudden passing might not be entirely surprising.
Conclusion
The death of Prophet Shembe remains a subject of debate and speculation decades after his passing. Nevertheless, it is clear that his legacy endures in the Shembe Church and the wider South African community.
Shembe's message of Christianity fused with African culture and traditions resonated with many people during his time and continues to inspire and guide the congregants of the church today.
