Buthelezi questions Kwasizabantu allegations, calls for responsible response
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has called for a considered, responsible response to the allegations surrounding Kwasizabantu Mission urging stakeholders to allow the probe to continue but for stakeholders not to lose sight of the organisation’s immense socio-economic impact.
“Is it all true? Is it a smear campaign? Is it a plot to facilitate a land grab? Until official investigations are complete and any evidence has been tested in court, we cannot know...it would be irresponsible, and simply wrong, to declare anyone guilty before they have been tried,” said the IFP’S president emeritus in a statement.
Buthelezi and his family have had a 40-year long friendship with Reverend Erlo Stegen, who heads Kwasizabantu.
“When I first heard of the mission I was eager to visit, for the work they were doing sounded remarkable. I found a place free of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. People of all races lived, worked, ate, learned and worshipped together”.
“Never in all these years of attending services at Kwasizabantu have I had any cause to question the biblical teachings, the motives or the ministry of the mission since it started in 1970. And never have I heard of a single concern being raised that what is taught at Kwasizabantu deviates from biblical Christian teachings,” read the statement. “I cannot help but think that if there were any signs of cultism, this would have been flagged by someone, at some point, in the past 50 years,” he said.
Buthelezi said the mission excelled at supporting itself and the 800 or so people living there through its industrious production of vegetables, yoghurt and bottled water. Those staying there do not pay for housing, water or electricity. As part of its free rehabilitation programme, people needing help for alcohol or drug addiction also receive free accommodation and meals. The mission provides bursaries, jobs, skills training, HIV care, community outreach projects and free youth conference facilities, and supports other ministries.
“Asking people to boycott products from Kwasizabantu is grossly irresponsible. It will affect the livelihood of thousands of families, including countless children who receive support from the mission,” he added.
Buthelezi denied that the mission was politically aligned to the IFP.
He added that while investigations are continuing, and until proved otherwise, “it cannot be assumed that the allegations are true”.
“We must support the women who have spoken to News24, giving gut-wrenching testimonies of sexual and physical abuse. We pray that the full truth will be revealed through the investigations launched…the mission is a religious institution, not a political one. Leaders from many political persuasions have enjoyed Christian fellowship at Kwasizabantu over the years,” concluded Buthelezi.