An estimated 100 people have decided to leave “everything in the world to build booths” in Dabangu, Maphumulo where they say they live for the kingdom of heaven.
This community, which is increasing month by month, calls itself Jesus’ disciples. They built a spacious place which they named Student House.
At the time It’s on the weekend visited this place where these people were continuing their day jobs. In the path they have chosen, they say they have parted ways with many things, including losing their jobs, giving up their businesses, giving up ARV drugs, and their children were dropped from school because they are following Jesus. Some don’t have cell phones anymore, some are proud that they don’t have sex anymore.
They have a large area with fields where they have planted different kinds of fruits, there are also livestock. They planted sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes, guavas and many more. Their place is fenced with a fence and closed with a gate, it is not easy for you to enter. There are different buildings inside which are the houses they live in.
The one who opened the door for journalists had received an order from the Chief Pastor, Reverend Vusimuzi Sibiya, who told him to open the gate and the people were called by him.
When you go inside you are attracted by the “Disciples of Jesus” busy doing different jobs including farming, bathing the young, washing clothes, sweeping the yard and much more.
All of them when they greet even a small child they say “Thank you Jesus, he reigns and is King”. Among them there are people of different ages, from children to the elderly.
They are all proud that they gave up something to follow Jesus alone.
Reverend Sibiya, who is the founder of this place, talked about it in detail and said that he also gave up the life he was living and chose this new way.
He revealed that he was a businessman but he closed his businesses and preferred to follow this new life. He explained that the main purpose of all this is to seek peace in the mind and heart.
”Here we have different people who part with many things and choose to follow Jesus. Here we are talking about businessmen who were successful in life but had no peace at all. Now that they are here, they have eternal peace because they have Jesus,” he said.
He pointed out that people flocking to this place come from different parts of the country. Many, he said, have been affected by the gospel of seeking peace that he preaches on social media.
”This nation belongs to the Kingdom of God and is ruled by heaven. Let it be known that there are holy people who sacrificed everything. They gave up good jobs and worked well, they left their families, some left AIDS pills, others went to universities,” he said while pointing to the Disciples of Jesus.
He said no one called these people but they were gathered by God himself. He said that God is building a peaceful and holy nation for himself.
While he was talking to reporters in the house, his daughter came in to deliver food, and he said: ”I also took her out of school in Grade 11. She thought she would study to become a doctor, but that didn’t happen,” she said.
It’s on the weekend then he spoke to some of the Disciples of Jesus who seemed to have no problem with their new life. Ms Thandazile Mwelase who said she is from Mawoti, Nanda, revealed that she is proud to stop taking ARVs.
“I used ARVs from 2022 until I stopped them in 2024. I believe that Jesus heals. The word of God also says that with His stripes we were healed. If you are a Christian you must know that you are healed. I gave up everything, I left my house where my child lives. I also gave up my child. Jesus says that whoever loves me, let him take up my cross, sacrifice himself, and follow me,” he said.
He revealed that he has not had sex for seven years because he believes that having sex without marriage is a sin. He also revealed that he doesn’t even have a mobile phone anymore because he has given it up. He says he doesn’t care about money.
Ms Sibongile Mkhwanazi who said she is from Mpumalanga province said she was also taking anti-HIV pills.
”I gave up everything, I was taking ARVs from 2008 until I stopped them in 2024 after I heard the Word of God saying that I was healed by His stripes. He said he has no problem just living like everyone else.
Mr Ntokozo Mkhize from Mlaza said that he had been taken to the University of Cape Town to study Computer Engineering but chose to live in the Students’ Home.
He said this is the wisest decision he has ever made in his life to respond when called by God.
”When I was taken and found a place to stay, luckily God revealed to me that I must leave everything and follow him alone. At home they know, I explained to them and they understood what I was saying. Since I am here, I will learn about Jesus alone,” he explained.
He said he doesn’t have a girlfriend anymore because he doesn’t see the need for her in his life and how she will help him.
There is a video It’s on the weekend which shows that the students who live in this area are burning their education certificates because they say they will no longer work for them and they don’t need them anymore.
Another 15-year-old child who was staying with her mother said: “I quit school because they don’t teach what Jesus taught and I want to do God’s will.”