DURBAN - There has been an uproar on social media and the general public over the handling of Tuesday’s Nazareth Baptist Church Ebuhleni branch march from King Dinuzulu Park to Durban City Hall to submit a memorandum.
Restrictions on movements of people and gatherings have been eased in South Africa since September 13, after a steady decline in new Covid-19 infections. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would move from adjusted Alert Level 3 to adjusted Alert Level 2 lockdown. Ramaphosa said all gatherings would be limited to a maximum of 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors.
However, the march had exceeded 500 people according to video footage and pictures taken.
The memorandum was indirectly addressed to the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa, as the members believed their Constitutional right of being part of any religion was violated.
The memorandum stated they were deeply saddened by the Durban High Court’s 2016 ruling that they should address and worship the late Vela Shembe, who died in 2017, following the death of their King iNkosi uThingo lweNkosazane in 2011.
The memorandum stated that the court’s ruling took away their right to join and be part of any religious community, as outlined by section 31.
“The church long decided, without forcing anyone, that they would follow Mduduzi Shembe/ uNyazi LweZulu (Thingo’s son) as their king, instead of following Vela Shembe, who was on Thingo’s will,” read the memorandum.
Mduduzi had reportedly challenged the appeal since the court ruled in Vela’s favour in 2016. His last appeal in June was reportedly dismissed. The thousands of protesters were marching for Mduduzi when they brought the city centre to a standstill. They played musical instruments while chanting “Unyazi is and forever will be our Messiah”, on their way to the City Hall.
People had taken to social media after pictures and videos were posted of the march.
Trevor Verity posted: “On the weekend there were rallies; EFF thousands in attendance, NO masks or very few, NO social distancing. Today (Tuesday) the march down West Street apparently given go-ahead, so the person that gave consent is more powerful than the president, who has outlined the level 2 parameters. No gatherings of any kind. Must wear mask. Social distancing. None are adhered to. Mr Cele, where are you and what is the law doing? Nothing.”
SAPS Durban Central did not respond to a media query on Tuesday.
Durban Metro police spokesperson Parboo Sewpersad said an application was made and a permit granted by the city for 500 participants.
He said the SAPS in Durban had to decide if the conveners broke the regulations, as did eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela.
Daily News