Sibanda sent thousands at Prophet Radebe followers into a frenzy

The chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, Jabulani Sibanda, on Saturday sent about 8 000 members of the Revelation Church of God - who had gathered to listen to the founder of the church, South African-based Prophet Samuel Radebe at Queens Sports Stadium in Bulawayo - into a frenzy when he praised them for their Afro-centric approach to Christianity.

Sibanda - who was accompanied by Reverend Johannes Ndanga of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe - gave the members of the church, who call themselves "spiritual soldiers", a sermon about how the Lord spoke of his people "beyond the rivers of Ethiopia".

"Kuhle MaSotsha kuhle (All is well soldiers)," he said amid wild cheers from the audience.

"This statement about the rivers beyond Ethiopia was not made to the Europeans or about the Europeans. This statement was not made to the Western Hemisphere or anything about them.

"The statement was not made to the Asians or anything about the Asians. The statement said beyond the rivers of Ethiopia. He did not say Mississippi the largest river in America. He did not say beyond Thames, the biggest river in Britain. He never said the Rhine River, the biggest river in France … "

Sibanda said it was important for Africans to maintain their identity while practising Christianity.

"We are the people of God," he said to thunderous applause.

"Israel gave us prophets yesterday. We appreciate that. But now it's our time. We have our prophets. God has given us (Africans) a prophet. Let Prophet Radebe prophesy."

The war veteran said African church-goers should listen to guidance given by their leaders.

"Hold the prophet's cloak and follow the prophet," said Sibanda.

"If the prophet says don't go there even if the place looks beautiful listen to him because he can see beyond in the spiritual realm."

Speaking at the same gathering, Ndanga announced that the Revelation of God is now registered to operate in Zimbabwe.

He praised Prophet Radebe for his Afro-centric approach to Christianity.

"God has given us our prophet, who has the same skin colour with us and eats like us, " said Rev Ndanga amid applause.

"His African ways are our ways."

Some members of the church were resplendent in traditional gear, carrying miniature wooden spears in typical African fashion.

When Prophet Radebe took to the pulpit, he thanked Zimbabweans for embracing the "right to freedom of worship".

"In other places, our church is persecuted just like Jesus was persecuted and Joseph was persecuted," he said.

He lauded Sibanda for his sentiments about Africans retaining their identity, even when they become Christians.

"If you are an African Church and retain that identity you are called names," said Prophet Hadebe. "You are called a Satanist. It is said you have goblins, strange creatures, (they) even talk about snakes at church and as you know that's all not true."

He said Africans should be proud and never look down on themselves.

Several people went on stage where they "testified" that after Prophet Radebe laid his hands on them they were "healed" of various ailments.