A South African movement marked by apocalyptic predictions and controversial practices.
Awaiting Christ Church, also known as Silinde u-Yesu (Waiting for Christ), emerged in South Africa under the leadership of Nokulunga Fiphaza. This group gained attention in the year 2000 for its apocalyptic predictions, claiming the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Originating in a village called Corhana, the church relocated to Umtata after being expelled due to their beliefs. Members, exceeding 100, ceased working and pulled their children from school in anticipation of the Second Coming and Judgment Day. The church’s practices included a period where 100 members barricaded themselves inside their church, waiting for Jesus Christ’s return. Members were encouraged to sell their assets and donate money for cleansing rituals. Fiphaza, self-identified as a prophet and previously a nurse and lay preacher, commanded strong loyalty from her followers, leading to several attempts to establish similar groups before settling in Mandela Park.
The movement was also associated with the discovery of shallow graves at Mandela Park, leading to the arrest of church elders on charges related to the concealment of deaths. This incident raised further concerns and scrutiny over the group’s activities and beliefs.
image via YouTube
