A spiritual movement met with a tragic end in the pursuit of divine prophecy in South Africa.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: African Independent Churches
Founder: Enoch Mgijima
Founded: Late 19th century
Location: South Africa
Other Names: Israelites (Mgijima)
Enoch Mgijima, born in 1868 in Bulhoek, Eastern Cape, emerged as a significant figure in early 20th century South Africa, founding a religious movement known as the Israelites. Raised in a Wesleyan Methodist family, Mgijima’s life took a pivotal turn following a series of visions starting in 1907, compelling him to preach a return to Old Testament beliefs and practices. His message resonated, leading to the formation of a community that sought to live according to these divine instructions. Mgijima’s encounter with Halley’s Comet in 1910 reinforced his apocalyptic beliefs, further driving the movement away from conventional Christian teachings and towards a unique blend of Christian and Old Testament practices.
By 1912, Mgijima had severed ties with the Wesleyan Methodist Church, inspired by the global Church of God and Saints of Christ movement. He adopted the name “Israelites” for his followers, advocating for a life guided by Old Testament laws and prophecies. His congregation grew, driven by Mgijima’s dynamic leadership and compelling prophecies, including a notable prediction of the world’s end followed by 30 days of rain, which did not materialize. Despite this, his following only increased, culminating in the gathering of around 3,000 Israelites in Ntabelanga by 1921, all awaiting divine intervention.
The Israelites’ settlement on government land in Ntabelanga and their refusal to conform to state laws regarding land use and taxation led to increasing tensions with the South African authorities. In 1921, these tensions escalated into the Bulhoek Massacre, where a government force of 800 policemen and soldiers confronted the Israelites, resulting in the deaths of approximately 200 followers and the arrest of Mgijima and other leaders.
Mgijima was sentenced to six years of hard labour, of which he served two, for sedition. Upon his release in 1924, he returned to his community, continuing to lead the Israelites until his death in 1928. The Bulhoek Massacre remains a dark chapter in South Africa’s history, reflecting the tragic consequences of a collision between religious conviction and governmental authority. The Israelites, and Mgijima in particular, have left a lasting legacy, remembered annually by pilgrimages to the site of the massacre and a continuing commitment to the beliefs that defined their community.
image via Blogspot
