The Origin and Evolution of KZC, Manzini The Zion Church in Africa originated late in the 19th century at a place called Othaka near New Castle in the Republic of South Africa. It was founded by An American missionary, Elder E.D LeRoux from an American church called “Christain Catholic Apoatolic Church in Zion” . While conducting his missionary work, an indigenous convert, by the name of Reverend Daniel Nkonyane emerged as leader and co-minister. At this stage the mission of the church was to evangelize and motivate the communities to commit to the Christian faith. Being an influential and more relevant leader Nkonyane, enjoyed the wide support of the congregation such that after a misunderstanding and disagreement on the role of the interpretation of the work of the holy spirit he broke away with the entire congregation and began his ministry thus today he is known as the founder of the Zionist Church. The breakaway church then became “The Christian Catholic Apostolic Holy Spirit Church in Zion “ adding the words “Holy Spirit” In the early period of the 20th century the Zionist church had dominated most of the indigenous parts of Southern Africa including Swaziland. Their mission was to support both the physically and emotionally, affected communities. Ministries of healing and exorcism were the prevalent hallmarks and identity, of the Zionist church church then. Through an African Missionary originated movement, In 1913, the first Zionist church was established in Swaziland at Mbikwakhe location, in the outskirts of Manzini and Matsapha as an extention of the church in South Africa. During this period the co-joined ministry of South Africa and Swaziland maintained similar name and fellowship programs and gathered annually to celebrate Easter. In the middle of the 20th century the Zionist church was hit by series of breakaways due to constituent conflicts on theology, policy and economics, on how the church should be served or governed and on how the finances of the church should be managed and controlled. One of the major breakaway groups was to be “Kukhanyokusha Zion Church” which had a presence in both Swaziland and South Africa In 1980 the Kukhany’okusha Zion Church in Swaziland emerged under the leadership of the Bishop A. M. Dlamini, who came to be known as the founder of Kukhany’okusha (translated ‘New Light’ in English) in Swaziland. Bishop A. M. Dlamini had a huge influence in both Swaziland and South Africa. The South African Kukhanyokusha Zion Church has remained a close partner of the church in Swaziland such that we still celebrate the traditional Easter Service together. The main KZC branch was established at the Madoda location in Manzini, where now the Head Office of KZC –Swaziland is situated. Kukhany’okusha Zion Church is known to be one of the first Zionist churches to adopt mainline approach of administrating church affairs. By 1985 KZC was already a member of the Council of Swaziland Churches, the All Africa Council of Churches, and the Organization of African Indigenous Churches, making her the first and the only Zionist church in Swaziland to affiliate under such, prestigious organizations. KZC is one of the churches that have contributed immensely to the revolution within the Zionist Church, having secured a partnership in 1982. with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In the early 1990s the partnership transformed into a partnership with Global Ministries in the Unites States of America which was after the Christian Church (Desciples of Christ formed a partnership in mission with the united Church of Christ in the USA. This partnership saw the prophetic implementation of the holistic ministry reaching out to serve less advantaged communities in Swaziland coupled with institutional development and transformation of the church itself. Under Bishop Dlamini KZC the building process ensued and KZC embarked on a mission of infrastructure development which included amongst other things church planting and building of several church structures. Today KZC enjoys the support of 40 branches under the leadership of Bishop S. E. Mkhonta. The church has social programs that are currently running and continues to be of influence in the meaningful manifestation of the holistic ministry the Zionist church. In trying to fulfil her vision and ministry KZC adopted an operational avenue that incorporated such pillars ministries as: Spiritual Growth for the Church, Growth in Church Membership, Financial and economic Material Sustenance, Love and Care for Others. This resurgence of awareness has enhanced KZC to be actively involved in major infrastructure development projects, elementary education initiative, soup kitchen programs for OVCs and strong advocacy for HIV & AIDS awareness forums. Kukhany’okusha Zion Church, Manzini is the founding branch of KZC to which the entire growth and empowerment of the same is anchored. It currently enjoys a membership of over 5000 congregants, largely dominated by women and children [the youth & infants]. Most of its operations and structures can be intricately linked to the general ideal that KZC in her entirety aspires to become. Due to an overwhelming number of interested congregants and other auspices who began to show endless commitment in making KZC, Manzini flourish, a need to reform the operational mechanisms to such an extent they give KZC a more involving program for all that affiliate there-under, became necessary. This was meant to extend the scope of respect, responsibility, reliance and recognition towards the ministry, to the vast membership as opposed to a limited body of monks [spiritual leaders], while drawing inspiration from the Great Commission as per the recording of the gospel of Matthew.

Kukhany'okusha Zion Church Partnerships

Global Ministries

Formalised in 1990 originally with Division of Overseas Ministries through the leadership of Elder Bishop A.M. Dlamini of Dan Hoffman of the Christrian Church (Disciples of Christ) During his time Elder Bishop Dlamini visited th US five times, strengthening relationships with Disciples and telling the story of Swaziland.In July 2011, current Bishop S.E. Mkhonta and his wife toured the US for 5 weeks, attending the General Assembly of the Disciples in Nashville, Tennessee, and the General Synod of the United Church of Christ in Tampa, Florida, USA

The following are links from Bishop and Make Bishop during their tour:

Video interview with Make Bishop Mkhonta during her visit to the US in July 2011
Interview with Bishop Mkhonta during his visit to the US in July 2011 (article)

Global Ministries, a common witness of the Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ, is committed to a ministry of Critical Presence where we meet in a timely and appropriate manner God's people and creation at the point of deepest need: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and/or economically.

Council of Swaziland Church

We are members of the Council of Swaziland Churches which itself is affiliated to the World Council of Churches.

The KZC General Code of Fellowship

The KZC General Code of Fellowship adheres to the code of conduct as alluded to by Saint Paul in his epistle to the Church of Thessalonica [5th Chapter, verses 11-24]. This is meant to ensure healthy happy church life for the membership of KZC, who band together in any locality. This epistle depicts seven modes of behavior or attitudes that in the view of KZC are the right principles to be placed into practice as a seed-bed for fruit bearing fellowship, having been sanctified by God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The Vision & Mission of KZC

KZC is by and large governed by an operational and administrative policy that seeks to enhance her growth and empowerment. This policy emphasizes four key performance areas. These are:

Spiritual Edification & Growth

KZC extensively concentrates on spiritual teachings that seek to replenish and nourish the inner-most being of any of her members. It is believed that spiritual motivation intensifies the level of faith in any believer, hence is considered the true foundation of anything that may exist there-after. Conversely put, we must first believe in the Son of Man, then, conceive the principles of His gospel, so as to receive the promises of God.

Membership Growth[Evangelism & Discipleship]

KZC is committed to honor up to the attributes and dynamics of the Great Commission in Jesus Christ. This is non-either than to convert all humanity to the Christian faith, not to be just mere followers but true disciples of Jesus Christ and ambassadors of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Economic Growth & Balance[ Adequate Revenue & Assets]

KZC relies on the Epistle of John to the early church where he stated that every believer needs to experience balanced prosperity. Elaborately put, Saint John alludes to the fact that economic growth and balance is much depended on spiritual growth and physical empowerment whether relatively or with relation to.

Social Responsibility [Communal Love & Care]

KZC models the church of the early times which was governed by a communal policy. In carrying the necessary measures to fulfill the requirements of social responsibility, KZC will embark on, in –reach and out -reach programs enabling her to win souls into the Kingdom of God.