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KwaSizabantu has commented on the accusations against him.
- The KwaSizabantu Mission says it is engaging with law enforcement to prosecute those involved in “vicious false accusations.”
- However, he denied the allegations contained in a News24 post regarding accounts of rape, physical and emotional abuse, as well as financial crime allegations.
- The mission said it would appoint a review panel to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, as well as “potential harm at the hands of a specific individual in the organization and the role of the organization’s leaders.”
The KwaSizabantu Mission says it is engaging with law enforcement agencies “to bring those involved in vicious false accusations to the list” following an exposé published by News24 last week.
The expo detailed allegations of rape, physical and emotional abuse, as well as financial crimes at the mission in its Exodus series.
In a “stakeholder response” statement on Wednesday, the mission vehemently denied the allegations contained in the report and would take action.
“[W]We are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to expose those involved in the vicious false accusations, “the mission said, adding that the accusations were” incorrect, hurtful and damaging. “
READ | aQuellé removed shelves at Makro, Game, as Food Lover’s cuts ties with KwaSizabantu companies
“We have taken a little time to prepare our response as we have been absolutely shattered and devastated by the false and unsubstantiated allegations and social media attack.
“As we regroup, we will respond faster and in more detail to both stakeholders and journalists.”
The mission said it would appoint a review panel that would “differentiate between potential harm at the hands of a specific individual [sic] in the organization and the role of the organization’s leaders. “
Diligence
“This will be done with the greatest care and diligence so as not to increase the pain already potentially suffered,” he said.
Regarding the “possible abuse of human rights,” the mission added that it would launch an “independent review panel” to investigate the criminal complaints.
He said the panel and its scope will be available, as well as its report and findings.
Decisions follow the consultations and advice of mission trustees, outside advisers, clients, and stakeholders.
On Tuesday, aQuellé announced that it would launch a review panel to investigate the allegations.
The mission leaders are owners of Ekhamanzi Springs, which owns aQuellé.
“We are committed to absolute transparency,” the mission said.
Smear campaign
In a press release titled “The KwaSizabantu mission is not a cult!” Posted the same day, he said he was “sure” that there had been no financial irregularities.
“The mission trusts that neither it nor its associated businesses have committed financial wrongdoing with respect to allegations of money laundering.
READ | CRL Rights Commission launches official investigation and urges former members to come forward
“The mission leadership takes its responsibilities and financial matters seriously and has nothing to hide.”
He once again labeled the News24 series Exodus a “smear campaign” that resorts to slander and defamation.
“It smells of racism, wrong narratives, out of context put forward by disgruntled members of society,” he said.
“People who make such horrendous accusations against the mission are free to follow normal legal procedures.
The Exodus series, he said, undermined his work, adding that “black South Africans will suffer.”
“Those who have been ‘allegedly’ raped must seek justice through the judicial system. The fact that these complaints have never been brought to the authorities raises the question: why not? required? Why blame the mission? ”
“Young people struggling with social problems will lose the benefit of the free services that the mission provides.”
He maintained that it is not a cult as those who supposedly suffered in the mission label it.
“[W]We are not a sect and we are not exclusive. The KwaSizabantu Mission is an intermediate evangelical organization with total openness to other churches and organizations. We live harmoniously within the limits of the Christian faith. “
Support for
He said thousands of people have visited the mission and received support “on behalf of the mission” for more than 50 years.
“No one has been forced to stay here. No employee or volunteer has been forced to work there.”
The mission added that it had invited ministers of various denominations and backgrounds to ministerial conferences, as well as to its radio station, to preach from the very beginning of its existence.
He said this indicates “that KSB does not believe that it is the sole proprietor of the truth. The doctrinal foundation and religious beliefs of the mission are based on the Bible and classical church confessions.”
The mission added that it had never asked for collections from the church or money from visitors or holders.
“Till the date [since 2013] More than 18,500 young people have come to the mission for free help through CYPSA’s restoration program.
“For employees on various projects, the mission has adhered to relevant wage legislation, while providing jobs, skills and education to thousands of people in rural areas for the benefit of many communities. The mission’s projects [including aQuellé and Emseni Farming] they were founded to financially support the various ministries, “he said.
