How about a journey through faith? It leads us to Inkonzo Yamarhabe. This church stands as a testament to the rich religious tapestry of Cape Town.
Inkonzo Yamarhabe’s story is intertwined with the broader narrative of Christianity in South Africa. To truly understand Inkonzo Yamarhabe, we must explore the roots of its spiritual heritage.
Evangelist Carl Georg Klibbe arrived in South Africa in 1889. He came from Australia. His mission was to spread the New Apostolic Church’s teachings. Klibbe’s initial efforts in Cape Town met limited success. Hearing of German settlers near East London, he moved there in 1892. This relocation proved fruitful. The community he established built a church on St Georges Road in Southernwood. It was an East London suburb.
Beyond Cape Town, Apostle Klibbe extended his reach. He sent servants to Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Johannesburg. From these hubs, missionaries ventured to other towns. Grahamstown, King Williams Town, and Kimberley also heard the message.
A schism arose within the Church in South Africa. Apostle Klibbe appointed G H W Schlapphof as Bishop in 1910. By 1912, he rescinded this appointment. He reduced Schlapphof’s role to District Eldership. This decision caused a division between Apostle Klibbe and District Elder Schlapphof.
District Elder Schlapphof received the Apostle Ministry from Chief Apostle Niehaus in 1913. This happened while Schlapphof was in Germany. Consequently, Chief Apostle Niehaus excommunicated Apostle Klibbe. Apostle Klibbe refused to accept this ruling.
From 1913, two churches in South Africa operated as the “New Apostolic Church.” One was led by Apostle Klibbe. The other by Apostle Schlapphof. The Supreme Court settled this dispute in 1926. Apostle Klibbe continued his work under “The Old Apostolic Church of Africa” name.
Apostle Klibbe’s legacy continued after his death in 1931. Apostle C.F.W. Ninow succeeded him. Ninow appointed the first black Apostles. Apostle S Hlatshwayo was appointed in 1953. Apostle Ndovu followed in 1961.
Apostle Mqhaba retired from the Eastern Cape District in 1986. Apostle Vika was ordained at Ezibeleni in Queenstown. Apostle JJ La Kock ordained him in 1986. Vika replaced Mqhaba.
Apostle Vika led the Church. It was named INKONZO YESISEKO SABAPOSTILE NABAPROFETI. This translates to FOUNDATION OF APOSTLES & PROPHETS. He served until his death in 1993. Apostle C.F. Cakatha succeeded him. Cakatha led until his death in July 2010.
Apostle M.Mpambani was elected Chief Apostle in September 2013. This happened at an extraordinary conference in East London. He succeeded Chief Apostle Cakatha.
Today, Inkonzo Yamarhabe stands as a beacon of faith. It reflects the journey of those who sought spiritual solace in Cape Town. It connects to the broader narrative of religious movements in South Africa. Inkonzo Yamarhabe embodies resilience, unity, and devotion. It showcases the enduring power of faith in a changing world.