“Every person must obey the leaders of the country. There is no power given but from God, and all leaders are allowed by God."

This verse from Romans 13 was quoted by the founder and leader of Thasululo Ministries, Dr Thizwilondi Norah Magalela.

This came after Magalela invited the local traditional leader of Makonde village, Chief Edward Ravhura, to visit her church. Magalela also presented mufaro (traditional basket) with nduvho (homage) as part of showing respect to Ravhura.

She said pastors and community members who did not respect their traditional leaders were doomed to fail. “The Bible says we must respect our traditional leaders, because they represent God on earth. Anyone who does not show respect to the traditional leaders does not respect God. This church will continue to forge positive relationships with traditional leaders because it is the basis our growth. The land on which we have built our church also belongs to the local traditional leader. We need to show respect to them, so that God can also smile back on us.”

Ravhura, who was installed last year as regent to the Ravhura throne, said he was impressed by how Magalela respected the powers of traditional leaders. “I encourage other pastors to follow suit because this builds a good working relationship between the religious and traditional leadership. Whoever disregards the authority of the traditional leadership disregards the authority of God. Traditional leaders were created by God and people need to show as much respect to them as possible.”