On 10 March 2025, approximately 150 MUT NATESA branch members, like the rest of the Nazareth Baptist Church, acknowledged the founding of the church by Prophet Isaiah Mloyiswa Mdliwamafa Shembe, 115 years ago. Present at the gathering at the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences were NATESA national leaders Thulebona Cele, Chairperson; Qinisani Mlambo, Advisory Board Member; Nokubonga Hadebe, Treasurer; and Mlungisi Hlabisa, former Chairperson.
Fanele Tembe, a member of NATESA, said they were “very happy” to have the opportunity to meet as members of the Nazareth Baptist Church, and learn about the history of their church from guest speakers like Mshumayeli Buhle Gcwensa, National Secretary General of the Nazareth Baptist Church Youth (NABACHU); Nkululeko Xaba, MUT staff member and NATESA alumni. Tembe also spoke at the event. Tembe said the purpose of the occasion was to educate one another about the establishment of the church, the arrival of its founder and leader, Prophet Isaiah Shembe (uMqaliwendlela), and how they should conduct themselves as members of the Nazareth Baptist Church in society, particularly at the University. “Additionally, we aim to learn how to balance education with spreading the philosophy of uMqaliwendlela and our current leader uNyazilwezulu,” said Tembe. The NATESA members and their guests also enjoyed a huge 115-year celebration cake after an afternoon of singing and dancing.