The president of the African Union Churches Parliament, Archbishop Michael Ndikandafhi Makhuvha, has strongly condemned teachings that encourage believers to abandon life-saving chronic medication, describing such practices as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
Makhuvha’s remarks come in response to reports from a religious sect operating in KwaZulu-Natal, where followers are allegedly urged to stop taking chronic medication, including antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, as a demonstration of faith.
Speaking to Limpopo Mirror, the Archbishop did not mince his words, warning that such instructions place lives at serious risk and undermine both medical science and responsible religious leadership.
“This is not faith, it is reckless endangerment,” said Makhuvha.
“Church leaders have a duty to pray for the sick and support them spiritually, but they must never instruct congregants to abandon medical treatment. That is not only unethical, it borders on murder,” he added.
Makhuvha’s comments follow growing concern over the activities of a group known as Ekhaya Labafundi bakaJehova, based in KwaMaphumulo, north of Durban. The group, founded by self-proclaimed “Messenger” Vusumuzi Sibiya, promotes a lifestyle of separation from mainstream society. Members reportedly live full-time within the congregation, cut off from public services such as healthcare facilities and schools. Some have abandoned jobs, education and even essential medical treatment to fully commit to the group’s teachings.
Makhuvha expressed alarm at reports that some followers, including those living with HIV, have stopped taking ARVs after being influenced by the group’s doctrine.
“What kind of church leadership encourages people to risk their lives in the name of religion?” he asked. “Stopping medication while fasting or isolating oneself from proper healthcare can lead to severe health complications and, in many cases, death.”
Makhuvha urged religious leaders across denominations to stand united, act responsibly and reinforce the importance of balancing faith with medical care.
“God works through many channels, including doctors and medicine,” he said. “We must not mislead people into thinking that faith alone replaces treatment.”