A list in the possession of the Sunday Tribune shows that reverends who have become the poster priests for syncreticism, Fr Thembelani Ngcobo of Sacred Heart Parish in Montclair, south of Durban, and Fr Sifiso Ndlovu of The Immaculate Conception Church in Pinetown, west of Durban, had been replaced by Fr Thami Zuma and Fr Zithulele Madlala respectively.
The changes come into effect in April. Both Fr Ngcobo and Fr Ndlovu practise traditional healing, and some of the parish members believe their sabbatical results from victimisation and punishment for their continued syncretism.
Fr Ngcobo has a huge following on social media platform Facebook. His online presence exponentially grew during Covid-19 lockdowns where he continued with his homilies that were livestreamed offering hope to the faithful. His Masses infuse African rhythms into some Catholic hymns, offering a percussive feel far removed from the a cappella, monophonic, moderate-tempo liturgy that characterises Catholic hymns.
Fr Ndlovu is known for his oratory skills and engaging homilies, using Biblical stories to reflect on societal challenges, and the modern day moral dilemmas.
The reshuffling of parish priests is routine, but congregants interpret the latest round as punishment because only the two have been left without any specific parishes. Syncretism has already stirred deep divisions within the church.
In September 2025, Archbishop Mandla Jwara, head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Durban, along with eight fellow bishops, issued a three-page pastoral letter condemning the participation of some Catholic faithful in ancestral rituals and the consultation of traditional healers.
Released on September 16, 2025, the letter ignited a fierce debate within the Church over incorporating African cultural practices into Catholic life, with a small group of aggrieved congregants even suggesting that Catholics who favoured blending Christianity with traditional practices should consider forming a breakaway church.
However, in October of the same year, Archbishop Jwara broke his silence and clarified that the church was not against ancestral veneration. Archbishop Jwara said the bishops’ statement was instead directed at priests who mix traditional healing practices, particularly ubungoma (divinity), with Catholic liturgy.
"Africans do not worship ancestors but may seek from those esteemed members of their family, now passed from this world, guidance and support in times of need," Archbishop Jwara said back then.
He also said that their concern was not about cultural identity but about maintaining the integrity of our faith practices. The Archbishop emphasised that a priest, as a representative of Christ, "cannot serve two masters".
Attempts to get comment from Archbishop Jwara this week and yesterday were unsuccesful.
The complete list of the reshuffling:
1. Bethlehem, KwaSondela: Fr Nkosinathi Ngcobo.
2. Cathedral: St Emmanuel: Fr Simon Sibisi assisted by Deacon Njabulo Ngobese.
3. Clairwood: St Louis and St Mary's: Fr Simon Offordum.
4. Escourt: St John: Fr Zukisani Njovane assisted by Fr Sibusiso Dlamini.
5. Esigodini: St Albery: Fr Nkazimulo Shange.
6. Greytown: St Theodore: Fr Sanele Msomi.
7. Inchanga: St Theresa: Fr Mduduzi Mchunu.
8. KwaMachibisa: St Augustine: Fr Muzi Madlala.
9. KwaMaphumulo: St Philomena: Fr Khulekani Dube.
10. Montclair: Sacred Heart: Fr Thami Zuma.
11. Montebello: St Peter: Fr Lawrence M. Xaba.
12. Pinetown: Immaculate Conception: Fr Zithulele Madlala.
13. Sydenham: St Anne: Fr Ewen Swartz.
14. Wentworth: Christ the King: Fr Sipho Kunene.