Noluthando Mbotho, from Harding in southern KwaZulu-Natal, left her job at Woolworths and a steady income to join about 100 members living a faith-based, self-sufficient lifestyle in the rural village of Dabangu in KwaMaphumulo. The Durban University of Technology marketing graduate says she has no regrets about her decision, as daily life in the community centres on worship and subsistence living.
Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO Independent Newspapers
Students who dropped out of university and professionals who resigned from their jobs say they have no regrets about choosing a simpler life rooted in faith, self-sufficiency and subsisting off the land. In fact, many describe it as the best decision they have ever made.
This is the reality in Dabangu, a rural community in KwaMaphumulo in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where a group of hundred people have disengaged from their former lives to dedicate themselves fully to this way of living.
The community is led by Reverend Vusimuzi Sibiya of iKhaya Labafundi, which loosely translates to "The Home of the Disciples."
Despite access to electricity, the women members of the faith-based iKhaya Labafundi in a rural village in KwaMaphumulo prefer to cook with the old-fashioned way in the fire in the three-legged iron pots.
Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO Independent Newspapers
Former Woolworths employee Noluthando Mbotho, from Harding in southern KZN, is among those who left everything behind to call this place home and focus on the teachings of Jesus.
"I chose to leave the work I was doing because I discovered Jesus who saves. I am very happy now, following His teachings, and I am not working," said Mbotho.
The Durban University of Technology marketing graduate said she formally informed her employers of her decision to resign. She added that she had come to question the concept of conventional work, believing instead that her focus should be on spiritual work.
Precious Zikhali, from Mhlabuyalingana in north-eastern KZN, previously ran a successful business in Durban's CBD before joining the community.
"In 2019, God started disrupting my life. I was working, and money was coming in, but despite the comfort, I lacked peace and harmony. Deep down, I felt that even though I had money, something was missing," said Zikhali.
In 2025, she made the decision to leave her business and join iKhaya Labafundi full-time.
"I left my business because I want to worship God honestly and fully, without distractions," she said.
Zikhali referenced the Bible, citing John 4:4, saying: "You should know that loving the world is the same as hating God."
She added that she came to believe that continuing to work meant remaining attached to worldly things.
"I am happy that, in the end, I made what I believe is the right decision," she said.
Another community member, Zindisiwe Mkhabane from the Eastern Cape, also resigned from a job he enjoyed to join the group.
"This is a decision I will never regret. It has changed how I think and how I see things," said Mkhabane.
He added that living in the community has brought him a sense of tranquillity he had never experienced before, and he takes pride in the fact that he left his wife behind to follow Jesus.