From Ceza Mountain to Worldwide Impact: The Extraordinary Journey of Ephraim Zulu

Near the summit of the beautiful Ceza Mountain, Sahlula (meaning ‘we conquered’),  more commonly known as Ephraim Zulu, was born in 1908. He hailed from the royal Zulu household as the son of the Chief. At just 15 years old, Ephraim faced a life changing situation when his father sent him to Vryheid to find work in order to assist the family pay government taxes, marking a significant departure from his rural farm life.

Accompanied by another youth and armed with the name of a leading Zulu citizen of the town whom Ephraim had met once many years ago, the boys received directions to his home.  They were warmly welcomed and he listened as Ephraim explained the purpose for their visit to Vryheid.  Upon hearing that he was there to find employment, the man explained that the drought had driven many other people to town for the same purpose and that work was extremely scarce at this time.  Ephraim pleaded with the older man to assist him, the responsibility of earning money to pay for the taxes weighing heavily on him.  Remembering a train driver seeking help in his house, the older man agreed to introduce him.

Ephraim was taken to meet the prospective employer who immediately hired him.  Washing dishes, sweeping floors, dusting and cleaning the yard became part of Ephraim’s daily work in the Schwegmann household which started the very next day.  Years later speaking of this period in his life, Ephraim said: “I was treated as a son in the house.”  Sunday arrived and Mrs Schwegmann gave Ephraim the option of going into town with her, giving him opportunity to look at the shops and extended the invitation for him to attend a church service wearing the new clothes that the Schwegmann’s had purchased for him

On the first Sunday in Vryheid, while strolling through town and peering into shop windows, Ephraim heard singing. Following the sound of the voices and steady drumbeat, he discovered a small group gathered around a flag. A Zulu man, once a non-believer, shared his transformative experience of coming to know Jesus, renouncing alcohol and smoking, declaring, ‘Ngasindiswa nguJesu’ (‘I was saved by Jesus’). The gathering transitioned to a place of worship, and intrigued by what he witnessed, Ephraim followed them to a nearby hall and took a seat at the back. Despite challenges understanding the Zulu spoken by the missionaries, Ephraim grasped the essence of God’s love and the sacrifice of His Son.

It was as though I was sitting in a very dark room when suddenly the room was full of light…

Night school, led by Lieutenant Hlatshwayo, aimed to teach Zulu people to read their written language. Each class included prayer and a Bible devotion, providing a platform for God to touch Ephraim’s young heart. It was during one of these classes that Ephraim Zulu encountered Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour. Describing this transformative experience, Ephraim said, “It was as though I was sitting in a very dark room when suddenly the room was full of light. I realized I was the sinner Jesus came to save. I was overwhelmed, and my heart was filled with unspeakable joy. I never knew such peace before. I was a new man and went home to tell my employers that I had become a Christian.”

Ephraim’s thirst for knowledge led him to continue night classes, driven by a longing to read his Zulu Bible. He enrolled in recruits classes and became a soldier of The Salvation Army in October 1923. His commitment extended to engaging in Salvation Army activities during his spare time, including walking miles to conduct kraal meetings and visit new converts. During a Candidates Sunday, seven young people offered themselves for Officership, and Ephraim Zulu was among them. Soon after, Ephraim accepted an offer to become a full-time Envoy and was appointed as an assistant to Bramwell Booth Corps. In January 1929, he entered the College for Officer Training in Mountain View, and by May 18, 1930, he was appointed as a probationary lieutenant responsible for the work at Inyathi Mine. Upon completing correspondence lessons, Ephraim was commissioned as an Officer of The Salvation Army.

Despite challenging living conditions at Inyathi Coal Mine, Ephraim’s ministry bore fruit. He would patiently wait for miners to emerge from the underground each day, intentionally spending time with them, sharing about Jesus, and inviting them to attend services. Known for his wisdom beyond his years, Ephraim became a sought-after advisor for guidance. Recognizing the miners’ illiteracy, he initiated literacy classes in the evenings, which gained such popularity that the mine management took responsibility, hiring qualified teachers and formalising the school. Seeing the success of the night school, parents from neighbouring farms approached Ephraim, requesting education for their children. In a humble hut, built by soldiers and the Officer, that served as quarters, Corps halls and now a classroom during the day, fifty children started daily classes.

Many were converted …

Captain Ephraim Zulu received orders to Benoni II Corps, where he discovered that Zulu was not the only language spoken. Eager to connect with the gold miners, he quickly learned Sotho and initiated open-air ministry on the Witwatersrand. Many were converted and attended the night school Ephraim had started. During this period, Captain Ephraim Zulu and Lieutenant Johanna Twala united in marriage on June 6, 1933. The celebration drew attendees from far and near, including Mr. & Mrs. Schwegmann, and the Captain’s beautiful makoti (bride) was warmly welcomed as they joined together in ministry at Benoni II Corps. The open air ministry taking place at the mine led by Captain Ephraim Zulu was significant as many miners returned to work and shared their testimony with their colleagues.  Others took the gospel back when they visited the home of their origin, leading to the expansion of The Salvation Army’s work in many distant places.

Taken from The War Cry 9 November 1940

A change of appointment took the newly wed couple to an area known as the Reef in Johannesburg.  In 1935 their first child, Evangeline (named after the General), was born much to the joy of her adoring parents.  Once again Captain Zulu commenced night school to encourage adult education which was so well attended that the Divisional Commander secured funding for a school to be built. Around the same time the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Mountain View moved to a property in Soweto and the Fred Clarke Training College was established.  Captain and Mrs Ephraim Zulu, renowned for their service and leadership, were appointed in 1937 to be the side Officers at the newly built CFOT.

Following a fruitful time of ministry at the CFOT, the Zulu family were appointed to the Somtseu Road Corps in Kwa Zulu Natal. However, suffering from severe asthma Captain Ephraim Zulu was moved to Pietermaritzburg to get away from the coastal air.  The Captain’s influence extended to military camps during World War II, ultimately leading to the formation of societies, then Corps, in Edendale and Hammarsdale. The next appointment took Adjutant & Mrs Zulu to Bramwell Booth Corps where they received oversight of the Weenen section.  Many of the farmers in the area attended the Corps and even financially supported the work.  Adjutant Zulu visited nearby farms on horseback and was well received by farmers and their workers as he had countless opportunities to minister to them. The influence of Ephraim Zulu spread far and wide.  Land in Scottsfontein was given to The Salvation Army for a Corps and day school as a result of their ministry. Incredible conversions and stories of transformation followed this couple as they faithfully shared the Gospel and pointed people to Jesus in every place.

Ephraim Zulu’s positive relationship and standing with the police limited the amount of Salvation Army ground taken away

In 1947, Ephraim Zulu and his wife welcomed a son, Joseph Joel, into their household. The family had previously moved to Ixopo in 1946 to take on responsibilities for that area. Two and a half years later, with Ephraim holding the rank of Major, the Zulu family relocated once again, serving in various appointments, including at THQ. Ephraim was later promoted to Brigadier, leading to extensive travels to Africa, the USA and Europe. He played a crucial role as the Divisional Commander for the Mid Natal and Ixopo Division. During this time, the government implemented policies involving land ex-appropriation for resettlement. Ephraim Zulu’s positive relationship and standing with the police limited the amount of Salvation Army ground taken away. Following his appointment back to the Transvaal as Divisional Leaders, Brigadier Zulu represented the Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory in numerous countries, receiving recognition such as the key to the city of Pittsburgh from the Lord Mayor of the town.

Retirement did not mark the end of his service.

Promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel followed and Ephraim’s wisdom was often sought and relied upon in the Territory. Another appointment to Territorial Headquarters followed before Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Zulu retired after 43 years of service.  Retirement did not mark the end of his service. Continued service included lectures at the CFOT and even being the first minister of religion, invited by the SABC, to appear on the television when they commenced non-English broadcasting. 

On 4 October 1981 Lieutenant Colonel Johanna Zulu was promoted to glory and on 27 November 1988 Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Zulu followed suit and went to be with the Lord that he loved and served so faithfully. Prior to his passing, the Chief of the Staff presented Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Zulu with a Certificate in Recognition of Exceptional Service rendered on behalf of The Salvation Army.

An extraordinary life of dedicated service unfolds in the story of this son of the soil, born with royal blood and destined to ascend as a Chief of the Zulu people. Answering God’s call upon his life, he embraced the role of a salvation warrior, leaving an undeniable mark on the land of his birth which spread worldwide and impacted eternity in immeasurable ways.

Information sourced from ‘Of Zulu Royalty’ by Lieut-Colonel John Tudor Usher, available at Trade.