At 65 years old, Sibusiso Mthembu has captivated the imagination of South Africans with his remarkable belief that he has journeyed to heaven four times. A resident of KwaZulu-Natal, Mthembu asserts that his spiritual experiences, which occurred between 1998 and 2008, are genuine and have motivated him to create a detailed ‘Map of Heaven.’
Mthembu's celestial adventure began in 1993 when he was allegedly approached by an angel who informed him of his importance in the heavenly realm. His first reported visit took place five years later in a location he names Crista, one of what he claims are 11 distinct heavens. During his time in Crista, specifically in the city of Sharmoy, he recounts a meeting with Jesus, whom he describes as having a white appearance.
His subsequent visits in 2004, 2006, and 2008 reportedly introduced him to other significant figures, including Moses, Elijah, and Abel. Today, Mthembu is focusing his efforts on producing his “Map of Heaven,” which he believes will serve as a guide to the various spiritual realms he claims to have encountered.
Mthembu describes the main heaven, called Salem, as the location of God’s temple, portraying God as youthful and of a “grayish complexion.” On another world named Jadalem, which he describes as primarily covered in water and ice, he claims to have witnessed God firsthand. Furthermore, he mentions Marshnode City, where souls reportedly prepare for reincarnation.
While Mthembu's map is still a work in progress, it has already sparked a mix of curiosity and skepticism. He urges people to see his creation, emphasizing that it should be recognized as an authentic South African contribution. “People must come and see the map,” he insists, warning against counterfeit versions. “One day, someone from Japan or China or Britain will design a map of heaven, and the people of South Africa will have forgotten that the map was originally made in South Africa.”
Adding to his narrative, Mthembu claims to have overheard conversations in the heavenly realm about a war against Satanism, which he says commenced on May 23 of an unspecified year. He believes that the world is currently on a countdown to its ultimate end.
Mthembu's extraordinary claims have elicited both intrigue and amusement, with some suggesting his experiences could serve as inspiration for a fantasy novel or film. While his narratives remain unverified, they foster vibrant discussions surrounding spirituality, creativity, and the boundaries of belief. Whether Mthembu's “Map of Heaven” will become a cultural sensation or simply a curiosity, his celestial tales continue to entertain and provoke thought. For now, they offer a glimpse into one man's unique interpretation of the cosmos.