Born on May 19, 1926, as the third son of Skerukeru Timothy Zondi and Nozinkumbi Sarah Zondi, Reverend Zamfana Absolom Zondi's transformative journey began in 1953. The passing of his first wife led him into a dark period marked by despair and alcoholism. However, a pivotal moment occurred when he called upon Yeshua for salvation.
As he recounts, one morning while riding his bicycle to work, he beseeched, "Yeshua, if you are indeed alive, come and save me; I am dying in sin." This plea marked a turning point in his life. Residing in Machibisa, Edendale, at the time, he continued his routine, cycling to work. One Saturday, during his chores, a voice called his name. Despite finding no one outside, the voice persisted. Eventually, he heard, "It is I, Yeshua, whom you called. Sit down and listen; I will tell you what to do to be saved." The voice guided him to the Apostolic Faith Church (Ethembeni), led by Rev. Matthew Mndaweni and Thelma Mndaweni, initiating his spiritual journey.
On January 21, 1955, Reverend Zondi married Jemaima Manu Mndaweni, the second daughter of Rev. Matthew and Thelma Mndaweni. Feeling a divine calling to ministry, he pursued theological education at the African Bible School in Witbank in 1963, completing his studies in Rustenburg in 1965. From 1967, he served as a Pastor with the International Assemblies of God based in Edendale and established the local assembly, Bethel Assembly, which later became independent.
The establishment of Bethel Assembly faced numerous challenges, including resistance to missionary dominance, internal strife, evangelization difficulties, and growth challenges. In 1983, a significant setback occurred when two-thirds of the members broke away. Additionally, the church struggled with not having a fixed home, moving from believers' homes to community halls and temporary business buildings.
Despite the hurdles, Reverend Z. A. Zondi's dream of a church building remained unfulfilled. However, after his passing on October 3, 1990, Bethel Assembly progressed. In February 1991, under the leadership of Reverend P. E Zondi, the assembly moved into a completed church building. In 2021, the assembly transitioned to a new church building in Machibisa, where Rev. Z. A. Zondi first called on Yeshua for salvation.