Upper Highway Vineyard came to life on 1 September 2024 as Sarepta and Church on the Way sensed God leading them to become one church family. Over nearly a year, both communities walked a journey of prayer, conversation, and growing trust, supported by apostolic input from Vineyard and Church of the Nations.

To help guide the process, David Broodryk from TwoFourEight facilitated a six-month season where leaders gathered around meals, shared stories, and explored each other’s values, cultures, and ministry approaches. Through this relational journey, a shared vision and a common set of core values began to take shape.

As unity grew, both churches felt a clear conviction that God was forming something new. They chose to join together under a new name—Upper Highway Vineyard. During this time, leadership roles were affirmed: Andrew Willington stepped into the role of Lead Pastor, and Zolani Phakathi was appointed to oversee outreach and community engagement.

The birth of Upper Highway Vineyard is more than a merger—it’s a Spirit-led beginning. It marks two churches becoming one, united by a desire to love God, serve people, and live out His Kingdom in the Upper Highway and outer west eThekwini area