By Celani Sikhakhane
- Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa was buried in a coffin at his home, against Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church customs for married men.
- Reverend Thetha Ngiba says Shembe followers bury married men wrapped in cattle skin or blankets, never inside a coffin.
The family of the late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, broke a Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church tradition by burying him inside a coffin.
According to Shembe customs, married men are not buried in coffins. Their bodies are removed and wrapped in a cattle skin or blanket before being laid to rest.
Mthethwa, who was a member of the church, was buried at his family home in EsajwaMthethwa village in KwaZulu-Natal.
Some relatives said the burial did not go smoothly. While digging the grave, men struggled to finish after hitting rocks – something Zulu tradition views as a sign that the deceased’s wishes might not have been followed.
Reverend Thetha Ngiba from the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church at eKuphakameni explained the religious rule.
“I don’t want to criticise the family’s decision,” he said. “But according to our faith, married men are wrapped in cattle skin, not placed in a coffin. Unmarried men are wrapped in blankets. Women are also not wrapped in cattle skin. It’s a spiritual practice that shows respect and purity.”
However, Mthethwa’s wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi-Mthethwa, chose a special French coffin — the same kind used for French military generals.
She said the coffin symbolised her husband’s legacy as a hero.
General Napoleon Bonaparte is among the historic figures buried in the same style of coffin, which is known for its design and symbolism of honour.
Pictured above: Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa was buried in a coffin despite being a Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church member.
Image source: The Presidency
