By Celani Sikhakhane
Thousands of fearless women from the Shembe Church gathered in eBuhleni, Inanda, to celebrate their sacred virginity in the midst of freezing weather.
Under the watchful gaze of the church leader, the charismatic uNyazi Lwezulu Mduduzi Shembe, these brave ladies unleashed their dance moves and belted out heavenly hymns.
This annual gathering, known as Inhlangano, is a significant event for the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church of the eBuhleni faction.
Known as Inhlangano, this annual gathering is the holy grail for the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church’s eBuhleni faction. The festivities kicked off on 1 July, and they plan to keep the sizzling spirit alive all month long.
During the gathering, some women will receive marriage proposals, and thousands will be married on the same day.
Thokozani Mncwabe, the spokesperson for the church, said the sacred dance performed by women is exclusively for virgins.
“They started on Sunday to collect the uThingo which is the rainbow plant from Ntanda an hour away from eBuhleni and presented it to uNyazi Lwezulu,” said Mncwabe.
Mncwabe emphasised that women voluntarily engage in this practice with sincere devotion.
He said that around 2,000 couples are expected to be married on the final day of the annual gathering, and men are welcome to attend and choose a woman they want to marry.
The Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church is one of the most prominent factions in South African religion.
Founded in 1910 by Prophet Isaiah Shembe, the church has experienced power struggles over the years, resulting in different splinter groups led by different leaders.
The church’s major factions include eKuphakamene, led by Johannes Galilee Shembe (Incoyincoyi); eBuhleni, led by Mduduzi Shembe (Unyazi LweZulu); and Thembezinhle, led by the late Vela Shembe (Imisebe yeLanga).
The youth of the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church have gained recognition for their active presence in higher learning institutions.
During graduation season, they form groups and attend ceremonies wearing their church regalia, combined with graduation gowns and hoods, creating a spectacle that generates excitement and draws crowds.
Pictured above: Shembe Nazareth Baptist church leader of eBuhleni Mduduzi Shembe Unyazi lweZulu showering thousands of virgins with blessings
Image source: Supplied
