Celani Sikhakhane
More than 2,000 couples are expected to tie the knot as part of the closing ceremony of umgidi kaJuly at the Shembe Baptist Church this year.
Scrolla.Africa understands that during this time, members of the church are not allowed to engage in sexual activities.
“As church members we don’t engage in sex during the whole month of July,” one member of the church told Scrolla.Africa.
“To us adults it is not a problem. But young people, you would see that they are trying hard to observe this tradition, but it is not easy at all,” she said.
Shembe eBuhleni spokesperson Thokozani Mncwabe could not be drawn into the conversation.
“There are things that are not discussed in public because they are the strict tradition of the church that no one should talk about anyhow.”
However, Mncwabe did reveal some of the church’s umgidi kaJuly customs.
“Well, I can confirm that during this month we don’t eat steamed bread and there are other things we don’t do.”
He said the annual month-long ceremony is taking place at eBuhleni near Ndwedwe and will be attended by more than 20,000 congregants.
Mncwabe revealed that last year about 1,000 couples tied the knot and more than 5,000 ladies were asked for their hands in marriage by their partners.
The church has a strong history of being the champion of African culture, mostly Zulu tradition.
Taxi owners, street vendors and other businesses are enjoying themselves as many people spend more money for the whole month of July. Business is also booming in the eBuhleni area where the pilgrimage is held.
Image source: @EastCoastRadio
