Shembe Church factions embark on annual sacred pilgrimage to holy mountains
SACRED PILGRIMAGE
THE eBuhleni faction of the Nazareth Baptist Church yesterday turned the streets white as they set off on their sacred pilgrimage to the holy mountain of Khenana members are walking to the eKhenana led by Inkosi Mduduzi Shembe.
Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO Independent Newspapers
THE Mayor of Ndwedwe Local Municipality, Zwengithini Mfeka (in a black suit) on Saturday welcomed the pilgrims of the eKuphakameni faction of Shembe Church as they arrive at the Nhlangakazi Holy Mountain after a torturous barefooted pilgrimage.
Image: Ndwedwe Local Municipality
INKOSI Vukile Shembe, the leader of the eKuphakameni faction of the Nazareth Baptist Church, popularly known as the Shembe Church arrived at the Nhlangakazi Holy Mountain on Saturday following the sacred pilgrimage. The faithful and their leader will be in the mountain until Thursday as they embark on prayers, traditional hymns and other sacred practices to begin the year.
Image: Ndwedwe Local Municipality
MEMBERS of the eBuhleni faction of Nazareth Baptist Church, popularly known as the Shembe Church, yesterday started their annual sacred pilgrimage to the holy mountain of eKhenana, in Nsuze, eNdwedwe.
They were led by the church's leader Inkosi Mduduzi "uNyazilwezulu" Shembe and joined by thousands of the church's faithful, including the IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa who was celebrating his birthday yesterday.
On Saturday, the Mayor of Ndwedwe Local Municipality Zwengithini Mfeka welcomed the leader eKuphakameni faction of the Shembe Church, Inkosi Vukile "Ncoyincoyi" Shembe and thousands of the faithful when they arrived at the Nhlangakazi Holy Mountain for their stay that will last until Thursday.
This year marks a continuation of a peaceful pilgrimage by the different factions of the church; one of the largest hybrid churches that blends Christianity and Zulu traditional beliefs. A court order instructed the factions to schedule their pilgrimage to avoid clashes that were synonymous with the pilgrimage. Police escorts have historically been present during the pilgrimage to prevent violent clashes. In 2013, two members of eBuhleni faction were injured when a car they were travelling in was sprayed with bullets.
The use of different mountains and starting the pilgrimage on different days has also helped.
Several political parties including the ANC, IFP and uMkhonto weSizwe Party have extended their best wishes to the Shembe Church, which has a collective following amounting to more than a million across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
In a statement, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal described the pilgrimage as a deeply spiritual journey that goes beyond physical endurance.
“This hallowed journey is far more than a mere passage of distance; it is a profound pilgrimage of the soul, a divine opportunity for reflection, prayer and communion with the Almighty.
“It is a time for spiritual renewal, where the faithful seek guidance, strength and blessings to illuminate their lives and communities,” the party said.
The ANC urged congregants to remember the party in their prayers and appealed to various authorities to support pilgrims during the journey.
“We also call upon the local municipalities of eThekwini, Ndwedwe and KwaMaphumulo, together with the Departments of Health and Transport, to take every necessary measure to safeguard the wellbeing of all participants,” the statement said.
IFP president Hlabisa also conveyed his party’s best wishes, describing the pilgrimage as “a journey of faith, spiritual renewal, reflection and unity”.
“The IFP wishes all pilgrims a safe, peaceful and fulfilling journey, and trusts that their faith, resilience and sense of purpose will be strengthened through this revered spiritual undertaking,” said Hlabisa.
MEMBERS of the eKuphakameni faction of the Nazareth Baptist Church popularly known as the Shembe Church reached the holy mountain of eNhlangakazi on Saturday where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Ndwedwe Local Municipality Zwengithini Mfeka after their successful sacred pilgrimage.
Image: Ndwedwe Local Municipality
He further called on the church to continue praying for the country during the pilgrimage.
“The IFP calls upon the Church, during this period of prayer and reflection, to intercede for peace, social cohesion and prosperity in South Africa, as well as for calm, credible and peaceful upcoming elections. Such prayers remain vital in nurturing national unity and moral renewal,” he said.
The three-day pilgrimage, covering distances of between 50km and 80km, draws tens of thousands of barefoot pilgrims who endure harsh summer conditions to reach the holy mountains of Khenana and Nhlangakazi. Worshippers typically remain there for about two weeks to a month, engaging in intense worship, sacred dance, fasting, prayer and hymn singing. The pilgrimage also includes the sacred offering of stones wrapped in grass to the ancestors.
Historically, the pilgrimage was undertaken to Nhlangakazi Holy Mountain. However, leadership divisions within the church led the eBuhleni faction, the largest grouping, to relocate to Khenana Mountain, while the eKuphakameni, Ginyezinye and Thembezinhle factions continue to use Nhlangakazi.
The Thembezinhle faction will be in the same mountain from January 8 to 15. The Ginyezinye faction will be in the mountain from January 9 to 15.
The eBuhleni faction will be in the mountain from Monday until the last day of January at eKhenana Mountain.
The messages from political parties come as preparations intensify for this year’s local government elections. The ANC is also in the final stages of preparations for its annual January 8 Statement, which will be delivered at Moruleng Stadium in the Bojanala Platinum District in the North West.
The church remains the destination for political leaders who seek blessings from it prior to elections. Its teachings are steeped in Zulu culture and customs.