Down in the River to Pray: Good Friday Baptism ceremony at the Klipriver bridge

How can that water be fit enough that humans can immerse themselves in it? While all religions are recognised in South Africa how many of them kill their congregants like this particular church? Quite a few people are washed away and drown every year yet their is no outcry.

Fantastic pictures! I am amazed by the power of religion over people. I'm guessing that "believers believe," even in the face of considerable personal risk. Here, it is easy for people to be washed away, to ingest toxic pathogens, and sepsis via any skin wounds. The power of myth is immense and psychologically compelling. Perhaps it also explains why the wildest conspiracies can hold sway over otherwise sensible people.

Exquisite images, Felix Dlangamandla! Some of these remind me of Baroque Religious Paintings, the chiaroscuro in the works showing the archbishop's standing in a cascade is simply breathtaking.

I used to cycle across that bridge. Every time there was a new car parked nearby where the occupants were busy doing their laundry in the river next to the bridge. The foam that has now built up has polluted the river to such an extent that the fish are deformed and have damaged years. To make matters worse there are now shacks being built in the veld by interestingly enough people who own cars and illegal dumpers and paper recyclers have devastated the area. Needless to say I won’t be riding there again as it’s now unsafe.

How did this Dlamini character get to be named Archbishop? Do mainstream Christian Churches have no power to interdict pretenders from wearing the Christian cross? Like ANC objecting to that other con-man trading under the name of MK?

Your photography is excellent!!!! The 1st time I have this privilege to witness the ritual we heard of so often. It made me feel as if I was really with them in that moment. ?

Great pics!