PHOTO ESSAY
Down in the River to Pray: Good Friday Baptism ceremony at the Klipriver bridge
Various churches gather on the holy day of Good Friday to baptise their congregants. Members of the Holy Apostolic Church of Zion in Tokoza took part in the cleansing ceremony as part of the Good Friday church ceremonies on 29 March 2024 at the Kliprivier.
Members of the Holy Apostolic Church of Zion in Tokoza took part in the cleansing ceremony as part of the Good Friday church ceremonies on 29 March 2024 on Kliprivier. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Ndumiso Mvubu, Bishop Ntokozo Zulu, Nqabakazi Shabalala, Nomfiso Shabalala, Relebohile Nthene and Keletso Nthene before the ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A reflection. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Archbishop Mbuso Dlamini and Hendrick Genu of the Holy Apostolic Church of Zion in Tokoza started the cleansing ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Archbishop Mbuso Dlamini and Hendrick Genu surrender to the river. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Archbishop Mbuso Dlamini. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Hendrick Genu was overcome by spirits during the baptism. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Archbishop Mbuso Dlamini baptised a member of his Holy Apostolic Church of Zion. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Bishop Ntokozo Zulu baptises Nqabakazi Shabalala as part of the cleansing ceremony with Ndumiso Mvubu (L) and Keletso Nthene (R) (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Bishop Ntokozo Zulu baptises Nqabakazi Shabalala as part of the cleansing ceremony (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Bishop Ntokozo Zulu poures milk on Nqabakazi Shabalala as part of the cleansing ceremony with Ndumiso Mvubu(L) and Keletso Nthene (R). (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Members of the Holy Apostolic Church of Zion in Tokoza took part in the cleansing ceremony as part of the Good Friday church ceremonies on 29 March 2024 on Kliprivier. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) DM
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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.
The operative words are ” … otherwise sensible people.” ! No wonder in the US, a former president has taken to ‘selling’ bibles, especially amongst the ‘evangelicals’ .. many of whom would no doubt go to ‘war’ (literally) for him . A book which he has likely never read … let alone understood ! “The power of myth is …… ” sums it up neatly.
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.
Cannot agree more Laurette!
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?
Who exactly are the ‘mainstream churches’ you feel should have this control? And who gets to decide what is mainstream & what isn’t. FYI variations of this church (ZCC) have been around since about 1920……& have a following of approx 12 million.
Who exactly are the ‘mainstream churches’ you feel should have this control? And who gets to decide what is mainstream & what isn’t. FYI variations of this church (ZCC) have been around since about 1920……& have a following of approx 12 million.
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!