/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8005_748610.jpg "Congregants kneel and pray before entering the water on 3 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8265_799088.jpg "Bishop Sabbath Thwala splashes water during an Easter Friday baptism ceremony in Kliprivier on 3 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8259_869418.jpg "A congregant passes a candle to a fellow worshipper on 3 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8277_952118.jpg "Bishop Sabbath Thwala of Kingdom of God Church in Zion immerses a congregant in the water as fellow worshippers look on during an Easter Friday baptism in Kliprivier. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8102_837546.jpg "Teboho Qhetsi walks toward a waterfall during Easter Friday services in Kliprivier. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8234_185739.jpg "A pair of congregants quietly pray on 3 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8406_363014.jpg "Congregants take part in baptism ceremonies during Easter Friday services in Kliprivier, south of Johannesburg, marking a moment of faith, renewal and spiritual commitment. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8390_548715.jpg "A member of the church is immersed in water. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8148_340554.jpg "Nomthandazo Khumalo sits atop a waterfall as Ayanda Khumalo and Mzwandile Mdladla pray beneath it during Easter Friday baptisms in Kliprivier. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8377_742349.jpg "Congregants pray beneath flowing water. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8343_322972.jpg "Bishops hold hands in the water while carrying church symbols during Easter Friday services in Kliprivier. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8083_453713.jpg "Lerato Sekoboto emerges from the water during Good Friday ceremonies on 3 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8632_543533.jpg "Reverend Simon Raboroko emerges from the water on Good Friday. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
PHOTO ESSAY
Easter Friday baptisms draw congregants to Kliprivier, south of Johannesburg
On Easter Friday, churches gathered in Kliprivier, south of Johannesburg, to hold baptism ceremonies, where congregants dressed in a range of garments took part in the ritual, drawing family members and fellow worshippers to witness a powerful moment of faith, cleansing and spiritual renewal.
Kingdom of God Church in Zion Bishop Sabbath Thwala immerses a congregant into the water as assistant Bishop Mnongo looks on during an Easter Friday baptism in Kliprivier on 3 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)