/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8005_748610.jpg "Congregants kneel and pray before entering the water on 03 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 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8259_869418.jpg "A congregant passes candles to fellow worshippers on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8277_952118.jpg "Kingdom of God Church in Zion Bishop Sabbath Thwala immerses a congregant into the water as other members look on during an Easter Friday baptism in Kliprivier on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8102_837546.jpg "Teboho Qhetsi walks toward a waterfall during Easter Friday services in Kliprivier on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8234_185739.jpg "Two female congregants pray quietly on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8406_363014.jpg "Congregants dressed in white take part in baptism ceremonies during Easter Friday services in Kliprivier, south of Johannesburg, marking a moment of faith, renewal and spiritual commitment on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8390_548715.jpg "A member of the church is fully immersed in water on 03 April 2026. (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 on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8377_742349.jpg "Congregants pray beneath a waterfall on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8343_322972.jpg "Bishops hold hands in the water while carrying church sticks adorned with crosses and circles during Easter Friday services in Kliprivier on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/6I1A8083_453713.jpg "Lerato Sekoboto emerges from the water on 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)")
/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_8632_543533.jpg "Reverend Simon Raboroko emerges from the water on 03 April 2026. (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 03 April 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)