Healers from new church explain their faith

After years of being sidelined by main-stream churches because of their traditional beliefs, a group of Katlehong traditional healers have started their own church.

Led by their high priest and traditional healer, u-Mfundisi John Shongwe, the Ezemvelo Zangoma Church, is based in Twala Section.

The church has been growing steadily since it was started about 20 years ago and its members come from different parts of Kathorus as well as other parts of the country, including Mpumalanga.

The church was established after many of its members say they were disappointed by the attitude of priests and pastors at main-stream churches, who they claim often discriminate against traditional beliefs.

“We deal with people and their problems from a different perspective which caters for their traditional needs and beliefs. Our approach to faith is different from that of conventional main-stream churches and the way they worship,” explained Mma Shongwe, wife of the church’s leader uMfundisi John Shongwe.

The church does not have a uniform, but members are allowed to dress in their traditional attire, which comprises of beads and both men and women carry traditional whisks as well as other paraphernalia worn by traditional healers. Songs invoke the ancestors and each member or congregant is allowed to call upon his or her ancestors during the service.

Members of the Ezemvelo Zangoma Church, told Kathorus MAIL that they gather for worship in a backyard room in Twala Section. Members of the church worship by beating cow-hide drums and invoke ancestral spirits for guidance and treating members who seek spiritual help.