Cleansing ceremony held to reunite Umthambeka community

Umthambeka residents gathered for a reconciliation and cleansing ceremony on November 17.

The event was organised by the Umthambeka Community Forum in collaboration with local churches.

Forum member Muzi Mazibuko said a misunderstanding happened in 1991, where a young boy was shot and killed by a well-known comrade, which led to a war that claimed innocent lives.

“There was a basic principle that said if you kill, you should also be killed through mob justice.

“The community felt that discipline needed to be instilled, but fellow comrades refused to implement the agreed-upon principle.

“This angered friends of the young boy who was killed and they retaliated.

“This divided the community between those who supported the boy’s family and those who sided with the comrades,” explained Mazibuko.

He said the young people who supported the family eventually sought refuge in Vusumuzi hostel.

According to Mazibuko, the cleansing ceremony aimed to properly reconcile and reintegrate those who were displaced from their homes prior to the 1994 national elections.

“We felt that a cleansing ceremony is needed to ensure that there is reconciliation.

“Above all, families of the victims need closure and peace,” said Mazibuko.

An induna (chief) from Vusumuzi hostel, Vusumuzi Mbatha, said he was very excited about the initiative.

“It was a very beautiful event.

“We loved the event as izinduna (chiefs) and we wish that everything that has been said and promised at this event comes true because this is an initiative that promises a bright future.

“We appeal to the community to embrace these children and unite.

“Let us all heal and forget about what happened in the past,” said Mbatha.