Shembe Celebrations
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| Location: |
Zululand, South Africa |
| Cost: |
R450 -R495 pp |
| Duration: |
1 Day |
| Date: |
15 - 30 October 2010 |
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Use your own vehicle if possible as this gives you flexibility to leave when you want to.Its a long day and we leave when the last person is ready!!. |
Each year during the last three weeks of October over 25,000 Zulu Shembes gather at Judea near Eshowe to meet their Leader. (11th -28th October)
Shembe, Isaia [Isaiah] (1867-1935): Zulu religious leader, healer and founder of the amaNazarites, the largest independent religious movement among the Zulus. Regarded as God by many of his own people,
Johannes Galilee (1904-1975): the successor of Isaia Shembe whose able leadership made the amaNazarites the second largest independent religious movement in Southern Africa.
Under the wise leadership of Amos, the group has moved in a more Christian direction with a greater emphasis on the Bible and person of Jesus.
Mbusi Vimbeni (27 April 1933- 2011): the successor of Bishop Amos Shembe. Was the leader of the major branch of the amaNazarites with over four million followers, most of whom are Zulu.
Since the demise of Vimbeni Shambe there is at present a succession battle which is being played out in the courts.
This Celebration takes place at Judea near Eshowe every year during October. Tens of thousands of faithful followers gather and resurrect the village disbanded after the previous year. In this very vibrant and colourful village hundreds of family shops spring up selling items from food to religious paraphernalia. A hive of economic activity prevails in between a formal religious program.
The Tradituiional gear of the Young Maidens, Older Ladies, Young and older “Warriors” with the “Scottish” in their kilts add to the flavour of the ceremony.Learn about this very strong and influential group and check out how traditional values and christianity have blended into this unique movement.
On the final day there is a mass baptism, wedding and final prayer dances to crown two weeks of prayer and togetherness.
Our tour takes you into the village and introduces you to all the various ceremonial activities being played out in this village of Judea 2012. Morning and afternoon tours available.
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