By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
PhotoCredit: SandileNdlovu.
The Nazareth Baptist Church, also known as “Shembe” will from midnight embark on a sacred pilgrimage to Ekhenana Holy Mountain.
This annual pilgrimage, steeped in tradition and spirituality, holds immense significance for the members of the Nazareth Baptist Church as it marks a holy start to the new year.
Founded in 1910, the Nazareth Baptist Church, is the second-largest, African-initiated church in South Africa.
This years the 113th pilgrimage will see over 40 000 churchgoers including men, women and children walk some 60km from eThekwini to Ndwedwe.
The pilgrimage, holds immense significance for the members of the Nazareth Baptist Church also known as the Shembe church.
The Ebuhleni faction-briefed the media on their plans ahead of the pilgrimage.
Pastor Sihle Msomi says safety and security are their top priority.
“All preparations are ready to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage. We have had discussions with government and submitted needed documents to ensure that our devotees will be safe on the roads.
“We also ask motorist to be patient with us and plead with our members to listen to the marshals and walk on the left side of the roads. We also plead with our members to also allow vehicles to pass and listen to the traffic officers deployed.”
EThekwini Metro police released a statement assuring the safety of all members who will be embarking on the walk.
“The Durban Metro police will be there to ensure road safety to everyone who will be partaking in the walk. Some roads will be closed. The affected road will be M25, and uMzinyathi main road will also be affected,” read the statement.