Some members of the Nazareth Baptist Church, known as the Shambe Church, have faced criticism after participating in the recent Reed dance (uMkhosi woMhlanga) at the eMasobeni Royal Palace in Phongolo. This dance took place last weekend, falling on Saturday, which is traditionally a day of prayer, fasting, and humility.
Social media was filled with comments ranging from shock to condemnation, as some church members questioned the participation of Shambe girls who took part in the ceremony without upper garments.
Traditionally, the Reed Dance celebrates the chastity of young women and is associated with the girls wearing traditional attire, including bare chests. However, some critics referred to church rules outlined in Book 25, which require young maidens to observe modesty and not go naked on Saturday.
Tamia Bosula expressed her shock after seeing on TikTok that some Shambe maidens attending the virginity ceremony in the Ntanda mountains were also participating in the Reed Dance. She questioned how one could violate the Sabbath rules, even if circumstances forced absence from church, while celebrating and performing without upper clothing on a Saturday.
Bosula cited the example of eBukhleni faction leader Mduduzi 'Nyasizilezu' Shambe, who did not attend the official coronation of King Misuzulu Kazvelatini at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 29, 2022, because the event fell on a Saturday. He stated that he wanted to attend the celebration but 'because I am an inmate, I am bound by the Sabbath, I cannot.'
Bosula asked what justification there was for violating the Sabbath by participating in the Reed Dance. She argued that even if participants did not eat hot food or drink hot beverages during the Reed Dance, they had already violated the Sabbath by taking part in the ceremony without upper clothing on a day she described as a day of worship and humility.
Spalelle Mpangazita supported Bosula's position. Other church members also voiced concerns about women wearing trousers and artificial hair, such as weaves.
However, Tokozani Mnhwabe, a representative of the eBukhleni faction of the Shambe Church, stated that it is necessary to distinguish between church rules and personal life norms. He noted that the Reed Dance is open to the entire nation, and Shambe maidens participate when they have the opportunity.
Mnhwabe clarified that trousers cannot be worn in the church or temple, and artificial hair is also forbidden in temples. He explained that the church rule regarding temples is that the church does not interfere in a person's private affairs; the decision remains with the parents, but there are rules in the temples: one cannot simply enter the temple without upper clothing; one must wear a head covering and be covered in umnazareta (a robe similar to the habit worn by church members).
The rules of the Shambe Church are closely linked to Zulu culture and permit polygamy. The consumption of hot meals on Saturday (Sabbath) is prohibited, and pork and alcohol are strictly forbidden. The church encourages unmarried young women to maintain chastity.