Shembe maidens face backlash over topless Reed Dance
Nazareth Baptist Church maidens carry twigs from the Ntanda forest during their vow of virginity ceremony. Some have faced backlash after participating in last weekend's Reed Dance in Phongolo, which fell on the Sabbath, a day of humility, prayer and fasting.
By Charles KhuzwayoSouth Africa
AI summary
Sign in to read the summary
Shembe Church members have questioned the participation of young female church members in the Reed Dance in Phongolo, with some arguing that going topless on the Sabbath conflicts with church rules. The eBuhleni faction says the Reed Dance is open to everyone and distinguishes between church rules and members' private lives.
Follow the story
About this article
- Length
- 51 words · 1 min read
- Published
- September 20, 2026
- Byline
- Charles Khuzwayo
- Source
- IOL