NAZARETH Baptist Church leader, Mduduzi "Nyazilwezulu" Shembe, of Ebuhleni faction has appealed to all members of the church to behave as they embark on their annual three-day holy walk.
Scores of church members painted Inanda, north of Durban white as they started their walk around midnight, Wednesday, 3 January with the leader leading the walk.
He appealed to church members to obey all law enforcement authorities who will be controlling traffic and ensuring they have a safe walk.
“Those who take medication must do so and not leave their medication behind. If you don't t feel well, do not force yourself to walk. You can use a car. The blessing will be the same at the end of the day. I wish everyone a safe walk,” he said.
The congregation embarks on this walk every year where they walk for three days from Inanda to Ndwendwe, which is more than 30km apart.
They walk from church headquarters to Ekhenana holy mountain where they stay for the entire January to pray for blessings of the new year.
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This is the walk that was first walked by the first church leader 110 years ago and it has been happening ever since. During the three days period, the congregants walk and rest along the way for porridge and water.
They sleep on the road and forest where the walk breaks for the day until they arrive at the destination. Times for moving, breaks and stops is decided by the leader, who leads the walk from the front.
Ethekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda wished the church a safe and peaceful pilgrimage to the holy mountain.
“The city will continue to provide necessary support to all the Nazareth Baptist Church devotees to ensure that pilgrimage is successful, safe and incident free. The church has been instrumental in the liberation struggle, advocating for building of strong family structures and preservation of cultural heritage,” said Kaunda.
Church member Sandile Mthembu (29) said he last took part in the walk when he was still a teenager but this year, he decided to take part and he's really enjoying it.
“This walk is not just a walk but a special walk. It gives you time to engage with the Lord and not be distracted by world things. I know it's still the first day, but I'm still strong and looking forward to the next two days,” he said.
Another member, Ntombizodwa Buthelezi (42) said: “As we grow older, we value this walk more than anything. This is where we get to pray for our children and their safety as most of them are unable to attend due to their work or school busy schedule.”
No incidents have been reported yet, and all emergency services are with the congregants as they walk.
