Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu and Nqobile Tshili
THREE days of hushed rituals had passed, their secrets held close, before the spirit mediums finally stepped forth. The expectant crowd in the Dula area fell silent, every eye fixed on the figures before them. Then came the pronouncement, heavy with ancient authority — “The ancestors have consented.”
This step was crucial for the community before the commencement of the Old Gwanda Road project. Leading the team who delivered the message during a traditional thanksgiving ceremony, spirit medium Elson Ndlovu revealed that after three nights of appeasing the ancestors and seeking their permission, the ancestors had granted their approval for the project.
The primary objective was to communicate with the ancestral spirits regarding the importance of the developmental project. The spirit mediums then poured traditional brew onto the ground from a calabash, signifying to the public that the ancestors had indeed consented to the endeavour.
The brew was prepared by designated elderly women from the community. The Old Gwanda Road traverses sacred sites in the Zhilo area of Umzingwane, a location likened to the revered shrine of Njelele.
The sacred sites comprise trees, ponds, and mountains, collectively known as “amalinda,” as they are guarded by ancestral spirits. Some of these locations remain unknown even to the spirit mediums.
Past experiences have demonstrated that tampering with such sites can have detrimental consequences, potentially leading to the death of both humans and animals. However, the task is not yet complete, as the spirit mediums have indicated that further rituals may be required as the project progresses.
“The ancestral observance is not conducted by just anyone and is not for public consumption. We convened as recognised spirit mediums from the area and journeyed to a sacred site, which I cannot disclose, to communicate with the ancestors. We performed rituals and informed them of this project.
“They have given their approval, which is why we have returned to the public to deliver the message. In the past, when this road was frequently used by vehicles, the noise caused disturbances, and the ancestors fled from some of the sacred places. We wish to avoid a repetition of such events,” said Ndlovu.
Khulu Fini Moyo, a spirit medium and village head from the area, said that the sacred shrines are visited to conduct traditional rituals, such as rain ceremonies and community cleansing. He stressed their significance to the community and the importance of safeguarding them from interference. Khulu Moyo also noted that while this particular ritual has been completed, further rituals may be necessary if the project encounters difficulties.
“We must acknowledge that we are encroaching upon a sacred space, and additional rituals, albeit on a smaller scale, may be required. As the contractor works and reaches these sacred areas, their machinery may cease functioning. In such instances, we will need to communicate with the ancestors and inform them of the ongoing work. Specific spirit mediums, like myself, are designated to perform this role. Not everyone is permitted to intervene,” he said.
Khulu Moyo said that the sacred shrines have been respected since time immemorial, and this tradition must be upheld to maintain balance within the community. He stressed that while development is essential, traditional customs should not be disregarded.
Khulu Moyo, as a custodian of the community’s sacred shrines, expressed his satisfaction that the developer has adhered to the traditional requirements. He affirmed their commitment to protecting their ancestral heritage.
Zwane Enterprise, the contractor for the Old Gwanda Road, acknowledged the traditional rites as crucial to the project’s success. While some may dismiss the importance of such rituals, Zwane Enterprise’s chief executive officer, Engineer Bekithemba Mbambo, considers them essential before road construction commences.
President Mnangagwa is scheduled to lead the ground-breaking ceremony for the project this Wednesday, enabling the contracted companies to begin work.
“We have no choice but to respect African tradition. The custodians of the culture along the road have instructed us not to proceed with any work until we consulted them. It is critical that we undertake these traditional processes. We have heard stories throughout Africa where these African cultures have been ignored, with detrimental consequences. We do not wish to take such risks,” said Mbambo, who identifies as a traditionalist.
He said that during initial community consultation meetings, they engaged with the custodians of Elitsheni in Dula, known as the Second Njelele, to inform them about the road construction project.
Similar to the Njelele Shrine in Matobo district, Elitsheni in Dula holds significant spiritual importance, particularly as the road passes through the area.
“Regarding the traditional ceremony, the custodians of the area stipulated that we could not begin work without it. We are pleased to comply. It is a matter of profound importance to us. It is not an appeasement, as we have done no wrong. We are following the guidance of those who are in contact with African spiritual channels. They approached us, and it is only right that we take their concerns seriously. It is an integral part of the entire construction process,” said Mbambo.
Speaking at the traditional thanksgiving ceremony, Vice-President Kembo Mohadi said that such traditions and customs should not be overlooked. He stated that they signify respect and appreciation for the sacrifices and wisdom of the ancestors.
“I would like to thank our ancestors who have paved the way for us to commence the Old Gwanda Road rehabilitation project. We also thank our spirit mediums who mediated between us and the ancestors. This rite is a testament to our unwavering commitment to preserving our traditions and honouring our ancestors,” he said.
