Ingudlungudlu yoNyazi, Mrs
Thalente MaMzobe Shangase (28) and Mrs Sbongile MaNzimande Dlamini
(23). Talk to us about being raised as pure maidens of the Nazareth Baptist church’, also referred to as
‘amaKhosazane oNyazi. To becoming young wives, also known as
‘iNgudlungudlu yoNyazi
The Nazareth Baptist Church (NBC), is most popular in the KwaZulu-Natal and in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.
It is one of the oldest and traditional churches in the country. It’s Founder and originator was Prophet Shembe who founded the church in 1910.
Mrs Shangase and Mrs
Dlamini, both grew up in the NBC as young maidens and they spoke to our Editor Gugu Mhlongo. On being raised in the church, the challenges they faced as young madens and
transitioning into becoming young wive, ‘ukoti oluncane’.
Thalente Mamzobe
Shangase
Q: Please tell us more about who you are and your background.
A: / was raised by my mother single-handedly at eNgonyameni near the Umlazi Township. In Durban, KwaZulu-Natal I am the first born of four children. Two younger sisters and a baby brother. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Education (2016) and an Honours Degree in Education (2021). Both attained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal I was raised under the NBC. My husband and my marital family are from kwaSwayimane, outside of Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal.
Q: With alcohol, substances and all the other pressures a young woman faces. What encouraged you to remain a pure maiden?
A: My mother raised us as a single-parent, me being the oldest child. I always felt it was my duty to set a good examples for my siblings, especially my younger sisters. I never wanted to find myself in a situation, where I had an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy as it would have affected my education and future. We are also given very good guidance at our church.
My goal was just to remain pure and follow my dreams whilst making my mother proud as we are taught at the Nazareth Baptist Church, that if you obey your parents you will reap many good rewards.
I am happy I was able to also build my mother a house and buy myself a car before marriage.
Q: How did you and your husband, Mr Shangase meet?
A: He chose me at church, at NBC there is a strict rule that a pure maiden ‘iNkosazane’ is selected for marriage. So that is how I got married. I was selected and my husband followed all of our IsiZulu traditional customs and those of our church until we got married. We have now been married for two years.
Q: Talk to us about the transition from being a pure maiden to becoming a young wife
A: To date, Ihave not had much experience as a wife.
As I have only been married for a short while. However, I have a mother-in-law who is very graceful and kind enough to walk me through being a wife. She teaches me all that I need to know and guides me with love and tenderness where she needs
- Sbongile MaNzimande Dlamini
Q: Please tell us more about who you are and your background.
A: My name is Sbongile Dlamini, I grew up in the iNanda Township under the INK area. North of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. I currently live at iNanda, I went to
eHlengimpilo Primary School and I completed my High at eMqhawe
Secondary School in iNanda. I was raised by both my parents.
Q: With alcohol, substances and all the other pressures a young woman faces. What encouraged you to remain a pure maiden?
A My parents were very strict of which today I’m grateful for as if it were not for their guidance I may have gone astray. I grew up under the Nazareth Baptist Church; we went to church every Saturday. The guidance and teachings we receive at Church as young and pure maidens is what encouraged me to keep myself for marriage.
Q: How did you and your husband, Mr Dlamini meet?
A While I was still a pure maiden at church in the year - In December of that year, he came to my parents with the intention of marrying me ‘ukuzocela’. He had already long shown his interest towards me, he persued me and we continued getting to know each other ‘dating’. while I remained a pure maiden
‘intombi-nto’. In 2022, last year, he continues with our marriage preparations
‘umembeso’ and laterin
August of 2022 we then got married, while I was still a pure maiden.
Q: Talk to us about the transition from being a pure maiden to becoming a young wife
A: hear that there are many challenges that one faces as a wife. Others have complained about the ill-treatment that they endure at the hands of their mother-in-law or by their in-laws as a whole. Thankfully, Ihave not experienced such treatment.
What Ican say is that, it is important to remain humble and respectful of your in-laws.
It is more especially important to respect your husband who chose you and made you a wife. It is also important to have a good manner in which you carry yourself and to respect all people and treat them equally regardless of their standing in society