By Motshwari Mo Mofokeng
The rural community of KwaXimba, situated west of Durban, is getting ready for a traditional cleansing ceremony intended to bring peace to spirits thought to be linked to a tragic accident that occurred over a century ago. Community leaders state that the ceremony will pay tribute to European tourists who lost their lives in a bus crash near a local bridge nearly 100 years ago. Residents believe that the spirits of those who perished may still be present in the area, potentially leading to the ongoing accidents that have taken place at the bridge throughout the years.
Local leader Musa Mkhize, who is also part of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, mentioned that the community aims to tackle the issue using cultural and spiritual practices. “As black people, we have our own methods of honoring the deceased and respectfully guiding their spirits away from the location where they died,” Mkhize stated. “If these spirits are not properly guided, they may lead to further tragedies.”
Ceremony Before Easter The cleansing ceremony is set for 25 March, just ahead of the Easter season. It will include members of the Ebuhleni Shembe Church, led by Inkosi Mduduzi
Nyazilwezulu Shembe. Community members are hopeful that the ceremony will aid in restoring spiritual
balance in the area and provide closure to both the tourists who died long ago and the families who have lost loved ones in subsequent accidents.
A Bridge Marked by Tragedy Over the years, this bridge has witnessed numerous tragic accidents.
Eight years ago, 19 church members tragically lost their lives when their minibus taxi went over the bridge and tumbled down the hillside. In 2005, five family members perished when their car fell off the same bridge. Another heartbreaking incident happened in 2019, when seven individuals were killed
after a truck lost control on Magoso Road close to the bridge.
These ongoing events have left lasting wounds in the community, with many families
still mourning their losses. Hope for Healing Residents express that the upcoming ceremony is not just about spiritual cleansing but also about healing for the community. Many are hopeful that the ritual will bring peace to the spirits of those who passed away and help avert future tragedies on the road.
Community leaders are convinced that merging traditional practices with heightened awareness of road safety could finally put an end to the cycle of accidents that has plagued the KwaXimba bridge for generations.
