28/01/2023
Days Before Church
By Charity Nyoni
Chapter 1
“Aren’t you a church member?” Asked a young woman, who was wearing skimpy clothes. Her question was directed to a woman, who was neatly dressed. The attention of everyone who was in the queue to see the Sangoma (traditional healer) was shifted to the woman. Her name was Madlodlo, she fixed her attention to a distant horizon, pretending not to hear anything.
“We know you church members, it’s almost time for the church elections. That’s why you’re here.” The young woman continued to heap coals on Madlodlo’s back. The other people on the queue burst into laughter.
Madlodlo was the next to get in and she felt relieved as she removed her shoes and got into the Sangoma’s room,
“Makhosi,” the sangoma, sneezed and coughed. The Sangoma was an old woman, whose clothes were covered by scary animal skin and fur. Different kinds of beads accompanied the fur on both her clothes and doek. “I have been expecting you. Vumani bo!”
“Siyavuma gogo!” Madlodlo responded as she knelt respectfully before, the sangoma. “You know how you’ve helped me to keep my position in church for so long. This year, I have come for the same.”
“Madlodlo, grrrrrrrrrrrrr! Haaaa!” She spit into a small animal skin bag that contained her divination bones. “I’m sorry, I cannot help you and your church members anymore!”
“But why Gobela? You have been our anchor for all these years. How can you just throw us to the wolves for no reason?”
“He gave me a warning, to leave his people! He told me not to continue working with wolves in sheep’s clothing, to lead his remnant astray.”
“Who?”
“The owner of the church! Help me by spreading word to your friends, that I don’t help you anymore to get church ranks. Leave now, before his anger strikes me to death!”
Like a silly puppy, Madlodlo tucked her tail in between her legs and tiptoed out of the room. When she got outside, she saw a number of church members in the queue as well. She gave them a sign to meet her privately out of the gate,
“Guys, things have changed, Gobela will not help us again.”
“Why?” Asked a shocked Bab’ Gumede.
“She said, God visited her.”
“We will find another person to help us then.” Said Gumede.
“Mmm, I think we shouldn’t do that. The time for all this to end has come, unless if you want to die.” Said Madlamini, a forty years looking woman.
“I agree with you, Bab’ Gumede. We can’t afford to be back benchers at church.” Said Madlodlo.
“Guys, this is getting dangerous. Let’s just leave it. I agree with Madlamini.” Said another man, Ntuli.
“Those who want to go with me, let’s go.” Said Gumede. Madlodlo and other four women followed him, leaving Ntuli and Madlamini behind.
A few days later, Madlodlo stood on the church’s pulpit with a smile, wearing her ever decent clothes, preaching,
“Bazalwane, this is the time to change! God calls us to repent and to be separate from the rest of the world, for we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood! People who are set apart for the work of GOD. Our homes should be the little heavens…..”
Sitting in the congregation was her daughter, Ruth. Ruth was on her phone during the whole presentation whilst her younger sister, Simangele was in tears all the time. An elderly woman, Mrs Ntuli was sitting next to Simangele,
“Ooh, my child! Don’t cry,” Mantuli whispered at ear shot. “Your mother is such a talented preacher, she knows just how to appeal to the soul. Her sermons are always emotional. She knows what to say at the right time. May God continue to bless her.”
“You won’t understand.” Said Simangele as she wiped her tears, took her handbag and stormed out of the church; leaving Mrs Ntuli confused.
To be continued.........................................+263782112686
