MBABANE – “When we cleanse in the sea, we speak directly to God for the removal of bad luck in His name.”
This was said by Dr Archbishop Bhekibandla Vilakati of the Jericho Church in Zion, in relation to the upcoming cleansing ceremony scheduled for March 7, 2026 at Richards Bay in South Africa.
Vilakati explained that the cleansing ceremony is not restricted to members of the church but is open to anyone seeking cleansing and renewal.
He said even members of Melika Jericho Church in Zion under the leadership of his brother Archbishop Khanyakwezwe Vilakati and members of Enkhosini Apostolic Church in Zion are welcome to the cleansing ceremony since it belongs to God.
“Lwandle lugeza sikhwakhwalala egameni laNkulunkulu. Ngako ke uma sigeza elwandle sisuke sikhuluma naNkulunkulu lucobo lwakhe kutsi asuse tonkhe tinkinga letisikhungetse,” Bhekibandla said.
He loosely translated this to mean: “The sea removes bad luck, so when we cleanse in it, we communicate with God directly, so that He can deliver us from all troubles.”
It is worth noting that sea water is universally regarded across cultures as a powerful, purifying and sacred force. It is often viewed as the primordial source of life, a spiritual bridge between realms and an agent of cleansing for negative energy.
The sea is frequently associated with healing, emotional renewal and the divine, although it is also feared for its dangerous and unpredictable nature, according to Taylor and Francis.
Bhekibandla stated that the cleansing ceremony provides an opportunity for repentance, likening it to the vision Prophet Isaiah saw after King Uzziah’s death.
He expressed the belief that those who participate in the ceremony will experience wonders following the event.
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Jericho Church in Zion Archbishop Dr Bhekibandla Vilakati (carrying an iron rod) with church members in this file pic.