By Lungisani Mkhulise
The flair of movement, performance and singing by students of the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church was used as a form of entertainment as they showcased their way of worship in the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Madiba House Residence recently.
The visit was organised by the Nazareth Tertiary Students Association (NATESA), that is active in several higher education institutions across the KwaZulu Natal. “Our goal is to reach students where they are, using something that’s part of our identity, music, and dance. It is how we connect spiritually and culturally,” said Simiso Buthelezi, one of the participants.
They performed their dances which are steeped in Zulu perfomances as they moved to sounds of indigenous instruments such as isiqomu and imbomu.
Amahle Dlamini, a student who is also part of NATESA, said the association welcomes new members and seeks to maintain a presence at all tertiary institutions. “We are here to show students that they do not have to walk their faith journey alone while at university. NATESA is a home away from home,” she explained.
Sanelisiwe Sithole, a student who lives at Madiba House, said she was surprised by the visit. “I did not know NATESA existed and I am so excited because I go to the Nazareth Church back home. It feels good to know there is a Nazareth church here at Durban University of Technology.”
