Naledi Aphiwe under fire over Shembe church comments! Rising music star Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane has found herself at the center of a heated controversy after openly criticizing the marriage customs of the Shembe Church.
The debate started when social media users raised concerns about the practice of older men seeking young brides during a mass engagement ceremony in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Myongwane’s Strong Criticism Sparks Outrage
Myongwane, known for being outspoken on social issues, joined the discussion and did not hold back in expressing her views.
In a series of social media posts, she strongly condemned the practice, questioning why young women were marrying significantly older men.
Naledi Aphiwe under fire
She went as far as mocking the tradition, sarcastically suggesting that these young brides would either become widows early or be left with the responsibility of caring for elderly husbands.
Her remarks quickly went viral, sparking a wave of backlash from Shembe Church members, who viewed her comments as disrespectful and uninformed.
Shembe Church Defends Its Marriage Practices
The Shembe Church, which has a strong cultural and religious presence in KwaZulu-Natal, did not take kindly to Myongwane’s criticism.
Church spokesperson Thokozani Mncwabe swiftly responded, dismissing her comments and warning her to stay out of church matters.
“We do not interfere in her music, so she should not interfere in our church affairs,” Mncwabe stated.
He accused Myongwane of lacking an understanding of Shembe customs and misrepresenting their traditions.
Furthermore, Mncwabe defended the church’s engagement ceremonies, emphasizing that all brides involved were of legal age and that these unions were formal arrangements, not forced marriages.
Public Reaction Divided
The controversy has sparked mixed reactions among South Africans.
Some people agreed with Myongwane, arguing that large age gaps in marriages raise concerns about power dynamics and gender equality.
Others, however, sided with the Shembe Church, asserting that criticism of religious customs is often based on ignorance and misunderstanding.
Social media has been flooded with debates, with users expressing strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
One Twitter user wrote:
“Naledi is right! We cannot ignore how unfair it is for young girls to be married to much older men in the name of tradition.”
Meanwhile, a Shembe supporter fired back:
“People need to respect our religious practices. No one is forcing these women into marriage. They are making their own choices.”
Myongwane Remains Unapologetic
Despite the intense backlash, Myongwane has not retracted her statements.
Instead, she has continued to engage with her supporters online, emphasizing that her comments were meant to spark important discussions about women’s rights and agency in traditional settings.
“If speaking up against outdated customs makes me unpopular, then so be it,” she posted on Instagram.
She has, however, chosen not to directly engage with the Shembe Church leadership.
Debate Raises Bigger Questions About Tradition and Modern Values
This controversy is part of a larger national conversation about the role of tradition in modern society.
While many South Africans value their cultural and religious heritage, there is growing pressure to re-evaluate customs that may no longer align with contemporary human rights values.
The debate over Shembe Church marriages reflects this ongoing struggle between preserving tradition and embracing progressive social norms.
As for Myongwane, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will impact her rising career, but one thing is clear—her outspoken nature has made her a powerful voice in conversations about culture, gender, and tradition.
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