Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Social
The rain prayer
Author : Unoda Machoko
Generally, the months of September and October are believed to be the beginning of the rainy season and if they pass with no sign of rain, people become worried because rain sustains life.
In various areas, people have to kneel and pray to the sky for rain. However, with the Bakalanga tribe, the prayer is done differently.
In the central district lies a small village called Nkange which is dominated by the Bakalanga.
Upon my arrival in the village I met Ms Ghobe who led me along the paths followed as far as the rain prayer is concerned.
“We believe in Ngwali, he is the reason why we still breathe in this world,” she said.
Ngwali is the most powerful god who controls whether or when the rain should fall.
According to her there are so many aspects that can force Ngwali to gnash his teeth leading to vicious punishment. “He is so powerful that he can command a crocodile to grind your skeleton, swallow you or spit you alive if you disobey him”, she added.
A month before the rain season messengers referred to as Sangomas are chosen and sent to a hill away from the village to beg for rain.
Sangomas are the intermediary between the residents and Ngwali because not anybody can interact with Ngwali.
It is believed that on the hill Ngwali responds to the messengers through the voice believed to be that of his messenger called Manyangwa.
According to this belief only a sangoma has the power to have a conversation with Manyangwa.
After receiving all the sacrifices and messages brought by the sangoma, Manyangwa takes them to Ngwali who holds the authority to allow rain to fall or not.
As most people follow new lifestyles brought about by civilization, it usually makes Ngwali angry.
For instance, simple developments like fencing of the cemetery and burying people in valuable coffins can lead to a stern punishment, which includes no rain at all.
However, not everyone in the village is buried according to Ngwali’s orders except those that are chosen to work for him.
Upon the messengers’ arrival from Ngwali’s place, a big feast is thrown to thank them.
The feast is attended by everyone who wishes as long as they are capable of following the rules set. Such rules include; not wearing a fragrant or any kind of lotion, never to put on shoes during the ceremony and many more.
The bible labels Gehenna to be a place with the strongest fire which cannot be put off.
I have seen a human dancing on fire inferior to the one described as the fires of Gehenna without showing any sign of pain. This has given me a strong belief that Ngwali is indeed a powerful god as his people still perform starling miracles after Christ period of time