The Department of Water and Sanitation warns faith-based organisations not to conduct baptism ceremonies in rivers and dams during Easter because of an increase in water volumes with some dam levels reported to be at 90% full because of the rain.
Last year 15 people drowned at the Jukskei River in Johannesburg during a baptism ceremony. The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisani Mavasa, dam levels remain quite high at above 90% across the country, including those that are in the North West province.
“Therefore it remains very dangerous to be near those water places, whether to do any activity including swimming or performing any ritual. Try to avoid places next to rivers and streams and if you have to perform rituals, go to safer places to prevent loss of life.
“We have experienced several drownings due to these kinds of rituals such as baptisms and other traditional events,” Mavasa said.
However, some churches in Mahikeng said they would not heed warning from the authorities and will continue with their Easter ceremonies.
Pastor Ronnie Masopa of Galathea Apostolic church, is one of those who will defy the odds saying he will ensure the safety of congregants.
“For people to end up drowning is for the mere reason that the pastors did not consult to check if the water agrees for people to enter it (sic). If you’re a traditional healer you can throw your bones, while a prophet will just pray. You will get a response that will permit you to enter or not,” said Masopa.
While Pastor Baretsi Mokaila of St Gideon Apostolic church, compared drownings with vehicle accidents.
“It is just like now during the Easter weekend. Many churches travel to different provinces. Some go to Gauteng, Durban, and others. Out of unseen circumstances they get involved in a car accident and there are losses of lives.
“The same applies to us, where some apostolic churches will take congregants for baptism at dams and rivers. But some unfortunately drown and don’t come back. It is an accident, I won’t even blame anyone by saying they did not pray,” Mokaila said.
The Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson, Motaletale Modiba also cautioned faith-based organizations of the risk of Cholera infections during baptism ceremonies.
“Cholera thrives in unhygienic conditions including untreated water, especially from rivers and dams. The recently confirmed four cases from the province involved people who had taken part in separate baptism activities at local rivers.
“ Although the laboratory results of the samples taken from the rivers concerned came back negative of the Cholera strain, the risk of contracting this disease is still high for people who conduct their religious ceremonies in rivers and dams,” said Modiba.
