African "Zionist" Churches in Swaziland

As in other parts of Africa, the coming of Missionaries and attempts to convert the people to Christianity has led to the establishment of local native churches that exist apart from the established "Western" Catholic and Protestant ones. These African churches are often called "Zionist" churches ("EmaZayoni" in the siSwati language), although this has nothing to do with Jews wanting to go to Israel. Often based in a modest house in a village or homestead, the congregation gathers on Sundays and, led by weekend preachers dressed in white coats and carrying staffs they will spend most of the day singing, drumming and preaching. The emphasis is on healing and in this there are many aspects that are similar to the practices of the traditional "sangoma" healers. People often join these churches because "I was sick; the Zionists prayed for me; now I am well".

Every Easter all different Zionist churches come together at Lobamba and, preceded by banners announcing the name of their group and where they come from, they march into the Royal Village and parade past the King on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. They sing as they go along and often shout as if in trance, another parallel with traditional healers: possessed by the Holy Spirit instead of Ancestral Spirits. All groups have different costumes, but most have white robes with blue or green sashes. The old men resemble Old Testamental prophets, dignified in their robes, walking with their staffs, followed by the faithful.

	Preaching in church	"Zionist" pastor	Healing by prayer	Church banner
	"Zionists" in Lobamba	Marching for Easter	Church Elders	Women marching
	"Emazayoni" men	Nazareth Elders	Nazareth women	At Royal Village

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