Emeritus Professor Martin West's evocative collection of photographs, taken of the Africa Independent Churches in Soweto between 1969 and 1971, show a segment of society hidden to most South Africans.
Starting at the end of the nineteenth century, African independent churches flourished in South Africa in the rural areas and in the cities. West’s research remains one of the few intensive studies of these churches. It culminated in his book, Martin West: Bishops and Prophets in a Black City, published in the 1970s.
The young social scientist took hundreds of images, capturing baptisms, sacrificial slaughters, prayer meetings, healing services, and vignettes of everyday life in Soweto.
Ordination ceremony. Holy Free Corner Stone Church of Zion (15). Ministers lead the candidates into the church (both husband and wife were ordained together).
Ordination ceremony. Holy Free Corner Stone Church of Zion (15). Held in a hired church in Mofolo, and presided over by Bishop M M Nkosi, 1171 Mofolo North, Soweto, second from left of those standing. On the left is President S G Nyangwa of the United National Church in South Africa (3), a church of the Ethiopian type (see Martin West, Bishops & Prophets in a Black City, pp 16ff.) His presence was owing to the fact that he was a fellow Board member, with Bishop Nkosi, of AICA.
Mrs L Radebe, Lady Archbishop & Prophet of the Bantu Bethlehem Christian Apostolic Church of SA (1) with one of her patients. Mrs Radebe is discussed extensively in Chapter 6 of Martin West, Bishops & Prophets in a Black City, pp 94-124. She is referred to as Mrs M R.
Apostolic Full Gospel Mission of South Africa (2). Special Sunday service in Soweto held in a marquee, to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of its members. Bishop JE Makgalemele (R) and Mrs Makgalemele (L).
Apostolic Full Gospel Mission of South Africa (2). Special Sunday service in Soweto held in a marquee, to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of its members. During the service a child became possessed. Her mother looked after her to ensure she did not hurt herself, but otherwise treated the incident as a quite normal event.
Dawn baptism and healing, north-west of Soweto. On the extreme right, Bishop J E Makgalemele of the Apostolic Full Gospel Mission of SA (2), is healing a member of his congregation.
Dawn baptism and healing, north-west of Soweto. On the extreme right, Bishop J E Makgalemele of the Apostolic Full Gospel Mission of SA (2), is healing a member of his congregation.
Apostolic Full Gospel Mission of South Africa (2). Special Sunday service in Soweto held in a marquee, to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of its members. During the service a child became possessed. Her mother looked after her to ensure she did not hurt herself, but otherwise treated the incident as a quite normal event.
Baptism & healing. Congregations standing on the banks of a small river on the north-west outskirts of Soweto, beyond Naledi, where there were a series of pools suitable for the full immersion required for both baptism and healing.
Baptism. Bishop R G Mlambo of the First Apostolic Church of Christ in Zion of SA(44)). Leading his congregation after an all-night service towards the river on the outskirts of Soweto where he was going to conduct a baptism.
Baptism. Bishop R G Mlambo of the First Apostolic Church of Christ in Zion of SA,(44) of 16 Central Western Jabavu, Soweto. Leading his congregation after an all-night service towards the river on the outskirts of Soweto where he was going to conduct a baptism.
Consecration of Archbishop Shandu. This ceremony is described in Martin West, Bishops & Prophets in a Black City, pp 56-7. It was held in Thokoza township on the East Rand in a hired classroom, starting in the evening and lasting well into the next morning. Archbishop M P Radebe of the Bantu Bethlehem Christian Apostolic Church of SA (1) presided. Five churches were represented. Archbishop & Mrs Shandu are kneeling in the centre, with Archbishop Radebe at left.
Apostolic Full Gospel Mission of South Africa (2). Special Sunday service in Soweto held in a marquee, to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of its members.
