Fikile Ncwane, the mother of the late gospel icon Sfiso Ncwane, is determined to reunite with her son’s spirit through a traditional cleansing ceremony called Ukumkhuphula. This ceremony aims to reunite the spirit of a loved one with their family, often months or years after their burial, once the mourning period has passed.
Sfiso Ncwane, renowned for his soul-stirring gospel melodies, passed away on December 5, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of faith and music. According to ZiMoja, recently, at an unveiling ceremony for Sfiso’s tombstone orchestrated by his wife, Ayanda Ncwane, Fikile and Sfiso’s eldest child were notably absent, casting a shadow over family relations.
Speaking to ZiMoja, and expressing her family’s resolve, Fikile shares, “We are planning a traditional Ukumkhuphula ceremony for my late son. It broke my heart not to be included in the unveiling of Sfiso’s tombstone.” Despite the distance, Ayanda’s frequent travels to Nigeria for church engagements have hindered familial ties, leaving Fikile yearning for her grandchildren’s presence at the upcoming ceremony.
In a heartfelt plea to Ayanda, Fikile implores, “I don’t know what I did, but I want her to know I love her as the mother of my grandchildren.” Her desire to reconcile and connect with her family resonates deeply as she acknowledges her own mortality, urging Ayanda to grant her the opportunity to see her grandchildren in person.
Also speaking with ZiMoja, Fikile recalls the icy reception at Sfiso’s funeral, longing for warmth and forgiveness. “As a woman of God, I hope she finds it in her heart to forgive me,” she shares, her words imbued with a sense of longing and hope.
As plans for the Ukumkhuphula ceremony unfold, Fikile’s home in Mthwalume, nestled on Durban’s South Coast, emerges as the sacred ground for this spiritual reunion. In the coming months, amidst the gentle sway of tradition and the whispers of ancestors, Fikile Ncwane and her family will embark on a journey of healing and remembrance, seeking to honour the legacy of their beloved Sfiso.
