Naledi Aphiwe Criticises Intergenerational Marriages

Naledi Aphiwe Criticises Intergenerational Marriages

Rising music star Naledi Aphiwe Myongwane has found herself at the center of a heated controversy after openly criticizing the marriage customs of the Shembe Church.

The debate started when social media users raised concerns about the practice of older men seeking young brides during a mass engagement ceremony in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

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Myongwane, known for being outspoken on social issues, joined the discussion and did not hold back in expressing her views.

In a series of social media posts, she strongly condemned the practice, questioning why young women were marrying significantly older men.

She went as far as mocking the tradition, sarcastically suggesting that these young brides would either become widows early or be left with the responsibility of caring for elderly husbands.

Naledi Aphiwe Criticises Intergenerational Marriages

Her remarks quickly went viral, sparking a wave of backlash from Shembe Church members, who viewed her comments as disrespectful and uninformed.

The Shembe Church, which has a strong cultural and religious presence in KwaZulu-Natal, did not take kindly to Myongwane’s criticism.

Church spokesperson Thokozani Mncwabe swiftly responded, dismissing her comments and warning her to stay out of church matters.

“We do not interfere in her music, so she should not interfere in our church affairs,” Mncwabe stated.

He accused Myongwane of lacking an understanding of Shembe customs and misrepresenting their traditions.

Furthermore, Mncwabe defended the church’s engagement ceremonies, emphasizing that all brides involved were of legal age and that these unions were formal arrangements, not forced marriages.