Rainmaking ceremony held koManyangwa shrine

Traditional leaders and communities across Zimbabwe have begun holding rain-making ceremonies as the country approaches the 2025/26 farming season.

In Bulilima district, Matabeleland South, the ritual was recently conducted at koManyangwa shrine in Tjehanga Village, about 30 kilometres from Plumtree. The site, whose name derives from the Kalanga language, is considered sacred and is believed to provide spiritual solutions to people seeking relief from misfortune.

Known as Umtolo in Ndebele, Mayile in Kalanga and Mukwerera in Shona, the rain-making ceremony is rooted in African traditional beliefs that the land "owns the people." According to this worldview, drought and poor harvests are seen as signs of the land's anger, which can only be appeased through rituals involving prayer, song, dance, and offerings.

Similar practices have been recorded in other cultures, from rain dances by Native American tribes to sacrificial rituals performed by Wu Shamans in ancient China.

During the ceremonies, women traditionally brew the beer used in the rituals, while children who are not yet sexually active also participate in the process. Elders say when the rites are properly observed, rains often follow immediately or within days.

Speaking during the launch of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) project at Dombodema High School last week, Amawosana leader Elias Sibanda confirmed that his group had just concluded a three-day ceremony at Khulu Manyangwa shrine.

"We were at Khulu Manyangwa for the past three days performing the rituals to ask for rains as the planting season approaches," Sibanda said.

"During this period, it is taboo to carry out any form of work. The ceremony was filled with singing, dancing, and drinking of traditional beer. We are optimistic that this coming season will bring more rains."
Rain-making ceremonies remain an integral part of Zimbabwe's cultural heritage, blending spirituality, agriculture, and community life.