Abstract:
This article studies the rituals and ceremonies that are practised by Tsonga widows at a village in
Giyani in Limpopo. The research is based on the observation of the exclusion of widows from
church attendance and activities in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa (EPCSA).
The study was conducted among Tsonga-speaking widows in the Tsonga community. The
exclusion of widows is respected and understood by members of the church because they believe
in respecting people’s cultural and traditional beliefs. This article attempts to study the conflict
between Christianity and Tsonga mourning rituals and practices in the EPCSA. This is a qualitative
study; however, literature is also included. Mourning rituals are presented and analysed to attempt
to find ways in which practical theology can help the Tsonga widows in the EPCSA through
liturgical inculturation as they undertake the mourning period. The authors recommend that a
study on the effectiveness of mourning rituals for Tsonga widows would be fruitful for the EPCSA.
