Mythical snake blamed for prolonged drought
According to MaNdumo, the creature complained about the pollution in the river and said that ‘she cannot eat or live there (in the river) anymore’.
The drought that has left the province in dire straits over the past few months has been blamed on an ‘Inkanyamba’ which is said to have appeared in the Valkop area adjacent to Ekuvukeni.
Locals who spoke to the Courier said the mythical serpent-like creature appeared in a rondavel at the Ndumo homestead some weeks ago.
The Ndumo family explained that on the day of the ceremony, MaDube sent young boys to fetch a cow that was to be slaughtered.
According to the boys, the cow ran straight into the Ibusi River and only it’s nose was visible. However, it did not drown, after a few futile attempts to save the animal; MaDube was to have ‘sent her ancestral spirits to get the cow out of the water.’
According to MaDube’s sister-in-law, MaNdumo, the ‘cow flew out of the water like it had been shocked by electricity.’
She explained that the cow lay on the bank of the river as if it were dead but a few moments later, it got up and they took it home. The cow was slaughtered on Saturday and the ceremony continued as per tradition until the Wednesday. On Thursday, turbulent winds engulfed the Valkop area.
That same night, the Inkanyamba descended into the Ndumo homestead and chose to speak through MaDube.
According to Road Travel Africa, Inkanyamba is a giant serpent like creature with a finned mane, huge fore-flippers, a horse head and a fierce temper. The creature is also widely associated with storms.
According to MaNdumo, the creature complained about the pollution in the river and said that ‘she cannot eat or live there (in the river) anymore’.
She claims that the ‘snake wants a rondavel to be its home and a veld where vegetation will be grown for it apparently by virgins and grannies.’
“That’s why we are not getting rain,” she said, “the creature is not happy.”
After the incident, the family contacted the local councillor, Mzwandile Mbhele and the Induna of the Chief Nxumalo. Nduna Mdunge stated that a meeting would be held in the Valkop Ward 4 Hall Wednesday at 2pm to discuss the demands of the Inkanyamba. The meeting will include the Mayor and community leaders
