• The eMabomvini community in KwaZulu-Natal collected money and slaughtered cows to honour a river mermaid they believe lives in the uThukela River.

• They say the creature, first spotted in the 1980s, brought peace and safety, and deserved her own coming-of-age celebration.

The small rural community of eMabomvini in KwaZulu-Natal threw a full-blown coming-of-age celebration for a mermaid.

Locals say the mythical creature, who lives in the uThukela River, made her presence known in the 1980s and has protected their village ever since.

So they did what they would do for any girl in their culture turning 21 — they hosted a umemulo.

The ceremony kicked off on Friday with the slaughtering of four cows on the riverbank. Women dressed in traditional Zulu outfits while men wore amabheshu and carried shields and sticks as a mark of respect.

Over 100 households contributed R50 each to fund the celebrations, with the collection starting in October last year.

Residents say they show their respect by not working on Saturdays — a day they believe belongs to the mermaid.

The event follows years of dedication from the community, who even built a hall for the mermaid next to the river. Community leader Joe Chonco said their efforts were rewarded.

“Since we honoured the mermaid, the village has had peace with no tribal clashes, no floods,” Chonco told SABC in an interview.

“We don’t care what people say. We believe this mermaid lives in the river. Someone saw it in the 1980s, and it was confirmed by a spiritual leader.”

The uMsinga local municipality chipped in to finish building the hall. However, it later claimed the hall was intended for religious use, not a mermaid shrine.

While many have dismissed the belief, cultural experts say it shouldn’t be ignored.

Professor Sihawu Ngubane of the University of KwaZulu-Natal said it’s unusual.

“Even during King Shaka’s time, when he was known for being inquisitive, no one ever reported seeing such a creature. I’ve only seen mermaids in movies, white women with fish tails.”

Cultural activist Professor Nomagugu Ngobese offered a different view. He said underwater creatures could be resurfacing due to global warming.

“There’s no need to criticise the community. No one else knows how connected they are with nature,” he said.

Pictured above: A house that was built by the community of eMabomvini with the help of the uMsinga local municipality for the mermaid.

Image source: Ayanda Msweli (Department of Transport)