This South African Coming-of-Age Ceremony Is the Definition of Squad Goals
South African fitness influencer Sbahle Mpisane has more than half a million Instagram followers, and she captivates her audience with her powerful and inspiring fitness routines. Mpisane recently turned 24, and her entire town seems to have celebrated with her.
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 30, 2017 at 12:44am PDT
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 30, 2017 at 6:44am PDT
Mpisane — or Fitness Bunnie, as she is known in social media — had her traditional Zulu coming-of-age ceremony, called an Umemulo, and the pictures of the festivities are captivating. Historically, the ceremony was for Zulu women who reached the age of 21 as virgins, but as times have changed, the ceremony now celebrates young unmarried women as they come of age — typically before 30.
In celebration of Mpisane, her friends and family followed all of the requisite traditions, including parading down the street chanting her name.
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:17am PDT
Friends and family also wore traditional costumes for the ceremony and looked amazing.
My MVPs Facebeat by: @thobie Outfit by: @zulu_brides
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:08am PDT
Mpisane is the daughter of Durban business tycoons Shauwn and S’bu Mpisane.
I am a daughter from a strong man, and a beautiful mommy
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 12:51am PDT
Umemulo wentokazi pic.twitter.com/66ONIp5Mjp
— FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) July 31, 2017
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 31, 2017 at 3:30pm PDT
Even South Africa’s first lady, Thobeka Zuma, made an appearance at the party to congratulate the birthday girl.
Our First Lady and her beautiful family @firstladytzuma
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:29am PDT
Mpisane had three outfit changes during the fun-filled event: two traditional South African costumes and one where she glammed up and left everyone speechless.
My Umemulo Grand After Party Dinner was a dream pic.twitter.com/nIDBK2tYep
— FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) August 1, 2017
My umemulo Grand After Party Dinner ?
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 4:30am PDT
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 4:17am PDT
DAUGHTER & MOTHER double trouble both dressed by @cinnelstore ?
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 4:39am PDT
A post shared by FitnessBunnie (@sbahle_mpisane) on Aug 1, 2017 at 4:41am PDT
The Twitterverse is loving all these beautiful photos of her Umemulo.
Stunning! pic.twitter.com/m5z7DBTi4h
— Gregory (@gregorcious88) August 1, 2017
king love it..
— Anele (@anele2471) August 1, 2017
Looking stunning
— ngelo ngelo (@ngelongeloROAD5) August 2, 2017
More than beautiful
— Lwazi_? (@MaveyHuncho) July 31, 2017
We 100 percent agree.
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