“I Remember Nkedi”: ZCC Gent Rocking Scottish Kilt Gets Mzansi Talking About Traditional Fusion

“I Remember Nkedi”: ZCC Gent Rocking Scottish Kilt Gets Mzansi Talking About Traditional Fusion

  • A Gauteng content creator from the Zion Christian Church shared a unique photo wearing a Scottish kilt paired with traditional South African pieces
  • The man wore the tartan skirt with stockings, black boots, and an animal horn strapped to his arm while displaying his ZCC star badge proudly on his shirt
  • The viral image attracted over 17,000 likes and 700 comments from South Africans who were fascinated by his traditional church wear
A video went viral.
A Gauteng-based ZCC member shared a photo on TikTok showing his Nkedi outfit. Images: @ndabezitha
Source: TikTok

A Gauteng man has left social media buzzing after sharing a photo of himself wearing a Scottish kilt combined with traditional South African accessories.

Content creator @ndabezitha__ posted the image on 26th May, standing next to a building while dressed in the unexpected outfit that caught thousands of people's attention.

The man wore a proper Scottish tartan kilt with long stockings and black boots, but added his own South African twist with a large animal horn strapped around his arm and shoulder, plus a wooden knobkierie in his other hand. His ZCC church hat and the distinctive star badge on his shirt clearly showed his membership of the Zion Christian Church, making the cultural fusion even more interesting.

According to Britannica, the kilt is a knee-length skirt-like garment worn by men as a major element of traditional Scottish national dress. The garment was developed in 17th-century Scotland and is made of woven wool with permanent pleats, usually featuring the cross-checked repeating pattern known as tartan. Kilts form part of Highland dress and remain the only national costume in the British Isles worn for ordinary purposes rather than just special occasions.

A photo sparked a debate on TikTok.
A photo of a ZCC member went viral on TikTok when the man shared his Nkedi outfit. Images: @ndabezitha
Source: TikTok

Mzansi reacts to cultural mix

South Africans filled the comment section with various reactions to the unique cultural blend:

@user727006074265 asked:

"Are u married? asking for a friend..."

@Tebogo Tebo shared:

"I had always prayed for a husband who goes to the same church as me, and the fact that I didn't get one... I believe it's for a good reason."

@Bonza🌸 wondered:

"What does it mean to dream of men wearing Nkedi's clothes?"

@ntombimkhangwana declared:

"I'm the living testimony, ndiyacamagusha Sione... I dedicate my life to ZCC and I'm not even a member..."

@Mokgakga Wa Makubela commented:

"I don't know if I am the only person who sees this star se gofa serithi..."

ZCC church background explained

According to Wikipedia, the ZCC was founded by Engenas Lekganyane after he received a revelation from God on top of Mt Thabakgone in 1910. The church fuses African traditions and values with Protestant Christian faith, seeking independence from mainstream European churches in terms of theological approach. Church members are easily recognised by their distinctive green and yellow colours, with men wearing khakis for dancing and green suits for church services.

Watch the TikTok clip below:

In the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), men are not allowed to wear skirts. The church maintains distinct dress codes for men and women, which are integral to its religious practices and cultural identity.

ZCC men’s uniform practices

Male members of the ZCC typically wear khaki-colored attire, including trousers and shirts, often paired with white boots. This uniform is associated with the Mokhukhu, a male choir group within the church, and is worn during religious ceremonies and traditional dances. These garments symbolise spiritual readiness and unity within the congregation.

Uniform worn by ZCC women’s uniform

Female members wear uniforms that vary by age and role within the church. Young women often wear blue attire for church services, while elder women wear green and yellow regalia. These uniforms are worn during worship services.

3 other stories about ZCC members going viral

  • Briefly News recently reported on a woman who shared her hilarious transformation since dating a ZCC member, but her partner's specific influence on her life changes had South Africans completely divided.
  • A ZCC lady caught everyone's attention at a church gathering when she was spotted with a large bowl of food, though her reason for being so hungry surprised many people.
  • A Western Cape ZCC graduate received a beautiful celebration from her church community with traditional songs and dancing, but the special meaning behind their chosen celebration method moved many to tears.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Nerissa Naidoo avatar

Nerissa Naidoo (Human Interest Editor) Nerissa Naidoo is a writer and editor with seven years of experience. Currently, she is a human interest writer at Briefly News and joined the publication in 2024. She began her career contributing to Morning Lazziness and later joined Featherpen.org. As a TUW ghostwriter, she focused on non-fiction, while her editorial roles at National Today and Entail.ai honed her skills in content accuracy and expert-driven editing. You can reach her at nerissa.naidoo@briefly.co.za