In 2025, South Africa society, regionally and internationally, has been provocative in its media portrayals and diversifications. From an alleged Afrikaner genocide to loud, uninformed whispers from Western management about corrective measures for these so-called “gross human rights violations”, our nation has discovered itself on the world centre stage – leaning in direction of the proverbial naughty nook.
Even sacred areas and identities, equivalent to these of conventional healers, have been compromised within the title of being provocative.
A current social media spat between outstanding sangomas noticed them hurl severe accusations at every one other, a few of which questioned the sexuality of spouses – a difficulty that’s neither right here nor there. The extra regarding allegations painted a grim image the place the “proper to life” for some seemed to be compromised. In different phrases, one accused the opposite of homicide.
This drama lasted a number of days earlier than the events reconciled, even holding a “dialogue” through the reside characteristic on one social media platform. In case you do a little bit of digging, you’ll discover precisely what I’m speaking about. However the harm was executed: the sanctity of conventional therapeutic had, as soon as once more, been tarnished within the public eye.
Quick ahead a number of months, and a headline emerges stating that SA’s lacking youngster, Joshlin Smith, could have been bought to a sangoma for R20,000. This revelation rekindled fears surrounding conventional healers and their alleged procurement of youngsters for ritualistic functions.
