IZANGOMA have spoken to Daily Sun about how times have changed and said people were approaching them with unusual demands compared to the past.
Most of their customers are younger people, aged between 20 and 40.
Gobela Rebone Tshabalala-Moloki, who’s the president of Abathwali Bemithi Traditional Healers Organisation, said she has had “weird” demands, mainly from young girls.
“They want blessers as well as to cast evil spirits on their peers because they think they are better than them,” said Tshabalala-Moloki.
“Nowadays, people who consult with our izangoma don’t believe in working for themselves. They want quick money. In the olden days, people seeing izangoma were gogos and mkhulus. It is not the case anymore. Ama2000 want men who are rich to buy them expensive cars and houses. They don’t care whether the man is old or married,” said Tshabalala-Moloki.
She said the other group of people consulting are desperate for wealth.
“I have had crazy demands. People are willing to do anything to get rich. I have had a person asking me if I’m able to send rats to steal money. The desire for money makes them vulnerable because they can fall for scams.”
Sangoma Dr Ngaka Fanyana, who uses a snake to help people and ukuthwala, said most of his customers are under 30.
“They want money,” he said.
“I use a snake and many people who approach me want ukuthwala with a snake for money.
“Korobela is also on the rise, both men and women flock into my dumba for korobela. People’s demands have changed and the lack of employment has created a drive for people to desperately seek money,” said Fanyana.
Sangoma Nzama Maluleke said: “Western medicine and medical professionals work but they cannot detect something that has been created through muthi.”
Maluleke said: “Witchcraft has created a lot of illnesses that doctors are unable to treat because it’s difficult for them to diagnose.
“Most people coming to my dumba are sick because people have done evil things to them. Things have changed and izangoma need to invest in their gifts so they can accommodate today’s life.”
