What will people think? Am I bragging too much? Will I be bewitched by those who don't wish me well?
If you've asked yourself these questions before posting that new job, that new house, that great car, or a bundle of joy, you are not alone.
There was a debate recently on social media when a young woman posted her new car, and a follower said it would be stolen in a month. And it was.
The follower was labelled a witch with dark thoughts and told that people like him made it hard for others to celebrate their wins, as they would worry it might lead to bad tidings.
In another incident, a woman went viral after she posted about her car, and a few days later it was burnt in her yard.
But should you worry about witchcraft or naysayers when celebrating milestones in your life? We ask the experts.
Traditional expert Dr Nokuzola Mndende thinks not.
She says celebrating and giving thanks is a way of showing you are grateful for all your blessings.
“Oh no, you cannot do that. You must give thanks, no matter how small the celebration will be. You must enjoy your milestones. You need to trust that the ancestors that blessed you with all these good things will protect you from anyone who wishes you ill,” she says.
Read more | My story | Disabled woman who never thought she’d find love celebrates second wedding anniversary
Dr Mndende says people should not live lives afraid of people with evil hearts.
“You cannot concentrate on those people. You cannot box yourself into a corner worrying about them. Live your life and give thanks to the ancestors for the blessings they give you. You must not wait because that will seem like you are ungrateful.
"If you get a job and you do a ceremony to thank the ancestors and soon after that you buy a new house then again do another ceremony to thank them for the house. Tell them you have moved so they can move with you and protect you in the new space you are in. You can lose your gifts or blessings if you do not give thanks for them,” she says.
Traditional healer Tsholofelo Bogastsu, with the ngoma name Mahambemafini Intsizwa ka Skhweyiya, says she believes people announce things too early and doing that can leave them vulnerable to witchcraft.
“Sometimes saying things too early can open the door for abathakathi (witches). You can be bewitched by someone close like a best friend, sibling or parent, so even saying you will keep things intimate will not be enough.
Read more | “I gave my boyfriend ‘love potion’ – now he’s too obsessed with me”
“Even posting things on social media without people actually physically being there can be problematic. People can print those pictures you posted and do things to them and you’ll be left wondering how your newly built house just went up in flames without even having electricity being connected. Kanti it’s the picture you posted.
"There can be people who attend your graduation party only to bewitch you so you don't amount to anything even though you have a degree,” she says.
Gogo Mahambemafini says people should wait.
“If you buy a house, get your person to come and qinisa (strengthen) you and your house. Then maybe after a year, you can announce, oh I bought a house. Then at least uyiqinisile (you have strengthened it) and no harm can come to you or your home,” she says.
