Ritual offerings by izangoma at rivers raise environmental concerns. Ntebatse Masipa
PEOPLE, including izangoma, visit rivers to conduct religious and cultural rituals.
Some offer gifts such as food, money, and even animals as sacrifice to appease spirits and seek blessings.
While some traditional healers, like Sangoma Khethiwe Ndlovu, believe that leaving these offerings is essential for the ritual’s effectiveness, others disagree.
Sangoma Sandra “Nyokayamazi” Buthelezi raised concern about the hygiene and environmental impact of leaving animal remains in the river.
“This practice can lead to water contamination and pose health risks to those who rely on the river for their needs. We have izangoma who believe that being dirty enhances their superpowers, but that’s not true. Amadlozi are not filthy. It becomes unhygienic as we find dead animals rotting there and have to use the same water. We wish there could be some education,” said Nyokayamazi.
A man is seen performing rituals at the Blesbok River in Nigel. Photo by Ntebatse Masipa
Burnt chickens were found next to the river. Photo by Ntebatse Masipa
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A visit by Daily Sun to the Blesbok River in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, showed the common practice of leaving offerings. A person was seen performing a ritual and leaving a variety of food items, including sweets, fruits, meat, and rice behind.
However, these offerings quickly attracted rodents. Delighted rats were seen popping out of holes to feed on these offerings.
Muntu Segage, who is the co-ordinator of the Traditional Healers Organisation, said they previously held a meeting with izangoma and advised them not to contaminate rivers.
Ritual offerings by izangoma at rivers raise environmental concerns. Ntebatse Masipa
“We’re not against them doing rituals, but the offerings must be discarded responsibly. Rivers are used by other people. It shouldn’t seem as though we own them,” she said.
She also mentioned the issue of cutting down indigenous trees.
“Some dig for roots, but instead of taking only the parts they need, they cut down the entire tree, preventing other healers from benefiting. Indigenous trees are diminishing because of this. We urge healers to act responsibly.”
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