Witchdoctors and Sangomas in South Africa

Witchdoctors and Sangomas are often mixed up. A witchdoctor is a generic term for a person who uses tradional methods to heal and protect - other terms are- sorcerer, prophet, or shaman. They are also know as healers The term witchdoctor is used by people from Africa to describe the art of traditional healing that is practised. The witchdoctor will treat those who have been affected by witchcraft. A witch doctor can be the healer, and in some cases, the witch who practises witchcraft. African witchdoctors are found spread throughout Africa, and weild enourous power in some regions. The witch doctor can, in some case, cause widespread terror if they decide to name witches. Old people in Africa – especially woman are often named as witches – and once this happens it means an almost certain death for that person at the hands of zealous believers. The line between good witch doctors and evil ones is very fine sometimes. The Sangoma from South Africa will go through an involved Sangoma initiation once they have finished their training.

A Sangoma is a traditional healer. A Sangomas power comes from “the Ancestors”. A Sangoma is called by the Ancestors to become a healer and protector. Once a person has been “called” to becomea taditional healer by an ancestor, it is very difficult to ignore. The person who has been called must find an experienced Sangoma, and the training begins. She, or  It is a long and difficult process. Once qualified, the man or woman, will begin her duties which include protection, soothing strife, healing the sick amongst others. A witch doctor often is in the family line and it is trained by passing the skills down the family line – A Sangoma can be from any family, as long as they have had the calling from the ancestors. Every person on earth, according to African beliefs, has a group of ancestors, which will guide them and protect them. Ancestor worship is prevalent in Africa, even amongst Christian Africans - African lore and religion often merge.

 The witch doctor and the Sangoma both use spells and rituals to work their magic. African witchdoctors, or witch doctors are greatly respected in some regions – helping the common folk with all manner of ailments and social problems. If the intentions of the witchdoctors are good, the wonderful influence these practitioners have is easily felt in the balance and harmony in the region or village. Equally, the influence of evil witch doctors is terrifying, controlling politics, religion and many social aspects of communities. Both types of healers have their own initiation rituals – The Sangoma initiation ritual can be quite terrifying for the sorcerers apprentice. Sangomas practise their craft in rural areas and in all the mjor centers – in Cape Town, in Pretoria and in Gauteng.