sangomas

Sangomas are traditional healers found in Southern Africa, especially among Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho, and other ethnic groups. They are believed to act as intermediaries between the living and the ancestral world, diagnosing illnesses and offering spiritual guidance. In many communities, sangomas are consulted for matters of health, well-being, relationships, and social problems, and they may also perform ritual cleansings and protective rites. The term sangoma is of Zulu origin and roughly translates to "one who knows."

Practices vary, but common methods include divination to interpret messages from ancestors, often conducted by throwing bones or using other objects to reveal patterns. Sangomas may also use herbal remedies, traditional medicines, and rituals such as cleansing ceremonies or the laying on of hands. Illnesses may be attributed to spiritual causes, ancestral disharmony, or social problems, and treatment may combine diagnosis, herbal treatment, and ritual acts.

Training typically follows a calling, sometimes experienced as dreams or visions, and is usually undertaken under the guidance of an established sangoma. Apprentices learn to interpret signs, administer herbs, prepare traditional medicines, and perform rituals. Ethical codes emphasize confidentiality and respect for patients and ancestors; care is taken to obtain consent and to avoid exploitation.

In the contemporary era, sangomas continue to play a central role in many communities. They operate alongside Western medicine and are sometimes integrated into broader healthcare systems. Public discourse about traditional healing includes discussions of safety, regulation, and the protection of patients, as well as the preservation of cultural practices.