Visit a Traditional Township Healer

A tour to the Sangoma township takes you to more than 'just' the township


When joining a township tour, you will most probably visit a Sangoma or a traditional healer, a person of great importance to Nguni-speaking South Africans (Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Swazi).

CapeTownMagazine.com visited the practice of a Sangoma in the Langa Township. Not for a cure against some illness, but to see with our own eyes how a Sangoma operates and how such a practice would look. The practice of sangoma 'General mayor' in Langa
was crammed with people, all waiting for the traditional healer to give them advise on whatever illness or health issue. Just like in a western doctors practice but than in a completely different setting. And different medication and treatments: hanging from walls and the ceilings we saw everything from dried herbs to snake skins and many other (for us) unrecognizable items.
When we were there, the sangoma 'general mayor' was in a 'consultation', so we didn't have the opportunity to talk to him. In any case, our visit to a sangoma's practice was an interesting one.

Visiting a South African Sangoma or traditional healer is one of the highlights of the township tours in Cape Town


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