Traditional Beliefs
These spiritual figures are believed to provide wisdom and guidance after death.
What are ancestors?
This religion accounted for 79.8% of South Africans according to a national survey.
What is Christianity?
This traditional healer mixes herbs to help people feel better.
What is a sangoma (or herbalist)?
Some South Africans build these types of homes to honor ancestral beliefs.
What are round houses?
During apartheid, this religion received government support and public dominance.
What is Christianity?
A sangoma must often receive this spiritual signal to begin their path.
What is a calling (amakhosi)?
Sangomas often use this method to communicate with ancestors.
What is burning herbs or smoke?
Christian homes are often shaped like this, contrasting with traditional round huts.
What are rectangular houses?
Some sangomas are trained without a calling. Instead, they do this.
What is learning from another herbalist?
Traditional healers believe that neglecting a calling can lead to these negative effects on the person and their family.
What are illness, misfortune, or mental distress?
The ANC, a major political party, was founded in this type of Christian building.
What is a church?
This healer, Melidinga, uses knowledge passed down and helps others despite mental challenges.
Who is a sangoma with experience and heart (Melidinga)?
In traditional South African belief systems, people often visit this type of healer for guidance, herbal remedies, and help with spiritual issues.
What is a traditional healer or herbalist?
Christianity was introduced to South Africa in 1652 with the arrival of this Dutch settler.
Who is Jan van Riebeeck?
A sangoma may refuse to treat someone unless they are learning to use herbs responsibly. This shows the importance of this value.
What is respect for tradition and sacred knowledge?