In South Africa, rivers hold cultural and spiritual significance, with many people, including traditional healers (izangoma), visiting these sites to conduct religious rituals. These rituals often involve offering food, money, and even animals as sacrifices to appease spirits or seek blessings. However, the practice has sparked debate among healers, with some believing it is essential for the ritual’s effectiveness, while others raise concerns about the environmental and hygiene consequences.
Sangoma Khethiwe Ndlovu is among those who argue that leaving offerings is crucial to the success of the ritual. However, Sangoma Sandra “Nyokayamazi” Buthelezi, a respected healer, has voiced concerns about the potential environmental harm caused by these practices. She highlighted that leaving animal remains in rivers can lead to water contamination, posing health risks to those who rely on the water for daily needs. “Amadlozi are not filthy,” she said, stressing that hygiene is important when performing these sacred practices.
A visit to the Blesbok River in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, revealed a common practice of leaving offerings behind. One person was seen leaving a mix of food items such as sweets, fruit, meat, and rice at the riverbank. However, these offerings quickly attracted rodents, with rats seen feasting on the discarded food, raising questions about the sanitary impact of such practices.
Muntu Segage, the co-ordinator of the Traditional Healers Organisation, shared that a meeting was held with izangoma to address the issue. While the organization is not against rituals, Segage emphasized the need for more responsible disposal of offerings to avoid contaminating the rivers. “Rivers are used by other people, and we must not treat them as though we own them,” she explained, urging healers to be more mindful of their impact on the environment.
The issue extends beyond river rituals to the harvesting of indigenous plants. Segage also pointed out that some healers, when gathering roots for traditional remedies, end up cutting down entire trees, harming the environment. This practice is contributing to the diminishing number of indigenous trees. The Traditional Healers Organisation is calling for more responsible and sustainable practices among healers to protect the environment and ensure future generations can benefit from South Africa’s natural resources.
