In my early days as a Sangoma, I used to keep a diary. I wrote all my appointments and how much people paid or owed me. 😂
Most people I don't remember. Some I've become good friends with and others are now family.
It's hilarious cause I even recorded the chickens, cows and goats we've used in ceremonies. I'm sitting in my Ndumba now stock-taking and adding newly acquired herbs into the data base. Who would have thought nje that Matuba would be fulfilled by sitting on a reed mat, throwing bones and counting his blessings? I am Gogo Manzolwandle.
The balance of being young, career-orientated and a devoted Sangoma is not easy to master. But neglecting any of them always made feel incomplete. Everyone at home expected me to come back from heeding the calling only to dessert Ubungoma. But I didn't, I embraced it with everything I had. I still do. More than seven after graduating I am Gobela (trainer or teacher) to five people who have also graduated and exceeded my expectations because they still practice and subscribe to African religion. Many people fall through the cracks of misconception, lack of support and the continued assault on African religion by other religions. Especially Christianity. But today I just want to count my blessings and not talk a lot about what's wrong with society. The year 2009 was tough. My father who never wa Ted me to go and start my journey as a Sangoma, finally conceded that he had to let me go. I stayed with my parents for the longest time. Technically I still do because my Ndumba remains in Soshanguve where I was born and raised. After unexplained dreams, visions and long stays in hospital it was time to go. The biggest blessing, which I realise now years later, is being sent by my ancestors to place where all I could do is learn the craft and hurry back home. Everything that had nothing to do with Ubungoma was falling apart. My very new relationship with a guy I just met was also in tatters. That moment was like a filter. I was left with family and a few good friends. It took me a while to realize that I was not supposed not supposed to fix anything that was falling or even try to keep anyone who walked out on me. Everything fixed itself. All the thing I needed were there. The things I wanted weren't all there.
After my return everything fell into its place. It has been an upward trajectory most of the times. I am reflecting on my early days as a Sangoma because today I was sent back to my Ndumba by God and my ancestors. They sometimes communicate harshly when the scales don't balance. It made me chuckle. I wasn't angry because I knew I was spending time on social media, at work or out with friends having a good time. So they called me. And again I heeded the call.
