The Limpopo ANC has sought the wisdom and guidance of a traditional healer ahead of a crucial by-election in Thabazimbi, in a move one political analyst says is common among politicians but may help de-colonise minds and make people embrace African spirituality more than influence voter behaviour.
Last week, ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) member and Premier Phophi Ramathuba and provincial ANC Youth League (ANCYL) Chairperson Ernest Tonny Rachoene were seen consulting an unnamed traditional healer during a campaign before the upcoming by-election in the area.
In a video clip posted by the provincial spokesperson Jimmy Machaka on Facebook on Tuesday, Rachoene and Ramathuba can be heard asking the Sangoma how the elections will pan out next month.
Rachoene, sitting beside Ramathuba, threw the bones on the floor. The healer analysed the bones and said the ANC would emerge victorious.
Before the healer told the duo about the potential by-election results, he pointed out to Ramathuba that one of her maternal ancestors, who was a healer, was not happy that Ramathuba was neglecting her despite providing fortune, including money.
“We will win. Remember when you play dice and you hit seven. You win. You win money. This is seven,” the traditional healer said as he revealed the results from the bones while instructing Ramathuba and Rachoene to pour snuff tobacco on the floor.
Pleased with the results, Ramathuba and Rachoene clapped hands in appreciation.
Dr Metji Makgoba, a lecturer at the University of Limpopo, says it is common for South Africans, including politicians, to consult Sangomas on various aspects of their lives. He said political survival is usually the main reason.
However, in a predominantly Christian country like South Africa, the incident could be perceived as evidence that the ANC relies on “the so-called black magic” for electoral support.
“Firstly, it is a common practice in South Africa for political parties to consult spiritual leaders on a variety of aspects including their political futures. However, now this has developed into a different dimension because it has reached a public space.
But the issue here is that the current reading of African spirituality is that of witch doctoring, which means that the ANC might be depending on the so-called black magic to win elections, which is not the political messaging. I think we are African people and if the opportunity arises to consult traditional healers or any spiritual leader, it should be used because it is part of surviving,” Dr Makgoba said.
However, Dr Makgoba said consulting traditional healers and spiritual leaders hardly impacted voter behaviour and patterns. The same goes for politicians who visit churches ahead of elections.
“I do not see any significant impact. As I was saying, the issue is that South Africa is predominantly a Christian society and if the ANC is going to be openly consulting sangomas, some section of voters would be skeptical of the ANC and ask why the ANC is consulting sangomas. But overall, I do not see it as something that is uncommon. It is something that is not unusual. Other people go to church during the elections. I do not see the difference between Mmusi Maimane going to church to ask for a prayer and the ANC leader going to see a sangoma to see a direction,” Dr Makgoba added.
He said that some South Africans were “skeptical towards Sangomas” due to colonialism’s “difficulty.”
“Otherwise this is something that is not unusual, and it should be expected that people do consult traditional healers for political survival as much as other leaders go to churches to ask for the pastors to pray for them. In a nutshell, South Africans should embrace this because it is part of African culture. They must embrace it with both hands. This is what they do behind the scenes. Everyone,” he stressed.
The Thabazimbi Municipality in Limpopo’s Waterberg region has not been stable since the 2021 local government elections. The instability led to the Democratic Alliance and the ANC forming parallel councils, each with its own mayor, speaker, municipal manager, and chief financial officer. The municipality is one of the smallest municipal councils, consisting of 12 wards and 21 councillors.
In October, the Limpopo provincial government placed the Thabazimbi Municipality under administration, citing instability and Infighting, which compromised service delivery.
The Independent Electoral Commission in Limpopo confirmed December 4 as the date for the by-elections.
All political parties contesting the by-election said they were confident of winning. They called on their supporters to come out and cast their ballots,
“The ANC in Limpopo calls upon all eligible voters of Thabazimbi as well as the Polokwane Ward 39 to take this opportunity of the by-elections to ensure that the ANC and the government it leads, are able to continue with the work that has started. The ANC remains steadfast in our commitment to improve the lives of the people and to address any obstacles,” the Limpopo ANC said in a statement.
The Democratic Alliance, ActionSA and Freedom Front Plus are reportedly strong contenders in the municipality. DA leader Jacques Smalle said they faced a tough election but were confident of winning.
“Today, the DA’s focus is to win the ward 39 by-elections competing against the ANC. Tonight, we will prove to the ANC that we are the strongest team in Polokwane, especially in ward 39. Our focus when we leave here is going to Thabazimbi and the 2026 local elections. In Thabazimbi, there are about twenty parties including independent individuals that have registered to fight for that by-election. It is a big group of people, even people who have never stood before in previous local elections. MK will be in for the first time. There are new names that are coming up. Our priority is there,” Smalle said.
