Ukuthwasa
Ukuthwasa is a Southern African culture-bound syndrome[1][2] associated with the calling and the initiation process to become a sangoma, a type of traditional healer.
In the cultural context of traditional healers in Southern Africa, the journey of ukuthwasa (or intwaso) involves a spiritual process marked by rituals, teachings, and preparations.
In the culture of traditional healers of Southern Africa, the journey of ukuthwasa is a deeply personal and spiritual one, marked by various rituals, teachings, and preparations.
[8] These symptoms are believed to be a form of spiritual cleansing and preparation for the initiate's role as a healer or diviner, also colloquially known as amagqirha in Xhosa and sangoma in Zulu communities.
[13][14] This journey includes metaphysical transformation, symbolized by wearing specific garments, performing ceremonies, and undergoing a process called ivuma ukhufa, where the initiate's old identity dies to be reborn as a healer.
The training also involves learning humility to the ancestors, purification through steaming, washing in the blood of sacrificed animals, and the use of muti, medicines with spiritual significance.
[15] During the training period the ithwasa will share their ailments in the form of song and dance, a process that is nurtured by the analysis of dreams, anxieties, and with prayer.
[16] Ukuthwasa is a traditional African practice that involves a spiritual calling and initiation process for individuals chosen by their ancestors to become healers or diviners.
Traditional healers and diviners are respected members of their communities and they play crucial roles with providing spiritual guidance, healing, and support.
[7] There are two main types of Xhosa traditional healers: Igqirha, who offer spiritual insights, and Umthandazeli, who work with ancestral spirits using water, prayers, and indigenous wisdom.
[9]: 4–6 [30][4] A similar term, Amafufunyana refers to claims of demonic possession due to members of the Xhosa people exhibiting aberrant behaviour and psychological concerns.
The research suggests that in this particular community, ukuthwasa serves as a culturally accepted healing process that manages experiences that might be termed psychotic by psychiatric standards while convert challenging situations into positive and esteemed occurrences by reducing societal stigma.
Their findings suggested that cultural perspectives deeply affect symptom interpretation, with traditional healing methods proving effective for many participants.
[38] The coexistence of traditional practices like ukuthwasa and formal education systems is complex, often raising questions about their compatibility and effects on individual trajectories.
After discussions with the student, parents, and school officials, an agreement was reached that she could wear the beads if concealed under a long-sleeved shirt to avoid drawing attention.
I also wore an empty goat's gallbladder on my head and I remember being teased by one of my classmates, saying I must remove the condom on my forehead.In numerous cases, the interaction between traditional and modern healthcare professionals involves coexisting rather than actively collaborating.
[48] Ukuthwasa has found its presence in various forms of popular cultural expression including cinema and literature,[49] reflecting its significance in African societies.
[51] The first African designer to win the LVMH Prize in 2019, Thebe Magugu in his 2022 collection Alchemy draws inspiration from ukuthwasa, experienced by his friends who transitioned to traditional healers.
[53] In addition, several celebrities[54][55][56][57][58] including Dawn Thandeka King, Nandi Nyembe, Letoya Makhene and Boity Thulo[59] have claimed to go through the process with others sparking rumours,[60] like Dineo Ranaka.
