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AfriForum Youth demands formal investigation after ‘sangoma ritual’ at NWU residence in Potch

Soundbite: Yvonne Gerber (English)

Soundbite: Yvonne Gerber (Afrikaans)

AfriForum Youth demands that the North-West University (NWU) conduct a formal investigation after a ritual by a sangoma, accompanied by blood-curdling screams, allegedly took place in a women’s residence in Potchefstroom last night (13 April). The youth organisation today laid out details regarding the incident as well as a set of demands in a letter to Prof. Marlene Verhoef, NWU Registrar.

According to Yvonne Gerber, Youth Officer at AfriForum Youth, the incident occurred at approximately 22:10. The ritual, which was performed in the room in the residence, allegedly included prayers to ancestors and other traditional practices associated with traditional healing by sangomas. Panicked residents informed AfriForum Youth of the incident. In the audio and video footage that residents sent to AfriForum Youth, screams – presumably those of the student who was treated by the sangoma – can be clearly heard.

AfriForum Youth has since been informed that last night’s incident was not the first sangoma-related episode at the specific residence. Following a similar incident in the same residence nearly a month ago, several concerned students approached the residence mother about the incident. However, she allegedly responded dismissively, simply telling the students “to not be scared”.

“Last night’s incident caused extreme fear and anxiety among fellow residents. However, the management of the residence previously downplayed the students’ concerns. It is clear that the residence’s management does not understand the emotional and psychological impact that incidents like this have on other residents. Many female students now feel unsafe in the residence or are no longer even comfortable in their rooms or in common areas in the residence,” explains Gerber.

In the letter to Verhoef, AfriForum Youth emphasises that the demands made to the university do not stem from any form of religious or cultural intolerance but are rather a call for mutual respect and the responsible management of shared university spaces.

AfriForum Youth demands that a formal investigation be launched into last night’s events; that the university formulate a clear position and policy on the practice of religious and cultural rituals in residences; and that dedicated spaces be made available for the practice of similar rituals or ceremonies that protect and respect the rights of all students. In addition, it is also demanded that training be provided to residence management in the handling of student complaints and that trauma counselling be made available to residents of the residence who have been emotionally affected by the incident.

Video’s of alleged sangoma related incidents at NWU resicence: