TINYANGA WARNS OF SPIRITUAL DANGERS

SITEKI – Traditional healers have warned the public about the potential dangers associated with the improper disposal of a calabash.

The traditional healers were reacting to the unusual discovery of a calabash, known as sigujana, which was found abandoned next to the entrance of the Good Shepherd Catholic Mission Hospital in Siteki yesterday morning.

Traditionally steeped in cultural significance, calabashes are often used by healers and spiritual practitioners in various African rituals. They can serve a multitude of purposes, including as vessels for medicinal substances and as tools for ceremonies aimed at communicating with ancestral spirits or harnessing natural forces. The careful contents of a calabash -which can include herbs, charms and other spiritually significant items - play a crucial role in the success of healing practices. Given their power, the careless abandonment of such an object poses risks not only to individuals, but also to the surrounding community.

Concerns

Beauty Makhabane, Spokesperson for the Traditional Health Organisation, has voiced her deep concerns about the abandoned calabash. She emphasised the potential dangers it presents, especially to curious children who may inadvertently engage with it without understanding its implications.

“Children by their nature are curious,” Makhabane warned. “They might play with the calabash, completely unaware of the potential harm it could cause. It’s important to remember that objects like this are more than just curiosities; they can hold significant spiritual power.” Makhabane speculated that the calabash may have been discarded by someone following a process of repentance, possibly as advised by a prophecy.

However, the act of leaving it on a public road raises serious ethical questions. “It is fundamentally wrong to leave such a potent object in an accessible location,” she stated. “The owner should have ensured its safe disposal in a secluded area, such as a forest or cave, where it could not harm unsuspecting individuals, especially children.”

Implications

This viewpoint is echoed by Makhanya Makhanya, National Chairman of the Witchdoctors Association. He elaborated on the cultural implications of the calabash’s presence, suggesting that it may have been placed strategically to interact with passersby.  “The calabash might have been left on the road to familiarise itself with the community,” he explained. “Once it establishes that connection, it can act as a magnet, drawing people toward the healer’s consultation room - indumba - where they may seek guidance or healing.”

Makhanya also highlighted the significance of the mirror and string wrapped around the calabash, suggesting that these elements might represent a prophetic message intended to guide individuals towards healing or protection.
However, he cautioned that placing such an object in public without permission is a prosecutable offence under the Witchcraft Act, urging local authorities to intervene.

Intentions

“It’s crucial for the police to confiscate the calabash and locate its owner so they can explain their intentions,” he stressed.

While onlookers speculate about the circumstances surrounding the calabash’s abandonment, including suggestions it may have been discarded by intoxicated individuals, the warnings from traditional healers remain paramount.
The community’s unease is palpable as residents grapple with the potential implications of the calabash’s presence in such a public space.

In light of these concerns, traditional healers are calling for increased awareness about the responsible handling and disposal of culturally significant objects. They stress that understanding the spiritual context and implications of such items is vital for community safety, urging anyone in possession of a calabash or similar object to approach its disposal with the utmost care and respect. The incident serves as a reminder that cultural practices, when approached responsibly, should foster communal well-being rather than pose threats or instil fear.

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