ndumba

As isangoma, we observe and are guided by umthetho weshoba, an ethical framework that guides the conduct of initiated traditional healers. The first law of umthetho weshoba is to do no harm.

In our ndumba, we foreground interdependence and prioritise safety, transparency, confidentiality and holistic well being.

Our practice is also grounded in the practice and exploration of the Bantu philosophy of botho. Botho is a philosophy of interdependence, often expressed as Motho ke motho ka bantu, loosely translating to ‘a person is a person through other people’.

Within botho, we find a philosophy and worldview that, at its core, asserts and stays with relationality and Indigenous African ways of being.

When approaching us for our offerings, it is customary to begin with the greeting ‘Thokoza Gogo’ or 'Lesedi Nkgono’, whether in writing or speech.

As you interact with us in our capacity as isangoma, you should also refer to us as ‘Gogo Mantwa’ or 'Nkgono Mantwa’, or simply ‘Gogo’ or ‘Nkgono’.

This is a gesture of respect and an acknowledgement of the elders and ancestors who guide this practice and make this work possible.