Reality shows offer a glimpse into people's lives.
Like a fly-onthe-wall, the camera captures intimate moments in which viewers gain a perspective into each cast member's world. And it's the same in local series Izangoma Zodumo, where a trio of sangomas are out to dispel misconceptions surrounding their spiritual gift.
There's outspoken fan favourite Makgotso "Gogo Maweni" Makopo, who viewers met in season 1. Besides juggling motherhood and several business ventures that include an events management company, she's also a gobela – an instructor chosen by ancestors to guide and teach trainees to become sangomas.
Season 2 also introduces endearing couple Sabelo and Pearl Sifundza. Sabelo is a chief traditional healer, while Pearl a nurse and sangoma. "With no holds barred, we give viewers insight into our marriage and calling," says Sabelo, adding that he joined Izangoma
Zodumo to show viewers that sangomas are "normal people with normal lives".
"Pearl and I work together. We're hands-on parents to our three kids, and we love each other dearly. We've opened our home for the country to see that we're just like any other couple. We laugh together and we disagree, but we always make up," adds Sabelo.
SANGOMA STARS
A typical week at the Sifundza residence includes Sabelo and Pearl consulting with their clients. They perform rituals such as when they travelled with one of their initiates to a river for a spiritual cleanse.
They hang out with their kids and, as Sabelo admits, the pair always makes time for each other. "My family is the key to my happiness, and I'm glad we can share our first TV experience together," explains the 36-year-old Sabelo.
DISMANTLING MYTHS
Pearl emphasises that some traditional healers are recognised health practitioners and they should, therefore, be treated as such.
"To some extent, sangomas operate like general practitioners. They examine their clients, determine the diagnosis and, depending on the case, they give their clients medication with which they heal," explains the 35-year-old Pearl.
She expands on the similarities that sangomas and doctors share: "We go through a process of training too. Although becoming a sangoma isn't university-based, it's a spiritual journey wherein we learn about the practise and in the end we have a graduation ceremony," she adds.
"Some people are scared to consult with sangomas, and some only want to visit us at night when no one can see them because they aren't comfortable with people knowing that they go to sangomas. If people see that we are just like them, they can ease their fears and come to us without any misgivings."
