Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
TRADITIONAL leaders and elders under Chief Sibasa in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province have intensified efforts to preserve cultural heritage while ensuring that young people are actively involved in the transmission of indigenous knowledge systems.
At the heart of this preservation initiative is a culture centre that serves as a platform for both the elderly and the youth to participate in traditional activities. These include traditional dances, communal feasts of indigenous dishes and teachings on ancestral rites and rituals.
A symbolic feature of the chieftaincy is Chief Sibasa’s cultural hut, a sacred space that represents continuity, wisdom and the spiritual foundations of the community. Complementing this are spirit mediums, which are highly respected figures in the community serving as intermediaries between the living and the ancestral realm.
“We have cultural practices that we continue to observe, including respect for traditional attire and rituals such as interceding for rain at Njelele. Among us are spirit mediums whose presence reminds us of the connection we have with our ancestors,” said Chief Sibasa.
He said the spirit mediums do not choose their calling, but it is the ancestors who decide.
The chief explained that spirit mediums are easily identified by their distinct attire, which often includes leopard prints, beads, headgear or other traditional regalia.
He said their dress is not by choice but is spiritually ordained.
“Unfortunately, some people see it as mere fashion without understanding its deeper meaning. This dress code isn’t by choice, but it’s determined by the spirit which is in that person,” said Chief Sibasa.
One such practice still observed is the rain-making ritual, especially at Njelele, a sacred shrine in the Matobo Hills, where traditional leaders and spirit mediums intercede on behalf of the community.
He said the community observes a work-free day to show respect to the spiritual realm.
Chief Sibasa said spirit mediums and traditional healers continue to play a pivotal role in the health and spiritual well-being of communities, especially in remote areas where modern healthcare is often inaccessible.
“In the past, these people were our only hope for healing and guidance. Even now, they remain close to the people and provide services that are still relevant,” he said.
To ensure that this knowledge is not lost with time, Chief Sibasa and elders are actively involving the youth, mentoring them in cultural values and ancestral knowledge.
One of the local spirit mediums, Mr Owen Moyo, shared how he was chosen by ancestors, an experience marked by confusion, dreams and eventual understanding through guidance from elders.
“You don’t choose to be a spirit medium, but the ancestors choose you. I was lost until I consulted the elders who helped me understand my calling,” he said.
Mr Moyo described his work as a sacred duty. When someone visits him with a problem, he first consults the ancestors in his “surgery”, a ritual space, to understand the real issue beyond what is said.
“The ancestors give us the ability to deal with a range of problems, spiritual or physical. Sometimes, the issue isn’t what the person thinks it is, which is why I consult first,” he said.
Another spirit medium, Mr Phumulani Dube, also recounted how his journey started with recurring dreams until elders revealed his ancestral calling. He said the ancestors instructed him, through dreams on what regalia to wear during ceremonies.
“The regalia is not just symbolic, but a spiritual armour. When danger approaches, I am warned through dreams and I wear the regalia to protect myself,” he said.
Mr Dube said he only wears it when performing ancestral duties, not during personal activities. He said ignoring such instructions carries spiritual consequences, hence the deep respect spirit mediums have for their calling and attire.
Bongani Ndlovu