In South Africa we walk something of a tightrope, trying to create a space where we allow for a multitude of different cultures to coexist.

Sometimes that works out rather well, but other times it creates a rather tense situation – as has been the case in Strand these past few weeks.

A group, led by a Sangoma, asked a beach amenities staff member if they could carry out a prayer session on the popular stretch of beach, but according to ward councillor Dave Venter they omitted a few vital details. More from News24:

“They didn’t mention anything about any ritual. They said they just wanted to meditate. This individual said it is fine because it is an open public space, as long as it is not immoral or people can object to your actions.”

A patroller from the Strand Neighbourhood Watch later found out they wanted to make fires and offer a goat, said Venter.

“The lady sangoma was very upset because she said it was an open beach and we can do what we want.”

The Watch’s vice chair Manfred Thieroff said their patroller established they had not obtained permission to slaughter.

That was just one incident, because around a week later another group tried to slaughter chickens on the beach. Venter says he believes one chicken was killed before anyone intervened, whilst others maintain no chickens were harmed.

Here’s Xolile Ndevu, general secretary of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa:

“We respect other people’s beliefs. If something has to be done in a place that is more public, then a process must be followed to ensure everyone has been notified and there is agreement”…

“Everyone claps hands and ululates when it [the cow or goat] bellows because then it means the ritual is in accordance with our custom.”

They killed the animal soon after and did not cause it much pain, said Ndevu.

“We do this once in a while so it is nothing to do with animal cruelty.”

He believed chickens were most often used by sangomas for “quick-fix interventions”.

Before you get all high and mighty, just remember what chickens go through so you can have your fry up brekkie on a Sunday morning.

Never mind the pigs for the bacon…

[source:news24]

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