Gogo Skhotheni has announced her resignation from the practice of ubungoma.
Image: Instagram
In a surprising turn of events, Tumi Motsoeneng, better known as Gogo Skhotheni, has announced her resignation from the practice of ubungoma.
This decision has reverberated across social media platforms and left many in the community questioning the future of traditional beliefs and practices in South Africa.
Skhotheni, who has become a household name not just for her role as a traditional healer but also for her ventures as a podcaster, DJ, and reality television star, shared her decision with her followers earlier this week.
Her announcement did not just mark an end to her professional practice; it represented a significant personal transformation.
“I am no longer a traditional healer. I am no longer a sangoma... I will forever acknowledge, respect, and believe in my ancestors,” she stated.
Skhotheni's departure comes as part of a broader journey of faith and self-discovery, during which she has grappled with the dualities of her practice.
“I had to differentiate between being a healer and a witch,” she reflected. “Being a healer is what I chose, and it goes along with God.”
In a heartfelt declaration, she added, “I am a child of God. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice.”
The decision has sparked mixed reactions from netizens. While some celebrated her departure as a victory for spirituality, others voiced scepticism.
One user, resonating with the sentiments of many, wrote, “The kingdom of God is winning.” In contrast, another expressed doubt about the sincerity of her departure, suggesting, “Just wait until she opens a church. Scam number two.”
Others, such as those concerned for Skhotheni's mental health, commented, “Your mental health comes first.”
When asked about the potential repercussions of her departure from ubungoma, Skhotheni confidently asserted, "I am willing to face them. I would rather face the consequences. Before anything else, I am a child of God.”
She elaborated on the challenging duality of her past, stating: “This journey of ubungoma, you end up doing witchcraft and other things, so I think it's one of the darkest journeys I've been on as a healer."
"I had to differentiate between being a healer and being a witch. Being a healer is what I chose, and it goes along with God. I am a sangoma who believes in God and puts God in everything I do. I love God, and he loves me.”
Skhotheni's departure isn't an isolated incident.
In 2023, former “Generations” actor Thabiso Mokhethi also publicly resigned from his role as a sangoma, citing a similar desire to devote his life to God.
Mokhethi shared how personal struggles with addiction and grief ultimately led him to conclude that he had strayed from his true calling.
“The Lord has asked me to publicly resign from everything he hasn't called me into,” he explained.
Mokhethi's journey mirrors Skhotheni’s. He voiced his commitment to following God's plan, distancing himself from the trappings of past lifestyles.
“I am resigning from all things from a lifestyle that many of us are suffering from, partying. Most of all, I am resigning from being a sangoma,” he affirmed.