Burning Witches in not an African Culture

BURNING witches or accusing others of practising witchcraft is not an African culture. It can never be but others makes it a norm in their communities, more especially in the rural areas. In most cases those accused of witchcraft are burned while those who are luck to can continue breathing are banned from such communities. It is high time that Africans stand against such behaviors and say "Not in my Culture", so says Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr. Zweli Mkhize.

He said there are channels to be followed when one committed a certain crime in the country but burning or killing a person can never be a solution. He spoke to the traditional leaders and communities in Moletjie Moshate outside Polokwane in Limpopo on Thursday. Mkhize emphasized that traditional councils also have a role to play in ensuring that people understand culture.

"That need to stop because there is no way anyone can be allowed to take other person's life. If a person wronged that person must be reported and taken to the police or the royal council but we cannot take the things which were happening in the past and move with them to our future. We have the law in the country which can deal with such. When somebody goes and kill another accusing them of witchcraft we must stand and say "Not in my culture," said Mkhize.

He ensured that all the traditional leaders and community members attending the dialogue about human right as an important platform are an opportunity as stakeholders to reflect and debate various issues, including, cultural practices that are harmful and violating the constitutional and human rights. It also raised awareness through changing perceptions about people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, as well as to  promote transformation agenda and socio-economic development in traditional leadership structures and communities.

Chief Kgabo Moloto III of Moletjie community says the traditional councils in the country are feared by people as if they are the place of oppression and unconstitutional. He said people must understand that traditional councils and leaders are for them to use as communities.

- Raphophi Media