Exploring the 21st Century Factors Precipitating Witchcraft Beliefs and Imputations in South Africa and Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article discusses the factors precipitating witchcraft belief practises and imputations in South Africa and Zimbabwe in the 21st century. Efforts to ignore the epistemologies of this phenomenon and paint it as primitive have been the foundation of some writings by some authors, thus leaving the believers of witchcraft unsatisfied and hence turning a blind eye on life’s pertinent challenges. To collect data, a case study analysis, semi-structured interviews, and desk-based research were conducted. Knowledge holders, namely businessmen, police, religious leaders, traditional healers, and politicians, were interviewed. In Bindura, (Mashonaland province), 10 participants were interviewed in Zimbabwe and 10 in South Africa (Thohoyandou, Limpopo province). The study’s theoretical foundations were psychoanalytic theory and socio-cultural theory. The study’s findings revealed that certain rural population groups in South Africa and Zimbabwe still hold deep-seated beliefs in witchcraft. Some people have not forsaken their witchcraft beliefs and practices, which are deeply rooted in African culture. The scramble for power and dominance in business and politics, polygamous marriages, and religious beliefs and teachings contribute to witchcraft beliefs and imputations. Educational programmes and the mass media have not entirely prevailed in influencing positive change. In addition, there seem to be discrepancies between the provisions of the law and what is happening on the ground. It is recommended that the most effective and efficient way of addressing this conundrum would be to update the existing colonial witchcraft legislation to address the mismatch that is there between what the law says and what people believe.