The word “sangomas” usually has a negative connotation that causes people to ignore their calling.
These Skeem Saam actors and actresses, however, are Sangomas in real life because they have heeded the call of their ancestors.
Phophi Mudau Ratlabala
Phophi Mudau Ratlabala, who plays the character Cindy, is a sangoma in real life.
Ratlabala was off the small screen for almost a year before she finally revealed why we had not seen her play Cindy on Skeem Saam. She explained that she was not on television because she took some time off as she was going through a spiritual journey as a traditional healer.
Earlier this year, Phophi Mudau Ratlabala announced that she was now a graduated healer and she said she was happy to talk about her journey
“It has been both a challenging and beautiful journey. Learning to give of yourself, your time, your resources were minuscule in comparison to the lesson in humility. When you accept your calling to become a Healer, you let go of self completely and allow the Spirits to work through you and in you. “
Mlungisi Bafana Mathe
Mlungisi Bafana Mathe, who plays the role of Emkay Biyela on Skeem Saam, opened up about his religion and spiritual journey as a sangoma.
At one time, Emkay was a church youth leader and a preacher before eventually becoming a pastor. Along the way, Mlungisi got a calling from his ancestors, which he embraced.
Oratile Maitisa
Oratile Maitisa joined Skeem Saam back in 2010, where she plays the role of Eunice Nkadimeng, a the sweet and innocent young girl.
She grew up a Christian and was robed into two guilds at church, where she was also a youth evangelist. In June 2021, Oratile announced that she was a Sangoma. She took to Instagram to share videos and pictures of what looked like her graduation day.
Shoki Mmola
Despite her demanding role as Celia on Skeem Saam, veteran actress Shoki Mmola expressed her happiness at being a sangoma.
She received her degree in 2019 and is now a registered traditional healer, so she is able to write sick notes for clients. Sangoma refuted her claim to be a celebrity, stating:
I am not a celebrity sangoma because I didn’t answer my calling out of it being a fashion trend
