South African celebrities who stopped practicing traditional healing
In South Africa, the spiritual calling of ubungoma is considered sacred and powerful.
Over the years, many celebrities have publicly accepted this path, undergoing ukuthwasa (initiation) and embracing their roles as traditional healers.
But for some, the journey took a different turn. Whether due to personal reasons, public pressure, or a shift in belief, these stars later chose to step back or stop practicing altogether.
Here’s a list of South African celebrities who’ve moved away from their ancestral calling:
1. Tol Ass Mo
The comedian and TV personality made headlines when he revealed that he had accepted a calling to become a sangoma. However, in 2023, Tol Ass Mo publicly renounced the calling, saying he now identifies as a born-again Christian and no longer believes in ancestral practices. His decision sparked major conversations about spiritual freedom and transformation.
2. Gigi Lamayne
Rapper Gigi Lamayne was once open about her spiritual gifts and the journey she was on as a traditional healer. But in 2025, she took a different spiritual route, choosing to be baptized as a Christian.
3. Palesa Madisakwane
Actress and media personality Palesa Madisakwane once revealed she had accepted the calling of a sangoma, but she later stepped away, citing her born-again Christian faith as her reason. She has since focused on her relationship with God, often sharing messages of faith and deliverance.
4. Boity Thulo
Boity made waves when she confirmed that she had undergone ukuthwasa. However, she later clarified that she doesn’t practice as a traditional healer. For Boity, answering the call was more about spiritual awakening than becoming a practicing sangoma — and she chose to keep her work focused on entertainment and entrepreneurship.
5. Brenda Ngxoli
Award-winning actress Brenda Ngxoli completed her training and spoke proudly of becoming a traditional healer. But in recent years, she has gone quiet about the practice, and fans have noted her absence from spiritual discussions. While she hasn’t publicly renounced the calling, she no longer actively promotes that aspect of her life.
6. Gogo Skhotheni (Tumi Motsoeneng)
Known for her work as a sangoma and reality TV star, Gogo Skhotheni surprised many in 2023 when she announced she had stopped practicing. She revealed that she was now focused on her Christian faith, adding that she hadn’t performed any traditional rituals in months. The move sparked major online debates about navigating multiple spiritual identities.
7. Dineo Ranaka
Dineo’s spiritual journey has been one of the most public and emotionally charged. After accepting her calling and going through initiation, she openly practiced as a sangoma. However, in 2023, she revealed the emotional toll it had taken on her, calling the space “dark and heavy.” While she hasn’t completely dismissed her calling, she made it clear she needed space and healing outside of that role.
