The Pagan Activist

 We would like to introduce to you our regular columist for 'Paganism in Africa'- Damon Leff!

The Pagan Activist

Disclaimer: The Pagan Activist is not responsible for the content and accuracy of these articles. The content is the sole opinion and full responsibility of the author.

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2008:

December / November / October / September / August / July / June - Author on Hiatus / May / April / March / February / January

2007:

December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January

2006:

December / November / September / October / August / July

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Over the last four years this column has explored Paganism and Witchcraft in South Africa from a human rights perspective. I have, as an activist, made repeated appeals through my articles, for the recognition of Witchcraft as a bone fide religion and for an end to Witch-hunts in Africa. I hope my work has been of some benefit for those who find the subject as interesting as I do.

I would like to thank Edain for the opportunity the Pagan Activist has offered me to share my perspective. I wish her and fellow columnists good fortune in the years to come.

The morals and ethics espoused and lived by divergent Pagan individuals, groups and communities today are constructed on the same virtues valued by our collective ancestors, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or culture. Life is precious and must be preserved.

Despite our differences in belief and practice and in spite of the absence of any single unifying pagan theology or philosophy we Pagans share by default the same values treasured by every preceding generation. We all aspire to love and to caring for those we love.

Pagans everywhere share the desire to acquire and preserve individual and collective liberty. We jealously treasure our right to freedom of belief, religion, conscience and speech.

The quests for life, love and liberty lie at the heart of Pagan and neo-Pagan debates on origin, identity, definition, determination and authenticity. They challenge those to the left, centre and right of all political and religious dialogue, encouraging agreement and fueling disagreement.

Pagan values are human values. Collective human values such as equality, truth and justice inform our virtues and define the context within which we exercise our morals and ethics. Our compassion toward others (equality), our willingness to cooperate for mutual benefit (truth) and our generosity of spirit in permitting difference (justice), are among the common virtues that maintain the generation and survival of every species on our planet.
May the approaching fires of the Winter solstice and sunrise in the southern hemisphere and of the Summer Solstice in the north, beckon to the hearts and minds of every Pagan, whether reconstructionist or syncretic eclectic, to honour in remembrance the virtues of life, love, liberty, equality, truth and justice.

Thank you to the reader's of Paganism in Africa for reading my column.

If you'd like to continue reading my work you'll find me at http://damonleff.livejournal.com/

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In his letter of dismissal of seven complaints lodged by the South 
African Pagan Rights Alliance, the South African Press Ombudsman only 
partially examines the merits of one of these complaints (*Kat dalk in 
heksedaad bedwelm *dated 25 March 2009 and published by Die Burger) and 
completely dismisses any possible merit for complaints lodged between 1 
August 2008 and 29 October 2008.
 
The Ombudsman Mr. J. Thloloe bases his complete dismissal of all 
complaints on three prejudicial assumptions concerning my person, namely:
 
a) /“The articles he submitted to this office, from titles across the 
country, are from the web and not from actual newspapers. We can fairly 
infer that Mr. Leff trawls the web looking for South African newspaper 
references to witches and uses his “hits” as bases for his complaints.”/ 
J. Thloloe
 
b) /“What is obvious from this and other complaints is that Mr Leff is 
trying to abuse the Ombudsman’s system to preach his religion. 
Proselytising for any religion is outside the mandate of this office.”/ 
J. Thloloe
 
I submitted the following for consideration of an appeal of all 
complaints lodged on behalf of SAPRA on their merits and not, as Mr. 
Thloloe would prefer it, on his personal and biased inferences on the 
merits of my character and my motivation for lodging these complaints.
 
The South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) is a non-profit 
voluntary association constituted to promote the guaranteed liberties 
and freedoms enshrined for all South African Pagans in the Bill of 
Rights and to assist South African Pagans, whose constitutionally 
guaranteed rights and freedoms have been infringed due to unfair 
discrimination, to obtain appropriate redress.
 
As the Director of SAPRA I am obligated by constitution and mandate to 
pursue redress against any and all perceived infringement of the rights 
not only of the formal members of the Alliance (most of whom identify as 
Witches and call their religion Witchcraft), but of any South African 
citizen who self-defines as either a Pagan or a Witch who might seek 
assistance to obtaining redress. Complaints lodged by SAPRA were brought 
to the attention of the Executive Committee of this Alliance by both 
members and non-members of SAPRA for redress.
 
Witchcraft in South Africa is a recognized Pagan religion. Most Pagans 
in South Africa self-define as Witches – as adherents of the religion of 
Witchcraft.
 
Every South African citizen has the right to freedom of religion and 
belief, including the right to proselytize their religious beliefs 
should they choose to do so. This constitutional right includes not only 
the right of religious communities to define themselves and their own 
religion, but also to challenge anything they may perceive as harmful to 
themselves and their religious communities.
 
The Ombudsman’s ruling must therefore be construed as an unfair 
dismissal of the right of South African citizens, who define their 
religion as Witchcraft, to challenge institutionalized bias and 
prejudice against Witchcraft in the South African press.
 
SAPRA does not seek to convert Mr. Thloloe to Witchcraft, nor does it 
seek to /“abuse the Ombudsman’s system” /as is alleged by Thloloe. It 
seeks simply to address the publication of unfair, biased and 
prejudicial content by challenging the propagation of harmful 
stereotypical defamation against Witchcraft, whether in print or online 
media.
 
 
To this end SAPRA has appealed to the members of the Press Appeals Panel 
to consider further motivations for the complaints submitted by this 
Alliance, and to find in favour of this Alliance wherever the South 
African Press Code has been deemed to have been contravened or 
infringed, but with especial respect to the avoidance of discriminatory 
or denigratory references to a recognized minority religion.
 
 
*Witchcraft: Dog spell to trap victim
*By Witness Reporter
http://www.witness.co.za/?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=11161 
<http://www.witness.co.za/?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=11161>
Published 31 July 2008 by The Witness
(and) *Hero: Homeless man dials 10111 to rescue buried puppy*
By Bongani Hans - Published on 31 July 2008 by *_The Witness_*.
Complaint lodged against both articles by SAPRA on *1 August 2008*.
 
In these two articles a traditional healer named Schoeman Xulu is 
reported to have alleged that the abhorrent abuse and injury of a border 
collie puppy was the work of Witches. Xulu’s allegation is based on his 
alleged personal admission that the modus operandi was an attempt to 
/“trap someone to death”./
 
/“The perpetrators were trapping someone to death. Witches use black 
chickens and dogs and colourful candles to kill their targets. I feel 
sorry for whoever the practice was directed at,”/ said Xulu. 
[Witchcraft: Dog spell to trap victim]
 
The seven week old puppy is reported to have been /“buried alive with 
two spears inserted into its body”/ and to have been /“buried with a 
dead black chicken, a mirror, underwear, a sock, two blue and red 
candles and headgear made from an animal skin.”/ [Hero: Homeless man 
dials 10111 to rescue buried puppy]
 
In its complaint against this allegation made by Xulu, SAPRA objected to 
the prejudicial assertion that Witches were responsible for this 
criminal act. Whilst actual Witches do not practice blood-sacrifice and 
would never harm an animal in the practice of Witchcraft, it is common 
knowledge that both iSangomas (diviners) and nYangas (herbalists) do 
sacrifice chickens in their traditional African magical and religious 
practices.
 
The presence of spears may equally have indicated the work of rogue 
practitioners of an indigenous form of magical practice. The reporters 
did not consider it necessary to seek further confirmation of the 
credibility of the allegation made by Xulu.
 
Where there is reason to doubt the accuracy of a report, and in this 
instance SAPRA believes there is, especially where such a report is 
based on unverified opinion, the reporter is required by the Press Code 
to mention this. Neither article does so and indeed the title of the 
first makes Xulu’s allegation an unquestioned conclusion.
 
*Inyanga to rescue possessed child*
By Lerato Serero**
http://www.news24.com/Regional_Papers/Components/Category_Article_Text_Template/0,,3
72_2371820~E,00.html
Published on 7 August 2008 by *_News24.com_*.
Complaint lodged by SAPRA on *7 August 2008*.
 
In this article inyanga Maniki Motloutsi is reported as saying, /"I have 
caught many witches here in my yard and you will be surprised who does 
these thing as these are usually trusted community members who become 
monsters at night... Evil exists, what that witch is doing to the child 
is evil and must be stopped as soon as possible, she is not an inyanga 
but a killer"./ Motloutsi makes allegations against an unnamed 
traditional healer with whom he is in competition.
 
The reporter makes no attempt to publish the opinion of the inyanga who 
is falsely being accused of being a Witch.
 
The alleged confession of having /“caught many Witches”/ (?) and the 
accusation of Witchcraft made by Motloutsi might be interpreted as an 
infringement of the 1957 Witchcraft Suppression Act’s prohibition 
against “/imputing to any other person the causing, by supernatural 
means, of any disease or injury or damage to any person…”./
 
In its complaint SAPRA cautioned against the publication of accusations 
of Witchcraft on the grounds that such accusations may result in acts of 
violence against accused individuals. It should further be noted that 
traditional healers (inyanga’s and isangoma’s) do not self-define as 
Witches and do not define their healing and magical practices as Witchcraft.
 
*Woman gives birth to cups*
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=29&art_id=nw20080814073609904C407570&set_id=1
Published on 14 August 2008 by *_IOL_*.
Complaint lodged by SAPRA on *14 August 2008*.
(and) *Mozambican teen gives birth to three cups
*http://www.dispatch.co.za/article.aspx?id=237256
Woman gives birth to cups* *republished on 15 August 2008 by *_Dispatch 
Online_*.**
Complaint lodged by SAPRA on *15 August 2008*.
 
In this article (published by both IOL and Dispatch Online) it is 
alleged that an unnamed 18 year old Mozambican woman gave birth to three 
cups. The president of the Mozambican association of traditional healers 
(Ametramo) Aulerio Demoraz is reported to have stated that /“similar 
cases had occurred in other parts of the world due to witchcraft.”/
 
The article reports a scientifically implausible allegation. Women do 
not give birth to crockery. Witchcraft cannot make women give birth to 
crockery. Had Witchcraft not been alleged as the cause for this 
previously unreported global phenomena one might be tempted to assume 
that the article was originally meant for publication on April 1.
 
The allegations are not challenged by the reporter and both phenomenon 
and allegation are presented as factual reporting.
 
*Halloween - Do you know what you are celebrating?*
Letter to the Editor, published in the *_Witbank News_*.
Complaint lodged by SAPRA on *20 October 2008*.
(and) *Halloween – Prime recruiting time for Satanists*
Letter to the Editor, published in the *_Sunday Tribune_* on* *26 
October 2008.
Complaint lodged by SAPRA on *29 October 2008*.
 
In both of these published letters to the editors of the Witbank News 
and the Sunday Tribune, ‘Concerned Resident’ [Halloween - Do you know 
what you are celebrating? - Witbank News] and ‘Mos van Schoor’ 
[‘Halloween – Prime recruiting time for Satanists’ - Sunday Tribune] are 
permitted to express prejudicial opinions and suppositions, including 
factually incorrect allegations against a Pagan religious holy day and 
its observance in South Africa.
 
South African Pagans, including Witches, do celebrate Halloween (also 
known as Samhain) as a religious holy day during which honour and 
veneration is offered to our ancestors, on April 30 / May 1 (not October 
31 / November 1). Satanists do not define as Pagans.
 
The publication of distorted, prejudicial and pejorative religiously 
motivated propaganda against a religious minority, its beliefs and 
religious festivals, contravenes the Press Code with respect to avoiding 
discriminatory or denigratory references to people's religion, the Bill 
of Rights with respect to the right of religious communities to practice 
their religion and to form, join and maintain religious associations, 
and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination 
Act with respect to publishing, propagating or advocating prejudice 
against any person that could reasonably be construed as demonstrating a 
clear intention to be hurtful (by portraying those who celebrate 
Halloween as evil) and to promote or propagate hatred (against Pagans, 
Witches and Satanists).
 
*Kat dalk in heksedaad bedwelm*
By Marlene Neethling
Published in *_Die Burger_* on 25 March 2009.
Complaint lodged by SAPRA on *25 March 2009*.
 
This is the only complaint the Ombudsman appears to have attempted to 
refute on the basis of the facts placed before him. Mr. Thloloe 
acknowledges that the statement accredited by reporter Marlene Neethling 
to Mr. Andries Venter - Chief Inspector of the SPCA, was not actually 
made by Mr. Venter.
 
In a letter to the editor of Die Burger, Mr. Venter denies having 
personally stated that Witchcraft was being considered as a possible 
cause of a cat’s intoxication on opiates.
 
The Ombudsman’s dismissal of such deliberate distortion and provably 
false attribution of a statement to Mr. Venter by Neethling, on the 
grounds that /“Leff has no standing to complain on Venter’s behalf”/ 
neither addresses the false attribution of allegation to Venter, nor 
considers the unintended consequences of such a falsely attributed 
statement on citizens who are Witches.
 
 
In conclusion, the Ombudsman makes a number of inferences regarding 
Witchcraft, which no doubt he regards as fair, but which in our 
considered opinion merely serve ultimately to prejudice this Alliance in 
challenging both existing and future use of the terms Witch and 
Witchcraft to describe criminals and criminal activities respectively.
 
Thloloe states with respect to SAPRA’s objection to the repeated 
prejudicial use of the term Witchcraft in nearly every complaint lodged 
by this Alliance,
 
/“The dictionary gives several meanings of the words witch and wizard. 
Some of these meanings would be pleasing to Mr Leff and others are less 
than flattering: a hag; woman claiming or popularly believed to possess 
magical powers and practises sorcery; a sorcerer or magician; woman 
considered to be spiteful or overbearing; and of course, the meaning 
that Mr Leff wants all publications to adopt – a polytheistic Neo-Pagan 
nature religion inspired by various pre-Christian western European 
beliefs, whose central deity is a mother goddess and which includes the 
use of herbal magic and benign witchcraft.”/ J. Thloloe
 
and
 
/“Mr Leff’s argument that this story was “prejudicial and can be 
interpreted as attempt to portray Witchcraft, and by natural extension 
self-defined Witches in this country…as drug users and animal abusers” 
is absurd. Stretching this logic to saying the article defames 
self-styled witches is even more absurd. There is no reference to 
self-styled witches. The reporter is using an ordinary meaning of the 
word witch and is quoting what witnesses told her they suspect.”/ J. Thloloe
 
Perhaps Mr. Thloloe might reconsider his denial of the right of our 
religious community to define our own religion and to object to the 
prejudicial stereotyping of Witches and Witchcraft in general? Whilst we 
acknowledge that the Oxford dictionary still defines ‘a Jew’ as ‘a 
cheat’, we cannot in good conscience reason that any Jew who seeks to 
challenge such a pejorative use of the term is simply /“self-styled”/, 
nor can we reason that such a person must show tolerance for /“an 
ordinary meaning of the word”/.

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30 day advocacy campaign against Witch-hunts in Africa.

These men, women and children were accused of practicing Witchcraft between 2000 and 2008 in South Africa. They were harassed, assaulted, murdered or banished from their homes by relatives, friends and neighbors.

Simon Magagula (30)
Mamlothana Ndoda
Manqoma Novumile Tyebisa
Makhemu Ngema (65)
Mbhejile Sibiya (28)
Hlengiwe Ntuli (20)
Samukelisiwe Masikane (7)
Khanyisane Ngema (6)
Siyabonga Masikane (3)
Maria Ngcobo (76)
Amoni Mokoena (67)
Lina Magagula
Matome Molele (67)
Grace Chabalala (80)
Hlalaphi Malandula (45)
Mphatsi Mazibuko
August Micas Khoza (65)
Madudu Shandu (57)
Bongekile Zungu (59)
Ntombizanele Combo (45)
Sibulele Combo (6)

NONE of these victims were or are Witches!

This is by no means a complete list of victims of Witchcraft accusations in South Africa. Many reported cases do not mention the victim’s names. Most incidences of Witchcraft-related violence are not reported as Witch-hunts.

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world!


South African law prohibits making accusations of Witchcraft.

But South African politicians keep making accusations of Witchcraft publicly on party-political platforms…

On 15 December 2008 Jacob Zuma, President of the African National Congress (ANC), addressing thousands of ANC supporters in Dan Qeqe stadium in Zwide, Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape), called the leaders of the newly formed rival political party, the Congress of the People (COPE), Witches. “It is better when you have an enemy that you don't know. If you know the enemy, then it is more difficult. In Zulu we refer to a form of witchcraft called ukuphehla amanzi, where your enemy would mix dirt from your body in a calabash and stick a spear into the mixture to cause you sharp body pains. When the witch is a family member, we know that it's more dangerous than an enemy from outside." Zacob Zuma

On the same day, Ntombizanele Combo (45) and her grand daughter Sibulele Combo (6) were burned to death by two men in a Christmas day Witch-hunt in Timane village near Dutywa (Eastern Cape).

"Our mothers are taken, house to house, they are also paraded on TV, these people are performing witchcraft with our mothers....They are liars. You can't have respect for people who use older people in that fashion.” Tokyo Sexwale
January 2009. Sexwale was speaking at an ANC rally in Zwide township, outside Port Elizabeth.


The South African Press Code determines that the press should avoid discriminatory or denigratory references to people's religion and refrain from referring to a person's religion in a prejudicial or pejorative context.

When a border collie puppy, which had been buried alive with two spears inserted into its body, was discovered at Camps Drift near the Msunduzi River, The Witness reported that a well-known Imbali-based traditional healer Schoeman Xulu viewed the discovery as the worst form of witchcraft. Xulu is quoted as saying, “The perpetrators were trapping someone to death. Witches use black chickens and dogs and colourful candles to kill their targets. I feel sorry for whoever the practice was directed at." July 2008

When a traditional herbalist suspected his rival of being more popular than him, The Vaal Weekly reported the unnamed inyanga as saying "I have caught many witches here in my yard and you will be surprised who does these thing as these are usually trusted community members who become monsters at night... Evil exists, what that witch is doing to the child is evil and must be stopped as soon as possible, she is not an inyanga but a killer". August 2008.

But the South African press claims the right to defame Witches through negatively stereotyping Witchcraft by publishing fabricated hearsay as evidence.


The South African Bill of Rights prohibits hate speech against religious minorities.

But South African intellectuals promote hatred of Witches by defining them as a threat to society.

The Ralushai Commission’s report defined the term Witch to mean a person who …through sheer malice, either consciously or subconsciously, employs magical means to inflict all manner of evil on their fellow human beings. They destroy property, bring disease or misfortune and cause death, often entirely without provocation to satisfy their inherent craving for evil doing. 1995.

"A witch is a person who is endowed with powers of causing illness or ill luck or death to the person that he wants to destroy.“ Professor Ralushai. 1999.

The Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill define Witchcraft as …the secret use of muti, zombies, spells, spirits, magic powders, water, mixtures, etc, by any person with the purpose of causing harm, damage, sickness to others or their property. 2007.


Throughout Africa Witches are feared and reviled.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights declares that every human being shall be entitled to respect for his or her life and integrity of his or her person, and that all forms of exploitation and degradation shall be prohibited.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees that everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he or she has had all the guarantees necessary for his or her defense.

If you are a Witch, or accused of being a Witch in Africa, no matter what your human rights are, you will NOT receive a fair trial, you will NOT be afforded an opportunity to protest your innocence, and you WILL suffer the consequences of centuries of cultural and religious prejudice and fear against Witchcraft.


Witch-hunts are motivated by beliefs. Beliefs lead to action. Beliefs that instill fear often motivate violence in response to a perceived threat, whether or not that threat is real of merely imagined.

Maintaining and reinforcing discriminatory and prejudicial definitions of Witchcraft promotes violence.

Prejudice against Witchcraft in Africa is motivated by cultural and religious beliefs that are based on false and defamatory urban legends.

Cultural practices and religious beliefs that promote the murder of innocents on the basis of belief must not be tolerated in any society!


Freedom of belief and religion does not mean freedom to falsely accuse and persecute others.

Those who use their beliefs to motivate or justify prejudice, discrimination, intimidation, assault, arson and murder against suspected Witches are guilty of crimes against humanity.

“Ubuntu is the essence of being human. It speaks of the fact that my humanity is caught up and is inextricably bound up in yours. I am human because I belong. It speaks about wholeness, it speaks about compassion. A person with ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, willing to share. Such people are open and available to others, willing to be vulnerable, affirming of others, do not feel threatened that others are able and good, for they have a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that they belong in a greater whole. They know that they are diminished when others are humiliated, diminished when others are oppressed, diminished when others are treated as if they were less than who they are. The quality of ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanize them.” Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu



WITCHES ARE PEOPLE!

In Africa the only people who use the word ‘Witch’ to define themselves are South African citizens who call their religion ‘Witchcraft’.

In South Africa Witches constitute a small but visible religious minority.

In 2007 a majority of South African Witches elected to reclaim the terms Witch and Witchcraft.

South African Witches define Witchcraft as a Pagan mystery religion that employs the use of sympathetic magic, ritual, herbalism and divination.

We demand our constitutional right to freedom of belief and religion.
We demand the right to live and work in safety.
We demand the right to equality and dignity.

    30 days of Advocacy against Witch-hunts
    29 March to April 27 2009

    Speak out against religious discrimination and end Witchcraft-related Violence in Africa.


Download a free copy of ‘A Pagan Witches TouchStone’.
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/A%20Pagan%20Witches%20Touchstone.pdf

PP Presentation 'Africa's Shameful Secret' prepared by Damon Leff on behalf of TouchStone Advocacy.
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/TouchStone_Advocacy_2009.ppt

Penton Pagan Magazine devotes this entire issue to examining Witch-hunts in South Africa.
http://www.penton.co.za/

Visit TouchStone: http://touchstoneadvocacy.ning.com/


Who is out target audience in this year's campaign?

This year's campaign is directed at political parties and alternative forms of media (bloggers). Our target audience is ordinary South Africans (irrespective of ethnicity or race or religion). Anyone affected by, or concerned about the high level of violent crime in this country must be able to see Witch-hunts as a contributing factor to this alarming trend. Every political party has already stated that fighting crime must be a priority for government. Obviously this target audience must include white-skinned South Africans who call themselves Witches and Facebook is as good a place as any to begin the conversation.

Who has been invited to the discussion?

Political parties including the ANC, DP, ID, COPE and the ACDP. Alternative forms of media including bloggers, whether Pagan or not. You, South African citizens.

BLOGGERS

If you're an avid blogger and want to help spread the message of tolerance for Witchcraft please join this Advocacy Campaign and make your voice heard.

Here are the campaign guidelines for participant bloggers:

Topic: Witchcraft and Witch-hunts in Africa (including S.A.) - write anything you want on this subject
Reinforce the message: An end to Witch-hunts in Africa
Post: publish your blog between 29 March and 20 April 2009
Add-on: Please add the following text beneath your blog post:
- This blog is one of several participants of an advocacy campaign to end Witch-hunts in Africa. -
Link: Please link your blog post to http://touchstoneadvocacy.ning.com/
Forward Link: Please forward your published blog's title and url to TouchStone Advocacy - damon@gardenroute.com

This TouchStone Advocacy campaign is supported by the South African Pagan Council and the South African Pagan Rights Alliance.

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In September 2007 Phepsile Maseko, national coordinator of the
Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) urged South African Witches at
the Melville Conference to strengthen themselves for the coming
struggle. Maseko reassured delegates that the THO did not wish to
infringe on religious minority rights and that traditional healers now
realized there was a minority group who would be injured by pursuing
legislation against Witchcraft.
 
Maseko is recorded in the minutes of the Conference as saying,
 
/We need to strive for unity. We need each other more than ever. This is
a revolution. Join hands against the tribulation. Samora Machel said,
“The act of liberating yourself is within you”. Be prepared to face
tribulations. Who else can do it but yourselves? Stand up! Command your
coming together to strategize. The People want you to come out. The
challenge is to educate the public. We need to know we have sisters and
brothers in you if you want us to walk with you. THO and Forum need to
stand together! Remember that no legislation can stop you from believing
in your belief. The 1957 Act never stopped us in our belief. Many were
killed. Your blood will fertilize the struggle. Stand up. Fight to
ensure that you are in control. The THO will go the journey with you.
But we need to know you. We have come to understand that WC is positive
in your belief. It means ‘wise’. From the African point of view it is
the opposite. This was caused by the disparities of colonization,
poverty, etc. You need to reclaim the word Witch. It is going to be a
lot of work. The THO will support you in your definition of yourself. /[1]
 
In September 2008 Maseko reaffirmed her undertaking on behalf of the
THO, in front of representatives of the SA Law Reform Commission,
Lawyers for Human Rights, the SA Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) and the
SA Pagan Council (SAPC), that traditional healers will no longer make
accusations against Witches.
 
It therefore came as a surprise to members of SAPRA and the SAPC when in
an article entitled 'Muti killings up ahead of 2010?' by Tshwarelo eseng
Mogakane and published on News24.com, Maseko is reported to have stated
the following with regard to human mutilations,
 
/Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) national co-ordinator Phephisile
Maseko was reluctant to comment on the report. "I can't speak for
others, but our members are well-informed. They would never participate
in muti killings and don't believe in it. We heal, we don't kill," she
said. "I have heard reports of muti killings but I have never personally
seen it. Those who do that are witches who don't belong to any
organisation. They haven't been trained so they do as they please," she
said. /[2]
 
Given the alarming prevalence of Witchcraft violence in South Africa, in
1995 the Ralushai Commission and several successive national and
regional Conferences, recommended encouraging Traditional healers to
/“emphasise the curative and preventative aspect of medicine, instead of
pointing out so-called witches.”/
 
When challenged by SAPRA to honour her committment to refrain from
making further accusations against Witches, Maseko claimed,
 
/"I know i have loosely used this name but it was local language
interview which is loosely translated to witch in english. This had
nothing to do with your organisation neither its members but a lot to
condemn this practice (muti murders) which is mistaken to be a
profession associated to us."/ [3]
 
In response SAPRA reminded Maseko that the general public do not
understand the language nuance and would most likely accept the written
word as fact, and therefore, will accept that Maseko had told them, in
her capacity as a healer, that solitary Witches are indeed responsible
for muti murders.
 
The prejudice of traditional healers against Witches is reaffirmed in a
document published on the THO's website. The following quote, written in
English, still appears on the website of the THO, despite the THO having
twice undertaken not to make accusations against Witches, and despite
SAPRA having requested in 2008 that this document be edited to remove
any reference to Witchcraft or Witches.
 
/"People still confuse witchcraft – the abuse of the gifts God has given
to cause harm, or influence another’s life and energies, to their own
benefit – with THs. A true Healer cannot take part in any action that
can harm or negatively influence another person."/ [4]
 
Evidence will show that the muti murderers themselves are not Witches,
but are most often criminals paid by unscrupulous and unregistered
traditional healers (who do not self-define as Witches) to harvest human
body parts and tissue. [5]
 
Traditional healers, afraid that they too might become the object of the
witch-hunter's gaze might in private acknowledge that every South
African has the right to freedom of belief, but dare not publicly defend
the right of Witches to be presumed innocent before being condemned.
 
 
*References:*
 
[1] Phephsile Maseko, National Coordinator and Spokesperson for the
Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) - SAPC Pagan Conference Minutes.
Melville. September 2007 <http://pagancouncil.co.za/>
 
[2] Muti killings up ahead of 2010?
<http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2480795,00.html>
(March 2009)
 
[3] Phephsile Maseko (THO)
Correspondence from THO to SAPRA dated 13 March 2009
 
[4] Why are People Embarrassed and Afraid?
<http://traditionalhealth.org.za/t/documents/why_are_people_embar.html>
 
[5] Recorded cases of 'muti murders' indicating traditional healers, NOT
Witches, as being responsible:
 
4 KZN women shot dead
<http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2116169,00.html>
20/05/2007 18:48 - (SA)
 
Genitals, tongue removed
<http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1977994,00.html>
 
Muti victim owes R200 000
<http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1987344,00.html>
23/08/2006 21:17 - (SA)
 
'Muti-murder' bishop gets bail
<http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1939577,00.html>
25/05/2006 16:32 - (SA)
Riot Hlatshwayo and Wilson Dzebu
 
Muti murder: Bishop in court
<http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1926451,00.html>
03/05/2006 13:45 - (SA)
Riot Hlatshwayo
 
Media statement on the release of the report of the Task Team on ritual
murders in Limpopo <http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2006/06103013451001.htm>
26 October 2006
 
Suspect (84) in muti murder case denied bail
<http://www.zoutnet.co.za/details.asp?StoNum=3840>
Article By: Wilson Dzebu
Date: 09 December 2005
 
"Doctors of Death" spend Christmas in jail
<http://www.zoutnet.co.za/details.asp?StoNum=3903>
Article By:
Date: 13 January 2006 

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Part One

On 15 December 2008 Jacob Zuma, President of the African National Congress (ANC),

addressing thousands of ANC supporters in Dan Qeqe stadium in Zwide, Port Elizabeth

(Eastern Cape), called the leaders of the newly formed rival political party, the Congress

of the People (COPE), Witches.

The National Post and the Star reported Zuma as saying, “It is better when you have an

enemy that you don't know. If you know the enemy, then it is more difficult. In Zulu we

refer to a form of witchcraft called ukuphehla amanzi, where your enemy would mix dirt

from your body in a calabash and stick a spear into the mixture to cause you sharp body

pains. When the witch is a family member, we know that it's more dangerous than an

enemy from outside." [1]

The Star concluded its report, “In Bloemfontein, Lekota told delegates that the ANC's

response to the formation of COPE had left sections of society paralysed with fear akin

to the terror that gripped the nation under apartheid leaders, John Vorster and PW

Botha.” [2]

Terror Lekota’s statement may prove to be an exaggerated response to political

intimidation by ANC cadres intent on discrediting ex-ANC members now disillusioned

with the ANC. Indeed, the election tone of the ANC’s 2008/9 campaign, like no other
campaign before it, has largely focused on verbally abusing and denigrating the dignity

of defecting ANC members, many of whom have chosen to join COPE, by publicly

vilifying them, referring to them as traitors, dogs, snakes and baboons. In an interview

with Al Jazeera, Themba Ndaba the chairperson of the Sedibeng ANC Youth League

branch secretary told an interviewer,

“People like Terror Lekota and all those people who want to destroy the history of the

organisation (ANC), they behave like cockroachesand they must be destroyed”. [3]

When asked what was meant by the word destroyed Ndaba responded, “We must kill

them.”

Independent Democrat President Patricia de Lille cautioned the ANCYL secretary

against using hate speech against COPE by reminding him “of the use of the word

cockroaches by Hutus to describe Tutsis in the months before the Rwandan genocide.” [4]

Here one must pause and consider the influences and consequences of emotionally charged

bias on a political platform with unfettered access to the media. In a country struggling to

come to terms with opposition to the status quo, the unthinkable curse of almost every

African democracy on the continent looms ominously on the rainbow horizon.

The African National Congress, which considers itself the rightful heir to power in South

Africa for having delivered the country from apartheid in 1994, is terrified by COPE. [5]

The divisive figure at the centre of this new counter-revolution is Jacob Zuma, and its

generals in waiting are ANCYL President Julius Malema and Cosatu secretary general

Zwelinzima Vavi, both of whom have publicly pledged to kill for Zuma.

“Let us make it clear now: we are prepared to die for Zuma. Not only that, we are

prepared to take up arms and kill for Zuma.” Julius Malema [6]

In an ongoing attempt by Zuma supporters to protect their party’s President from facing

16 corruption and fraud charges, including racketeering, corruption and money laundering

[7] Kwazulu-Natal Cosatu secretary warned South Africans that if Zuma is tried on

corruption charges “there will be blood all over in the country”.

The almost cult following of the populist Zuma has drawn sharp criticism from politicians.

When Ace Magashule, the ANC's Free State chairperson claimed that “Zuma had been

persecuted like Christ” [8] , Patricia de Lille demanded the ANC “stop using Jesus Christ,

the Bible and Christianity in general to garner votes from the poor and the vulnerable.” [9]

At an early election rally in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, in November 2008 Zuma had

referred to those who had left the ANC to join COPE as being "like the donkey on which,

according to the Bible, Jesus rode into Jerusalem." Zuma said, "The people were waiting for

the Son of Man who was on the donkey. The donkey did not understand it, and thought the

songs of praise were for him."

According to Zuma, the donkey later tried to return to Jerusalem on its own in order to once

again experience that moment of glory, but the people chased it away. In the same way the

Congress of the People (Cope) leaders will find they are nothing without the ANC, Zuma said.

[10]

Bushbuckridge Mayor, Milton Morema [11] is reported to have said to a crowd of supporters

at a rally, "I am here on behalf of the ANC to remind you of election time. There is only one

party that led you from the hands of the Pharaohs in Egypt to Canaan. Since van Riebeeck

landed here in 1652 the whites have oppressed the blacks. White people took away our land.

The ANC has led the politics of resistance and many people have died in the struggle. The

ANC follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. When Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem he

identified with the poor. That is what the ANC does. Jesus Christ suffered because he wanted

to see people sheltered. The ANC provides Bushbuckridge with houses. Jesus Christ would

have loved to see people living in healthy situations. The ANC provides clinics and food

parcels. Jesus fought poverty and suffering in his preaching. The ANC provides grants to stop

people from suffering. Like the Pharaohs, God did not support the Apartheid government.
That is why they did not last. But God supports this government. It does what Jesus does.

It will rule till Jesus comes back." [12]

As the model custodian of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Jacob Zuma has assumed the

position of High Priest in the minds of former liberators and according to his followers, he can

do no wrong. Is our constitutional democracy, under a Zuma
government, preparing to shed the principles of equality and dignity in which leaders are

elected to serve and protect the constitution, for an all-inclusive ANC Christian hegemony?

We can only hope that all this bluster is merely bluff, but one would be foolish to ignore or

dismiss the depth of racial, ethnic and religious bias fueling this rabid fervor. Where there is

substantial bias, there is always the potential for prejudice to evolve into discrimination and

violence, especially when strong and positive leadership is absent. Incidences of intimidation

and violence have already started between ANC, COPE and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)

supporters. [13]

"For many observers of this slowly unfolding count-down to South Africa’s 2009 elections the

ANC’s aggressive election campaign is a reflection of deep-seated anxiety among the ruling

elite and ordinary citizens are beginning to feel the consequences of this political insecurity.

In every region of the world, it seems that human rights are being rolled back. Frustration

and bitterness are fuelled by economic policies which make the rich richer and the poor

poorer. And governments seem unwilling or unable to do anything about it. … But they are

prepared to go to great lengths to cover up their crimes." Pierre Sané, Amnesty International

Secretary-General

Read the rest of this study in bias, prejudice and discrimination HERE:


References (Part One):

[1] Zuma calls COPE leaders Witches
War of words hots up
Published Monday 15 December 2008
http://www.thestar.co.za/?fSectionId=&fArticleId=vn20081215103718756C726170
Split threatens South Africa's ruling ANC party
Peter Goodspeed, National Post Published Tuesday 16 December 2008
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/story.html?id=1083261
[2] War of words hots up
http://www.thestar.co.za/?fSectionId=&fArticleId=vn20081215103718756C726170
[3] ID’S Patricia de Lille slams ANC and COPE for Hate Speech
26 November 2008
http://www.id.org.za/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-archive/press-releases-
2008/news_item.2008-11-26.6841022608/?searchterm=Lekota
[4] Ibid.
[5] Can South Africa's ANC COPE with real opposition?
Clare Byrne - Africa News Published 16 Dec 2008
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1448752.php
[6] Julius Malema is a child of the ANC
http://historymatters.co.za/2008/06/20/julius-malema-is-a-child-of-the-anc/
[7] Jacob Zuma corruption charges reinstated
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/13/jacob-zuma-corruption-charges-appeal
[8] Zuma 'persecuted like Christ'
Henry Cloete
30 November 2008
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Politics/0,,2-7-12_2435071,00.html
[9] ID’s Patricia De Lille Slams Anc For ‘selective Use Of Christianity To Further Political Goals’
1 December 2008
http://www.id.org.za/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-archive/press-releases-
2008/news_item.2008-12-01.4301765788/?searchterm=Zuma
[10] Cope like Jesus's donkey - Zuma
Carien du Plessis
Beeld Published 19 November 2008
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Politics/0,,2-7-12_2429417,00.html
[11] DA: Suspend Morema immediately
Published 22 April 2008
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=nw20080422095053880C705526
[12] The ANC and Religion
Gareth van Onselen
Published 1 December 2008
http://realanctoday.wordpress.com/2008/12/01/the-anc-and-religion-part-5-conclusion/
[13] Election intimidation and violence
ANC, IFP tensions boil over
Published 1 February 2009
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Politics/0,,2-7-12_2462543,00.html
Cope members say ANC using intimidatory tactics on them
Rochelle de Kock
The Herald Online Published 7 February 2009
http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/news/n09_05022009.htm

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I hope that by the time this article is published the conflict, no, let 
me rephrase that, the military invasion of Gaza by the Israeli Defence 
Force will have come to an end through an enforced ceasefire. At the 
time of writing this over 1 thousand Palestinians have already been 
killed - one third of these Palestinian children. 7 Israeli's have died 
since December 27 two of whom were civilians.
 
The Gaza invasion has been a topic of conversation in Pagan circles in 
South Africa, a country that has traditionally maintained a close 
relationship with Israel, whilst supporting the Palestinian cause for 
independence and official state-hood. Most South African Pagans 
understand that this conflict, for better or worse, can not be resolved 
through ongoing bloodshed by either the Israeli army or Hamas supporters 
responsible for firing rockets into southern Israel.
 
Note that I wrote above, /Hamas supporters responsible for firing 
rockets,/ because unless one understands that Hamas is supported by a 
vast majority of Palestinians in Gaza and that virtually every 
Palestinian home in Gaza has family members who support and are members 
of Hamas, the legally elected government of Gaza, you may be tempted to 
believe that "Hamas" fired those rockets, rather than accepting that 
only those individuals guilty of actually firing rockets into Israel are 
responsible for their actions - not the entire population of 
Palestinians in Gaza.
 
This long-enduring conflict of dispossession is a cause for both 
agreement and dissension between Pagans in South Africa. Those who side 
with the struggle of the Palestinians for equality and justice are 
accused of being anti-Semites. Any criticism of Israel, no matter how 
justified, is regarded as anti-Zionism. When the media - notably 
Aljazeera - honestly portray events on the ground in Gaza as Israeli 
forces bombard United Nations schools, hospitals, homes and even 
graveyards in their declared assault against Hamas militants, the news 
coverage is dismissed as biased against Israel.
 
Clearly, I stand in support of Palestinians in Gaza and support their 
ongoing struggle for equality, justice and liberty. But I do not seek 
the destruction of the state of Israel as a prelude or consequence. I 
simply recognize that whilst neither side is innocent, the weight of 
injustice certainly seems to favour the strong and punish the weak and 
oppressed.
 

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As some of you who regularly follow my column will know, since July 2007 
ongoing discussions between members of the South African pagan Rights 
Alliance (SAPRA), the South African Pagan Council (SAPC) and the 
Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) have resulted in the THO’s 
undertaking to discontinue the use of the term ‘Witchcraft’ in favour of 
the term ‘butsakatsi’. The THO have asked Pagans to turn support the 
drafting of another Bill (Control of Butsakatsi Practices Bill) to 
replace the badly conceived Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill of 2007.
 
Although we're grateful that Traditional healers, traditionally the 
Witch-hunters in African societies, have undertaken to end 'Witch' 
hunts, we're not entirely convinced that seeking to criminalise persons 
suspected or accused of 'butsakatsi' will result in the desired outcome.
 
The THO has defined ‘butsakatsi’ as, “including the use of harmful 
medicines, harmful charms, harmful magic and any other means or devices 
in causing any illness, misfortunes or death to any person or animal, or 
in causing any injury to any person, animal or property.”
 
In September 2007 the Mpumalanga Premier's Office stated that the 
Mpumalanga Provincial Government have a mandate to draft legislation to 
a) prevent ritual murder and human mutilations, and b) prevent 
accusations of witchcraft which lead to violence. I'm of the considered 
opinion that the scope of the envisioned ‘Control of Butsakatsi 
Practices Bill’ proposed by the THO extends beyond this stated mandate 
in that it seeks to control the use of medicines and the use of charms 
and magic.
 
Medicines and related controlled substances (including poisons) are 
already legislated and regulated in a number of ways, including 
legislation such as the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 
professional Boards of regulation established to protect the public from 
malpractices from a range of health professionals including Traditional 
Healing, Therapeutic Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, 
Phytotherapy, Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, the implementation of the 
objectives of the National Drug Policy and Essential Drugs Programme and 
Primary Health Care Standard Treatment Guidelines.
 
‘Charms’ and ‘magic’ fall within the ambit of belief and can not be 
proven to have any real effect outside of the realm of belief. A ‘charm’ 
is defined as a decorative pendant, amulet or talisman, often a 
representation of an animal, symbol, or sign of the zodiac, but 
including natural objects such as shells, stones and crystals, often 
worn on a bracelet, necklace or earring, or suspended in the home above 
a window or door, that is believed to bring good luck, protect against 
misfortune, or attract a desired magical effect to the wearer, such as 
wealth, love or success. The efficacy of a charm is dependent on whether 
or not the wearing believes it has magic power. ‘Magic’ is defined as 
any ritualised act believed to cause a change in consciousness or 
facilitate the manifestation of a desired outcome. Pagans in South 
Africa are opposed to the drafting of any bill, or the introduction of 
any legislation which will in any way criminalize South African citizens 
on the basis of belief.
 
The definition of ‘butsakatsi’ as “any other means or devices in causing 
any illness, misfortunes or death to any person or animal, or in causing 
any injury to any person, animal or property” is broad enough to 
encompass actions and activities already regulated and legislated 
against in South African common law, including negligence in the 
administering of medicines or medical treatment, negligence in the 
caring for domestic animals, uncontrolled household and industrial 
pollution, and may include as ‘devices’, jewellery, weapons, cooking 
utensils and cutlery.
 
The use and definition of the term ‘butsakatsi’ thus fails to address 
the two primary concerns of the mandate of the Mpumalanga Provincial 
Government and Legislature, namely, to prevent ritual killings and to 
prevent accusations of Witchcraft which lead to violence.
 
Ritual murders and human mutilations are not confined to South Africa. 
Any legislation which seeks to prevent and punish these crimes must be 
drafted with due consideration to existing international legal and 
forensic evidence. Human mutilations and the illegal trade in human body 
parts have been linked with human trafficking. Legislation must take 
cognisance of existing assessments of trends in human trafficking 
conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and 
Crime (UNODC). It should be noted that existing common law in South 
Africa already prohibits both murder and the trade in human body parts.
 
Existing legal and forensic evidence does not prove the complicity of 
self-defined Witches in the activity of human mutilations. Any 
legislation against ritual murder and human mutilations should neither 
implicate self-defined Witches, not portray Witchcraft as criminally 
responsible for such activities.
 
The SAPRA has argued that maintaining and reinforcing a discriminatory 
and prejudicial definition of Witchcraft that is by its very nature, 
predisposed to eliciting violence against alleged Witches, constitutes a 
violation of the right of self-defined Witches to freedom of religion. 
Historically the words 'Witch' and 'Witchcraft' have been used in South 
Africa to incorrectly describe evil or criminal practices associated 
with ritual killings, human mutilations and misfortune in
general. The promotion of the terms ‘Witch’ and ‘Witchcraft’ to describe 
such criminal practices by religious leaders, politicians, academics, 
traditional leaders and traditional healers only serves to incite 
further malice and violence against innocent South Africans suspected or 
accused of either being Witches or of using Witchcraft.
 
Existing legislation (Witchcraft Suppression Act – Act 3 of 1957) has 
failed to prevent violence against suspected or accused Witches. The 
portrayal of Witchcraft as a criminal offence in Act 3 reinforces 
general societal prejudice against Witchcraft. Act 3 does not take 
cognisance of Witchcraft as a constitutionally protected religion. It 
should be noted that the criminal activities associated with witch-hunts 
(accusations of bewitchment) and related violence against suspected and 
accused victims, including defamation, assault, attempted murder, murder 
and arson, are already prohibited by common law.
 
South African Pagans will not participate in the drafting of a ‘Control 
of Butsakatsi Practices Bill’ as proposed by the THO because such as 
Bill as envisioned in this proposal will seek to regulate belief and 
religion rather than identified criminal activities, seek to develop the 
law of evidence to facilitate the introduction of spectral evidence in a 
court of law to support allegations of criminal activity, establish 
‘witchcraft courts’ to review allegations of ‘practicing an already 
defined and internationally recognized religion’, namely Witchcraft, 
facilitate the hearing of matter relating to Witchcraft by traditional 
courts, duplicate existing legislation and common law with regard to 
medicines and related controlled substances (including poisons), and 
including the prohibition of murder and attempted murder, and the trade 
in human body parts, and fail to address the mandate of the Mpumalanga 
Legislature with regard to preventing human mutilations and 
witchcraft-related violence.

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The South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) will lodge a formal 
complaint with the Minister of Defense, SANDF Legal Services, SANDF 
Chief and the Defence Secretariat, against the spurious religious 
prejudice and defamation demonstrated against Witchcraft by Colonel 
Phildah Nomoyi and (according to a recent report [1]) supported by the 
SANDF in their refusal to remove Nomoyi from her Judicial position or 
charge her with conduct unbecoming.
 
The Alliance believes Colonel Nomoyi's allegations of June 2008 that her 
attempted suicide was caused as a result of her being "bewitched" 
remains an untested and prejudicial slur against both Witchcraft and 
South African citizens who self-define as Witches.
 
Self-defined Pagan Witches constitute a recognised religious minority in 
this country. Since January 2008 the Department of Home Affairs has 
designated three Pagan religious organisations - organisations whose 
members self-define as Witches - in terms of section 5 of the Civil 
Union Act to solemnise marriages. To date, 7 Witches have been appointed 
as religious marriage officers, 5 of whom are members of SAPRA. [2]
 
In 2007 two Pagan organisations successfully challenged the drafting of 
the Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill on the grounds that the Bill 
would prohibit and criminalise South African citizens on the grounds of 
automatic inference of criminality. [3]
 
In July 2008, responding to a request made by the South African Pagan 
Rights Alliance in February 2007 to have the Witchcraft Suppression Act 
(Act 3 of 1957) repealed on the grounds that it contradicts several 
sections of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South 
Africa (Act 108 of 1996), the South African Law Reform Commission 
(SALRC) agreed to conduct a preliminary investigation in order to 
determine whether or not said Act should be repealed.[4] A meeting 
scheduled with the SALRC on 4 September 2008 in Pretoria was attended by 
me as Convener of SAPRA, Luke Martin (Convener of the South African 
Pagan Council), Enmarie Potgieter and Samantha Perry, all of whom define 
our religion as Witchcraft, represented by Paul Slabbert (Lawyers for 
Human Rights), as well as Phephsile Maseko (Traditional Healers 
Organisation). SAPRA is currently waiting for a decision from the SALRC. [5]
 
As self-defined Witches we object to the prejudicial portrayal of 
Witchcraft as a harmful practice. This Alliance is of the opinion that 
the portrayal of Witchcraft as inherently harmful and injurious on the 
basis of untested allegation alone constitutes religious prejudice and 
prejudicial stereotyping which may be harmful to the continuing safety 
and security of citizens of this country who self-define as Witches and 
who regard Witchcraft as a religion. Such allegations must be challenged 
and contested in a court of law, not in a court of public opinion.
 
 
References:
 
[1] 'Military believe judge was ‘bewitched’' by Prega Govender (8.11.2008)
http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=880386
Accessed 9 November 2008.
 
[2] Currently Designated Pagan Religious Marriage Officer's
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/rmo.htm
 
[3] SAPRA Submissions
see http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/press.htm
 
Sapra appeal for legislative reform - Witchcraft Suppression Act
- July 2007 - .pdf - 39.1 KB
 
*** Witchcraft Suppression Act (1957) as amended
- .pdf - 348 KB
 
Sapra / SAPC submission: proposed Mpumalanga Witchcraft Protection Bill
- 10 July 2007 - .pdf - 27.2 KB
 
Sapra submission on the draft Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill
- 9 July 2007 - .pdf - 31.0 KB
 
Sapra submission on the draft Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill
- 7 July 2007 - .pdf - 34.9 KB
 
Sapra submission on the draft Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill
- 5 July 2007 - .pdf - 33.4 KB
 
** draft Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill (2007)
- June 2007 - .pdf - 30.4 KB
 
PRESS COVERAGE - July 2007
 
Witches are not criminals, but have religious and spiritual rights too. 
(July 2007)
That's the argument the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (Sapra) 
wants to use to protect the belief of witchcraft against a newly 
proposed bill, The Star newspaper reported on Friday.
Read: 
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2150536,00.html
 
Battle over witches' rights (July 2007)
Read: 
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2150536,00.html
 
S.Africa witches fight for rights (July 2007)
JOHANNESBURG, July 20 (Reuters Life!) - A group representing South 
African witches says it wants their beliefs protected against a proposed 
law to suppress witchcraft in the country, often called a model of human 
rights. The South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) -- an 
organisation representing what it says are between 3,000-5,000 witches 
in the country -- said on Friday it would fight a proposed bill to 
criminalise witchcraft in one of the country's nine provinces. "We think 
that this is a serious violation of our constitutional rights and in 
fact the bill is in contradiction with at least 11 clauses in the bill 
of rights," SAPRA convenor Damon Leff told Reuters. The clauses, Leff 
said, include the right to equality, freedom of association, choice of 
occupation or profession and the freedom to choose a religion or 
culture, among others.
Read: http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL20806502.html
 
Witches need protection, says Sapra (July 2007)
By Louise Flanagan
Witches are not criminals, but have religious and spiritual rights too.
Read: 
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20070720060153310C983324
 
Healers, pagans oppose new witchcraft bill (July 2007)
Riot Hlatshwayo
Mpumalanga’s proposed Witchcraft Suppression Bill came under fire during 
a stakeholders’ consultative meeting this week. The Traditional Health 
Organisation (THO) and the South African Pagan Council (SAPC) opposed 
the bill. About 50 THO members, led by its national president, Nhlavana 
Maseko, met the Local Government and Housing Department.
Read: http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=518307
 
[4] South African Law Reform Commission press statement.
"Legislative reform to the Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 - The 
South African Pagan Rights Alliance has requested the Commission to 
investigate whether the proposed Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill 
(2007)and the existing Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 undermine 
the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and rights of existing 
religious minorities in South Africa by deliberately criminalising and 
prohibiting rights of the religious minorities’ to exist and to practice 
their religion." SOURCE SALRC
 
[5] The Witchcraft Suppression Act (Act 3 of 1957) contradicts several 
sections of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South 
Africa (Act 108 of 1996), including:
 
A. Section 1 (a)
1. The Republic of South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state 
founded on the following values:
a. Human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of 
human rights and freedoms.
 
B. Section 3 (2) (a)
3. (2) All citizens are
a. equally entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship
 
C. Section 7 (1) and (2)
7. (1) This Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of democracy in South 
Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms 
the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.
(2) The state must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights in 
the Bill of Rights.
 
D. Section 9 (1) to (4)
9. (1) Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal 
protection and benefit of the law.
(2) Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and 
freedoms. To promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other 
measures designed to protect or advance persons, or categories of 
persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.
(3) The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly 
against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, 
pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual 
orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, 
language and birth.
(4) No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against 
anyone on one or more grounds in terms of
subsection (3). National legislation must be enacted to prevent or 
prohibit unfair discrimination.
 
E. Section 10
10. Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity 
respected and protected.
 
F. Section 12 (1)
12. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom and security of the person.
 
G. Section 15 (1)
15. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, 
thought, belief and opinion.
 
H. Section 16 (1) (b)
16. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes
b. freedom to receive or impart information or ideas;
 
I. Section 18
18. Everyone has the right to freedom of association.
 
J. Section 22
22. Every citizen has the right to choose their trade, occupation or
profession freely.
 
K. Section 31 (1)
31. (1) Persons belonging to a cultural, religious or linguistic 
community may not be denied the right, with other members of that community
a. to enjoy their culture, practise their religion and use their 
language; and
b. to form, join and maintain cultural, religious and linguistic 
associations and other organs of civil society.
 
The SAPRA and SAPC have argued that Act 3 must be declared 
unconstitutional and invalid to the extent to which this legislation 
identifies one group of persons (Witches), on the grounds of belief 
(Witchcraft), to be prohibited and criminal.
 
The Witchcraft Suppression Act was created with the intention of 
suppressing indigenous African practices, practices incorrectly 
identified as ‘witchcraft’. Traditional Healers have publicly stated 
that they have never and do not identify their traditional African 
practices and religions as ‘witchcraft’ and they regard the existence of 
Act 3 as prejudicial to their constitutionally guaranteed right to 
belief and religion.
 
The continuing existence of Act 3 criminalises identified practices, 
some of which are associated with and practised by both Traditional 
Healers and self-defined Pagan Witches. The Act criminalises South 
African citizens who do self-identify as Witches and who do practice 
Witchcraft, by prohibiting anyone from professing to be a Witch or to 
practicing Witchcraft.
 
As self-defined Witches, members of the SAPRA and SAPC will never accede 
to the regulation of our religion by government. We believe any attempt 
by government to regulate Witchcraft, which we regard as a bone-fide 
religion, would amount to religious discrimination by the state against 
a minority religion.

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Paganism means a great deal of things to a great many people. But 
calling yourself a Pagan simply is not enough. Paganism is not a 
catch-all phrase for 'anything goes'.
 
In October I was challenged by a small group of solitary Pagans on an 
online chat group for stating that members of two of the largest South 
African Pagan organisations do not regard Vampirism as a Pagan religion. 
Vampirism properly belongs in the realm of fiction and urban legend, not 
Pagan religion. Unfortunately too many young and impressionable Pagans 
jump on the Pagan band-wagon precisely because they believe being a 
Pagan entitles them to believe anything they want, live without rules, 
ethics, credible theology and common sense.
 
But for Pagans who have reclaimed the term (from its very broad 
Christian usage), Paganism is 'the restoration and reconstruction of 
indigenous European religions'.
 
/"In central Europe Pagans identify an ethnic group with a nation and 
thus, for some of them, Paganism means nationalism or more precisely, 
ethnic nationalism."/ [1]
 
A religion, according to Wikipedia, /"is a set of tenets and practices, 
often centered upon specific supernatural and moral claims about 
reality, the cosmos and human nature, and often codified as prayer, 
ritual, or religious law. Religion also encompasses ancestral or 
cultural traditions, writings, history and mythology, as well as 
personal faith and religious experience. The term religion refers to 
both the personal practices related to communal faith and to group 
rituals and communication stemming from shared conviction."/ [2]
 
NOTE: Religion - not to be confused with anarchy (meaning "without ruler 
or measure").
 
Of course there are many who would argue the measure of Paganism must of 
necessity encompass authentic reconstructed European pagan religions 
such as Asatru, Druidry, Hellenic Polytheism, Romana.  [3] But many 
international polytheistic reconstructionists would love to exclude 
Wicca and other neo-Pagan religions [4] on the grounds that 
Reconstructionism's attempt to rebuild historically verified European 
polytheistic pagan religions stands in contrast with modern syncretic 
movements such as Wicca. [5]
 
In South Africa a majority of Pagans self-define as either 'Witch' or 
'Wiccan'. If I accept the exclusion of Wicca and Witchcraft from the 
polytheistic reconstructionists list of credible Pagan religions, I 
would be forced to exclude every self-defined South African Pagan who 
defines as Wiccan / Witch, including myself. I'm not about to do that 
just to satisfy someone else's desire to suppress modern expressions of 
Pagan syncretism.
 
The exclusion of syncretic movements is, in my opinion, a mistake. 
Syncretism is no stranger to ancient pagan religions. Many authentic 
European pagan religions (including Hellenism and Romana) embraced 
syncretisms - borrowing and merging different practices, ideas, beliefs 
and philosophies - by combining local indigenous religious beliefs and 
customs with imported Eastern cult practices and beliefs.
 
Commercialised Wicca often bears little resemblance to authentic Celtic 
influences, especially when it's inter-woven with new-age philosophies 
and beliefs that find no origin in either ancient Pagan religions or 
consensus reality. Wicca is indeed a new religion, but many credible 
evolutions have taken place within Wicca since Gardner's syncretic 
creation. These forms of Wicca cannot be dismissed from Paganism on the 
basis of excluding syncretism.
 
Academic research of ancient European religions and belief systems must 
certainly play an important role for any serious scholar of Paganism and 
some Pagan reconstructions are certainly more "authentic" academically 
than others. But it would be foolish to discount modern syncretic 
reconstructions as inferior or un-Pagan until you've actually thoroughly 
examined what has been constructed.
 
Paganism is the restoration and reconstruction of indigenous European 
religions and in South Africa, it does include Witchcraft and Wicca.
 
 
/"No group of pagans ever called themselves "the faithful". There was 
also no pagan concept of heresy - to pagans the term meant a school of 
thought rather than a false and pernicious doctrine. Among pagans, the 
opposite of heterodoxy was not orthodoxy but homodoxy, meaning 
agreement."  /Robin Lane Fox - 'Pagans and Christians'
 
 
*References:*
 
[1] "Christians, go home!"
http://www.wlu.ca/documents/6483/Christians_Go_home.pdf
 
[2] Definition of Religion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion
 
[3] Definition of Paganism
http://www.religioustolerance.org/alt_mean1.htm
 
[4] The following is a short-list of recognised Pagan religions 
sometimes refered to as Neo-Pagan (modern Pagan):
 
Balkan Traditional Witchcraft
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/8933/vestice.html
 
The Faery Faith (Feri)
http://www.feritradition.org/FAQ.htm
 
Pecti- or Pictish Witchcraft (Scottish)
http://www.tylwythteg.com/pict1.html
 
Dianic Witchcraft
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/dianic-witchcraft-the-hist...
http://www.thesilvercrescent.org/
 
Seax-Wicca (Saxon)
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=ustn&c=trads&id=3276
 
Correllian Nativist Tradition
http://www.correllian.com/
 
The Minoan Tradition
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usny&c=trads&id=3600
 
The Mohsian Tradition
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=uswa&c=trads&id=3807
 
[5] Definition of Polytheistic Reconstructionism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytheistic_reconstructionism

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In August South African Pagans were reminded that sometimes, evil does 
resurrect. The National Party [1] (formerly the New National Party - 
which merged with the ANC in April 2005, formerly the National Party 
which enforced apartheid on South Africans - both Black and White) was 
registered with South Africa's Independent Electoral Commission [2] on 
28 August as a political party.
 
Under the direction of its most outspoken leader, Juan Duval Uys, [3] 
the National Party (NP) will campaign for the reinstatement of the death 
penalty (outlawed in South Africa in 1995), public executions, and the 
suppression or religious minorities regarded as offensive to Christian 
and Muslim supporters of the NP. Uys publicly declared his intention to 
change the constitution to enable the NP to implement its barbaric and 
prejudicial policies.
 
On its website Uys reaffirmed his vision for the NP with regard to 
education and religion. On a page entitled 'Religious Instruction In 
Schools' Uys stated:
 
quote: Satanism Not Recognised - The National Party respects the 
practice of all religions in our country, but will not tolerate 
satanism. The NP will outlaw all practices directly linked to satanism. [4]
 
 
I contacted Uys on 18 August on behalf of the South African Pagan Rights 
Alliance (SAPRA) to find out what religious minorities he classified as 
'satanic' and intended to suppress. Most Christians in South Africa tend 
to identify all occult / esoteric belief systems and spiritualities as 
'satanic'. Uys replied to my query by saying, "We will not allow witches 
to operate in South Africa under NP Government. We and our supporters 
can not associate ourselves with anything that are (sic) linked to 
Satanism." [5]
 
I responded by expressing my dismay that the NP intended to repeat 
pre-1994 Nationalist Christian propaganda and discrimination against 
Witches and Witchcraft in South Africa. I informed Uys that in South 
Africa, self-defined Witches represented a small but visible religious 
minority. Pagan Witches have government appointed religious marriage 
officers and officially recognised religious groups and faith-based 
organisations. I explained that our own faith-based organisation (SAPRA) 
was formed in 2004 in order to protect the constitutional right to 
religious freedom and belief of self-defined Pagans (including Witches) 
and to defend and protect Witchcraft as a bone-fide religion.
 
I affirmed that SAPRA regarded his statement to "not allow witches to 
operate in South Africa under NP Government" as intent to suppress and 
discriminate against Witchcraft and Witches in South Africa and that the 
Alliance would therefore not support the Nationalist Party in any form 
and would, at every available opportunity, denounce the religious 
prejudiced policies of the National Party.
 
Uys responded to my second letter by saying, "We don't have a problem 
with your view on our policy, but we will NEVER (sic) regard Satanism or 
witches as a form of religion. Our major support comes from Christians 
and Muslims etc, we will never link this party to Satanism or 
witchcraft. We will make this very clear during elections 2009." [6]
 

SAPRA initiated a letter writing campaign encouraging Pagans and 
self-defined Witches to object to the NP's discriminatory policy on 
religion. [7] The NP eventually disabled it's contact form [8] but it 
could not ignore the number of objections lodged by individual Pagans. 
On behalf of both SAPRA the South African Pagan Council (SAPC), SAPRA 
submitted a formal objection to the NP against its policy on religion 
and religious instruction in schools [9].
 
I also submitted an objection on behalf of both SAPRA and the SAPC to 
the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) against the registration of 
the National Party as a political party on the grounds that the NP's 
policies on religion and religious education propagate the contravention 
of the constitutional right to freedom of belief and religion to 
recognized religious minorities and intend to prevent membership of the 
NP on the grounds of religious affiliation by excluding identified 
religious minorities as undesirable. [10]
 
On 28 August the IEC's Chief Electoral Officer ruled that the National 
Party's submitted constitution did not contravene section 16 of the 
Electoral Commission Act - the NP's submitted constitution does not 
discriminate on the basis of religion or belief.
 
Clearly, while the NP's submitted constitution may not have contained 
any discriminatory content, the party's policies on religion as 
advertised on its website indicated that until the end of August 2008, 
the NP had every intention of discriminating against South Africans on 
the basis of religion and that the party had already publicly identified 
the religious minorities the NP intended to suppress.
 
But it appears, perhaps precipitated by Pagan protests, that since the 
beginning of September the NP's policy on religion, now under the 
direction of the NP's new Spokesperson for Religion and Cultural affairs 
and National Director of the NP's Legal Services, J.M.T. Labuschagne, 
[11] has undergone a radical shift from the far right conservative 
bigotry of Uys. On 1 September the NP removed the statement regarding 
Satanism from their web-page on religion and education and Labuschagne 
published a new page entitled 'National Party South Africa (NP) On 
Paganism'.
 
In it Labuschagne stated, "We have noted with great concern that there 
is a misunderstanding amongst the Pagan community regarding the NP's 
statement on Satanism. We would like to state it unequivocally that the 
National Party does not hold any ill feeling against the pagan 
community. On the contrary, the National Party would endeavour upon 
election to protect the rights of the Pagan community. We understand the 
response from the Pagan community regarding our policy towards Satanism. 
It is well known that paganism has wrongly, and to the great detriment 
of the Pagans, been associated with Satanism by ill-informed officials. 
However, the National Party wishes to advise that we fully support 
freedom of religion and that there would be no witch-hunt of any 
practitioners of Wicca, Odinic Rite or any of the other Pagan practices. 
Pagans are welcome to celebrate Imbolc, Beltane or any other festival in 
public, as long as the particular group does not break any of the laws 
of the Republic. The reference to Satanism refers to destructive 
religion that developed as an inversion of Christian beliefs and is an 
open worship of evil. Paganism does not worship evil and it is a force 
for good in society. The senseless killing of a 16-year old boy at a 
school in Krugersdorp under the alleged influence of Satanism has 
prompted the suggestion that there should be acted against Satanism. 
[12] Finally, again we wish to advise that the Pagan community can rest 
assured that their rights to worship will be protected by the National 
Party once we have been elected to office. We sincerely hope this 
statement has clarified all misunderstandings regarding our religious 
policy." [13]
 

A "misunderstanding amongst the Pagan community regarding the NP's 
statement on Satanism..."? Hardly!
 
Clearly the misunderstanding, to which Labuschagne refers in his press 
release, wholly belonged to Mr. Uys who, on behalf of the National 
Party, undertook to promote a religious policy that clearly and plainly 
intended to discriminate against identified religious minorities, namely 
Satanism (not a Pagan religion) and Witchcraft (a Pagan religion).
 
Whilst SAPRA and S.A. Pagans generally were relieved and welcomed 
Labuschagne's statement of tolerance with regard to Paganism in South 
Africa, [14] I believe the NP's statement was nothing but a political 
move to counter potential negative publicity in light of their previous 
statement made in correspondence to SAPRA. Labuschagne knows that 
political parties may not promote policies which contradict the essence 
of the Bill of Rights, namely equality and dignity.
 
As it stands, the NP's statement of acceptance of Paganism, whilst 
flattering for Pagans, remains in my opinion in contravention of the 
Bill of Rights in that it clearly reaffirms the NP's intention to openly 
and publicly discriminate against Satanism.
 
Should Pagans allow the NP to discriminate against any minority 
religion, as long as it's not us? Obviously, if we are going to remain 
true to the spirit and letter of the Bill of Rights the answer must be 
no. But that's a different struggle and one Satanists themselves must 
challenge.
 

Refreshing as it is to know that Witches in South Africa live in a 
country where we are afforded the opportunity to object, to petition, to 
challenge the status quo and sometimes, to win our argument for 
religious equality and dignity for all South Africans irrespective of 
belief, opinion or religion, this short and bitter-sweet campaign should 
remind us to remain constantly vigilant. If history has any lesson for 
us it is that the evil of the past was built on the prejudices of today.

 
References:
 
[1] National Party
http://www.nationalparty.co.za/index.htm
 
[2] Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa
http://www.elections.org.za/
 
[3] Online References on Juan Duval Uys
 
a) NP is back, itching for a fight
by Janet Smith
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Top%20Stories&set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20080824084245354C368343
 
b) 'Chabaan bewitched Zille'
Independent Online - Cape Town,South Africa
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=6&art_id=vn20080206061246300C360177
 
[4] National Party statement on Religion and Education
http://www.nationalparty.co.za/religion.htm
Accessed 18 August 2008. Note: this page was removed by the NP on 1 
September
 
[5] correspondence from J. Duval Uys (NP) to D. Leff (SAPRA) dated 18 
August 2008
 
[6] Ibid.
 
[7]  National Party intends to suppress Witchcraft (18 August 2008)
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/press.htm
 
[8] National Party website contact form
http://www.nationalparty.co.za/contact%20us.htm
 
[9] SAPRA and the SAPC objection against the National Party's policy on 
Religion and Religious Instruction in Schools. (19 August 2008)
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/Complaint%20against%20National%20Party%20policy%20on%20religion.pdf
 
[10] SAPRA and SAPC objection to the Independent Electoral Commission 
(IEC) against the registration of the National Party as a political 
party. (19 August 2008)
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/Objection%20to%20IEC%20registration%20NP.pdf
 
[11] NP National Director of Legal Services J.M.T. Labuschagne
Spokesperson Religion and Cultural affairs
http://www.nationalparty.co.za/leadership.htm
 
[12] 'Psychologist: Satanic label simplistic'
by Vivian Attwood
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=79&art_id=vn20080820114018633C272436&newslett=1&em=187814a6a20080820ah
 
[13] 'National Party South Africa (NP) On Paganism'
http://www.nationalparty.co.za/0018.htm
 
[14] SAPRA's response to the National Party's statement on Paganism
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/complaintagainstnationalpartypolicyonreligion2September2008.pdf

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Since my last column I've encountered two kinds of prejudice against 

Witchcraft. These forms of discrimination can, within their own 

individual contexts, be understood as the natural consequence of 

centuries of racial oppression and religious indoctrination.

The first kind of prejudice against Witchcraft is one I will call a 

'cultural superiority complex'.

An article entitled 'Christianity, African Religion and African 

Medicine' written by the President of the Zimbabwe National Traditional 

Healers Association Gordon Chavunduka [1] prompted me to write to the 

owner of the website on which this article appears in an attempt to 

offer an alternative African perspective on the subject of Witchcraft. 

The article's author encourages a need for "sound and genuine dialogue, 

involving negotiations whenever necessary." [2]

I received a revealing response to my polite e-mail requesting an 

opportunity to open dialogue on the subject of Witchcraft from a Witch's 

perspective. The owner (who wished not to be named) expressed little support 

or understanding for my position and declined to engage with me in further 

dialogue.

Unfortunately the owner's possible prejudice against white-skinned South 

Africans is stronger than his prejudice against Witchcraft, in my personal opinion. 

The fact that most self-defined Witches in South Africa (who just happen to 

have white skins) are the great great grandchildren of born and bred South 

Africans - of European descent undoubtedly, but not Europeans - is 

irrelevant for this champion of indigenous African religions.

Clearly the owner is not aware of, or does not choose to recall the fact 

that, to use pre-1994 apartheid language, Black, Indian, Coloured and 

White South Africans opposed the National Party government and its 

racist policies of separate development 'together'. Perhaps he would be 

surprised to find that South Africans of all races and credes are indeed 

working 'together' to build a new multi-cultural nation founded on the 

constitutional principles of equality and dignity for all, irrespective 

of ethnicity or religion and precisely because, whether to greater or 

lesser extent, we shared a common struggle for liberation and share a 

common vision for the future of this country.

As Witches of European descent but African birth, we acknowledge the 

fact that European Christian missionaries attempted and almost succeeded 

in destroying African religions by demonising traditional African 

cultural and religious practices as 'witchcraft'. The legacy of this 

colonisation of the soul of African traditions is vividly expressed and 

endorsed in an archaic piece of legislation in South Africa - the 

Witchcraft Suppression Act (Act 3 of 1957). South African Witches are 

only too aware of the fact that self-defined Witches of European descent 

are not the targets of witch-hunts in Africa. That doesn't mean we're 

not experiencing religious prejudice either. We don't have the luxury of 

affording an arm-chair occultist's intellectual superiority when it 

comes to surviving in Africa, our Mother country, as Witches.

It surprised me to note that website is based in the U.S. and 

not in Africa Herself.

The second kind of prejudice against Witchcraft I encountered is a 

product of centuries of Christian ideology and pseudo-mythological 

propaganda. It's the kind of prejudice on which every urban legend that 

incites horrific witch-hunts in South Africa in the twenty-first century 

feeds. And it thrives in Africa in spite of the recognition by African 

intellectuals that African religio-magical traditions were wrongly 

identified by white-skinned colonizers as Witchcraft.

A South African newspaper, The Witness, published two articles covering 

a tragic and heroic story of a man who saved a Border Collie puppy from 

death. The puppy was reported to have been buried alive after being 

stabbed with two spears. In 'Witchcraft: Dog spell to trap victim' [3] 

on 31 July The Witness reported that a well-known Imbali-based 

traditional healer named Schoeman Xulu "viewed the discovery as the 

worst form of witchcraft". Xulu is quoted as saying, "The perpetrators 

were trapping someone to death. Witches use black chickens and dogs and 

colourful candles to kill their targets. I feel sorry for whoever the 

practice was directed at." The seven week old puppy is reported to have 

been buried with a dead black chicken, a mirror, underwear, a sock, "two 

blue and red candles" and "headgear made from an animal skin". In 'Hero: 

Homeless man dials 10111 to rescue buried puppy' published on the same 

day by The Witness [4] Bongani Hans again repeated the allegation that 

Witchcraft must have been responsible for this abhorrence.

The South African Pagan Rights Alliance lodged a complaint against The 

Witness with the Press Ombudsman of South Africa in August demanding a 

retraction of Xulu's unproven and defamatory statements made against 

Witchcraft. [5] Self-defined Witches in South Africa do not practice 

blood-sacrifice and would never harm an animal in the practice of 

Witchcraft. It is however common knowledge that both iSangomas 

(diviners) and nYangas (herbalists) do sacrifice chickens in their 

traditional African magical practices.

In publishing false allegations against Witchcraft - and therefore 

against Witches - The Witness unwittingly provided credence, on the 

basis of belief alone, that self-defined Witches have committed and do 

commit such crimes. False accusations such as those made by Xulu have in 

the past led to violence against innocent men and women in response to a 

perceived threat, whether that threat was real or merely imagined. The 

reports stereotype Witchcraft as harmful and therefore encourage further 

irrational public fear of Witchcraft as an allegedly harmful practice 

that is associated with criminal activity. Witches are not responsible 

for the crimes we are being implicated in, not through evidence, but 

through prejudicial belief.

The South African Press Code determines that the press should "avoid 

discriminatory or denigratory references to people's religion" and 

refrain from referring to a person's religion "in a prejudicial or 

pejorative context except where it is strictly relevant to the matter 

reported or adds significantly to readers' understanding of that 

matter." [6]

Of course despite the existence of many African traditionalists who 

still firmly believe that Witchcraft must be destructive by design and 

that Witches therefore must be up to no good, some South Africans have 

begun to realise that much of this traditional cultural prejudice 

against Witchcraft was actually influenced by the work of Christian 

missionaries in Africa. Some traditional healers in South Africa with 

whom Pagans have initiated dialogue have themselves historically been 

branded as Witches. In reclaiming authentically traditional African 

religious and magical practices traditional healers as well as 

intellectuals have distanced themselves from the prejudicial colonial

stereotypes with which they were branded by sermon and legislation.

In September representatives of the South African Rights Alliance 

(SAPRA), the South African Pagan Council (SAPC), the Traditional Healers 

Organisation (THO) of South Africa, Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and 

the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) will be meeting to 

discuss the possibility of repealing the Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 

1957. The SALRC is responding to a request made by SAPRA in February 

2007 to have Act 3 repealed on the grounds that it contradicts several 

sections of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South 

Africa (Act 108 of 1996).

The Witchcraft Suppression Act was created with the intention of 

suppressing indigenous African practices, practices incorrectly 

identified as ‘Witchcraft’. The THO has publicly stated that traditional 

healers - iSangomas and nYangas - have never and do not identify their 

traditional African magical practices and religions as Witchcraft and 

that they regard the existence of Act 3 as prejudicial to their 

constitutionally guaranteed right to belief and religion. SAPRA and the 

SAPC will argue that Act 3 must be declared unconstitutional and invalid 

to the extent to which this legislation identifies one group of persons 

(Witches), on the grounds of belief (Witchcraft), to be prohibited and 

criminal.

References:

[1] 'Christianity, African Religion and African Medicine'

Gordon L. Chavunduka

http://www.rootsandrooted.org/?p=139

[2] Ibid.

[3] 'Witchcraft: Dog spell to trap victim'

31 Jul 2008

Witness Reporter

http://www.witness.co.za

[4] 'Hero: Homeless man dials 10111 to rescue buried puppy'

31 Jul 2008

Bongani Hans

http://www.witness.co.za/?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=11161

[5] Complaint against The Witness

South African Pagan Rights Alliance

http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/Press%20Ombudsman%20The%20Witness.pdf

[6] The South African Press Code

http://www.presscouncil.org.za/pages/south-african-press-code.php 

Damon Leff
E-mail: damon@gardenroute.com
 
Convener: South African Pagan Rights Alliance
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org
 
South African Coordinator: Pagan Federation International
http://www.paganfederation.org/
 
Editor: Penton Pagan Magazine
http://www.penton.co.za
 
Columnist: The Pagan Activist
http://www.thepaganactivist.com/paganisminafrica.htm

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Welcome to Africa, a land governed by urban legend and Witchcraft 
hysteria. I thought I'd browse through my press clippings for June 2008 
and introduce you to some of the bizarre goings-on on the dark continent...
 
In June the Sowetan newspaper reported [1] that a junior priest accused 
his senior of practising Witchcraft in a Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in 
Giyani, [2] a town in Limpopo Province in north-eastern South Africa. 
The ZCC [3] is the largest African Independent Church in South Africa 
with an estimated 5 million members according to the 2001 government 
census. The largest congregation (an estimated 2 million) is governed by 
Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane. In June 2006 Reggie Jerrison, an HIV 
positive man who alleges to have been resurrected from the dead by 
Bishop Lekganyane on July 25 2005 was quoted as saying "I never cheated 
on my wife. I have not been infected by this virus because I had an 
affair. It is all witchcraft. It is not because I slept with an HIV 
positive person." [4] Jerrison is not the first African to incorrectly 
believe that HIV Aids is caused by Witchcraft and he won't be the last 
given the prevalence of urban legends surrounding Witchcraft on the 
African continent.
 
In Zambia a Magistrates Court sentenced George Kazhimana - identified as 
a Wizard - to two years imprisonment for pleading guilty to using a 
"supernatural gun" to murder a man identified only as Kajimbala over a 
land boundary dispute. [5] Justice S. Mabona is alleged to have been 
"convinced beyond reasonable doubt" that the murder was committed 
through supernatural means. Did the Justice prove the existence of this 
invisible gun? No! Presumably the victim was either shot with a real 
gun, in which case the judge accepted hearsay as verifiable evidence 
whilst ignoring the absence of the real murder weapon, or the victim 
died from some other unnamed (or unidentified) natural cause? The lack 
of judicial credibility in Zambia is not unique in Africa. African 
courts have been known to accept as credible evidence allegations that 
Witches can fly in magic aeroplanes. [6]
 
In Accra (Ghana?) an alleged Wizard named only as Paa Tee was publicly 
interrogated by a West African "Witchcraft Professor" named Prof. Aridu 
Sobo Azeez and found guilty of being possessed and having a "strong 
spirit". [7] After the interrogation Azeez ordered that Paa Tee be taken 
to his "witchcraft camp" for healing. Paa Tee's family managed to rescue 
him before being forced to undergo Azeez's exorcism.
 
Tanzania's Parliament has been mired in allegations of witchcraft, 
prompting national chairman of the opposition
NCCR-Mageuzi party Mr James Mbatia to state at a press conference in the 
capital Dodoma, "The world is becoming smaller and smaller, how do we 
today start addressing witchcraft in this era of science and technology? 
And by the way, what is witchcraft? We have reached a stage where our 
own parliament treats witchcraft with seriousness." [8] Witchcraft 
allegations started when a rumour surfaced that unknown MP's had 
sprinkled a "powdery concoction" on legislators' seats. [9] Reporter 
Henry Muhanika concluded his article by writing, "It is on this basis 
that some observers wonder whether most of our Honourable MPs can have 
guts to fight ritual albino killers, human being skinners, ritual 
cannibalists, and all those participating in anti-social 
witchcraft-related malpractices. And can`t this attitude partly explain 
why most MPs rarely raise a finger to protest against the negligible 
budget allocated for scientific research annually? Some argue that every 
society gets the leaders it deserves. The observers may have a point." 
Police failed to find any evidence to prove the rumoured allegations. [10]
 
In Swaziland the President of the Traditional Healers Organisation 
Nhlavana Maseko recently defended traditional healers against 
allegations that a spate of ritual murders in the country have been 
perpetrated by traditional healers. [11] Maseko is quoted as saying "the 
concept of associating traditional healing with witchcraft was not new 
but came to Africa with Europeans who still celebrate Halloween, 
official witchcraft - when Europeans came to Africa around 1830 to 1832 
they imposed the anti witchcraft law but this pointed at the African 
traditional healers instead of those who practice Halloween."
 
As a self-defined Witch of European descent, I was not aware that 
Halloween was the name European Witches gave their practices or 
religion. Halloween is a modern name for a much more ancient pagan Irish 
festival - Samhain. Clearly Maseko, like Professor Azeez, have their own 
particular perspective on the matter of Witchcraft. Their perspective is 
based on a prejudicial and innacurate reading of history; just the kind 
of sloppy research that gives birth or credence to all manner of urban 
legends dealing with Witchcraft in particular.
 
And finally, a senior South African military judge, Colonel Yvonne 
Nomoyi, who doused herself in petrol and set herself alight on June 26 
in an attempted suicide has blamed Witchcraft for her actions. [12] 
Nomoyi is a Zionist Christian Church member.
 
Gauteng police spokesperson Superintendent Eugene Opperman is quoted as 
saying "If you could get to the family, they might give you more 
information. It sounds like an attempted suicide, but that is not a 
crime and we can't investigate. But there still must be evidence that 
shows that it was an attempted suicide for us not to investigate." [13]
 
A voice of reason at last?!
 
 
References:
 
[1] ZCC priests in witchcraft fight at service
Victor Hlungwani
Published 04 July 2008
http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=795895
 
[2] Giyani, Limpopo Province
http://www.greatergiyani.gov.za/
 
[3] Zion Christian Church (ZCC)
http://www.tkm.co.za/doc/zcc.html
 
[4] 'Bewitched' HIV/AIDS activist who rose from the dead
Ofe Motiki
Published 29 June 2006
http://www.mmegi.bw/2006/June/Thursday29/3506736591723.html
 
[5] Wizard jailed
http://www.znbc.co.zm/media/news/viewnews.cgi?category=11&id=1215334545
 
[6] Mob Justice in Malawi: Accused of Witchcraft, the Elderly Are Rarely 
Protected by the Law
Pilirani Semu-Banda
Published 21 May 2008
http://www.thewip.net/contributors/2008/05/mob_justice_in_malawi_accused.html
 
[7] Wizard In Crash Landing
Published 08 July 2008
http://www.peacefmonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15254&Itemid=32
Original source: The Independent
 
[8] House told to discuss issues not witchcraft
Pius Rugonzibwa
http://dailynews.habarileo.co.tz/business/index.php?id=5757
 
[9] When mps believe in witchcraft!
Henry Muhanika
Published 22 June 2008
http://ippmedia.com/ipp/observer/2008/06/22/116967.html
Original Source: Sunday Observer
 
[10] Police fail to prove witchcraft
http://dailynews.habarileo.co.tz/sports/index.php?id=5797
 
[11] We’re not ritual killers - Tinyanga
Ackel Zwane
http://www.observer.org.sz/main.php?id=45248&section=main
Published 14 July 2008
 
[12] 'Witchcraft' made me do it, says judge
Karyn Maughan
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20080714062310664C998247
Original source: The Star http://www.thestar.co.za - 14 July 2008
 
[13] Army judge fights for life in hospital
Xolani Mbanjwa
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20080627053710702C196980
Original source: Pretoria News - 27 June 2008

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By now you've read of the xenophobic violence that erupted in Gauteng and the Western Cape in South Africa in May. Of the 62 people killed, 21 were South African citizens. [1] Whole communities have been torn apart by gangs of criminals intent on violating every inch of human dignity.

The South African Pagan Rights Alliance called on the South African government to recognise that isolated incidents of violence, such as that seen in Gauteng against foreigners, have been occurring in this country since the 1980's against hundreds of South African citizens falsely accused of being Witches or of practising Witchcraft. [2]

As Africa stands poised in anticipation of civil war in Zimbabwe as MDC supporters are arrested, persecuted and exterminated by Zanu PF supporters and Mugabe's war veterans, [3] South African Pagans rejoice in their own small victories with a deep sense of unease.

In May Pagan and self-defined Strega, Morgause Fontleve (Registrar of the South African Pagan Council) [4] was appointed as a religious marriage officer (rmo) in accordance with provisions of the Civil Union Act. In July Sharon Parkinson and Ginney May (both executive members of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance and both self-defined Witches) joined Fontleve as the first Pagan marriage officers in this country. [5]

It probably won't stop people from falsely accusing others of practising Witchcraft. Hatred of “the other” seems to be a continental habit that's hard to kick. On June 11 in an article entitled 'Accused ‘witch’ saved from angry Vryheid mob' [6] Sandile Waka Zamisa reported that an 84 year old woman narrowly escaped lynching by her community when provincial police, the traditional tribal council and officials from the office of the Premier intervened. Their intervention was of course not based on the right of self-defined Witches to openly practice their religion at all. The accused woman, Ntombikayise Zulu, professed innocence. She pleaded, “I am being accused of something I don’t know, I live in fear because of these accusations.”

The Sowetan headline for this story? ‘Men are not accused or killed for being witches’. [7] The statement was made by Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Director of Human Rights in the KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Office. She is quoted as saying, “Everyone has a right to life. As the government it is our responsibility to ensure that people are not being killed because of such allegations... Normally when women get older and lose their hair they are accused of being witches... We have never heard of men being accused of witchcraft. We cannot allow this kind of discrimination in our society,” she said.

As a Witch I appreciate Mkhize's condemnation of Witch hunts. Perhaps she aught to know that hundreds of men have indeed been accused of practising Witchcraft and murdered in this country.

And whilst S.A. Pagans smugly enjoy the relative sanity of communities within which we live, I have to admit, the knowledge that our government's foreign policies appear to have, in the words of former Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon, “shown an eagerness to abandon democratic and human rights values in order to shield oppressive regimes” [8] only adds to the haunting image of a nation losing its moral high-ground, if indeed such a thing can be claimed by any nation at all.

There is no time like the present for a true renewal of humanity in Africa. Intolerance must yield to the recognition that every human deserves by birth the right to dignity, equality and justice, irrespective of their origin, race, political affiliation or faith. [9]

REFERENCE THESE SITES:

[1] http://www.mg.co.za/specialreport.aspx?area=xenophobia_home
[2] http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/press.htm
[3] http://www.mg.co.za/specialreport.aspx?area=zimbabwe_home
[4] http://www.pagancouncil.co.za/
[5] http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/rmo.htm
[6] http://www.witness.co.za/
[7] http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=783397
[8] http://www.mg.co.za/
[9] http://www.pagancouncil.co.za/node/15

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Why do journalists (in South Africa) insist on using the little ‘p’ when referring to adherents or practices of the modern religion of ‘P’aganism? I can understand why one would use the common noun ‘pagan’ to describe pre-Christian religious practices. After all, the word in this context does not describe a specific identifiable religion. The term was first applied to almost all pre-Christian religions by Christians. It was never used by pre-Christians to describe their religions.

But journalists aught by now to have realized that Paganism is a modern religion. The word describes a specific and identifiable religion and is therefore a Proper Noun; Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Paganism.

I suspect that some people, journalists and editors in particular, don’t want to use the proper noun because their own personal religion dictates either that Pagans don’t, or shouldn’t exist or that Paganism isn’t a “real” religion. How blind can you be? And then of course there are those who say, but we’ve always written it this way and our editor/s won’t budge. Are you sure your editor knows the difference between a common noun and a proper noun? I don’t think so! A small minority may in fact be deliberately using the common noun simply because they refuse (on religious grounds) to accord proper noun status to Paganism. Pathetic!

Is Paganism a religion? Well let’s see, a ‘religion’ is defined by the Concise Oxford as:

a. a particular system of faith and worship,

b. human recognition of superhuman controlling power and especially of a personal God or gods entitled to obedience and worship, and

c. thing that one is devoted to or bound to.

Did you notice the Oxford’s use of the common noun ‘gods’? Were the authors / editors of this entry blind, uneducated or pathetic?

Most (but not all) Pagans are polytheists. We believe in the existence of many Gods and Goddesses. Note the correct use of proper nouns when referring to Pagan Deities please. Our Gods and Goddesses are derived directly from Nature and represent natural forces with which Pagans interact and commune in religious ritual. Our ‘faith’ is based on our reverence and worship for and of Nature.

I am personally not a polytheist but rather a pantheist Pagan. I worship Nature as an expression and body of the divine forces of creation. I believe the Gods and Goddesses to be archetypal manifestations of the divine creative forces within Nature. I relate to some of these archetypal thought-forms as Nature Spirits.

Clearly Pagans do practice a system of faith and worship, recognize superhuman controlling powers, worship personal Gods and Goddesses and are devoted to our own religious beliefs and spiritual practices. Paganism is a religion.

It’s about time you started respecting that fact?!

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South Africa: SATURDAY 29 MARCH TO SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2008

'30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence'

Should cultural practices and religious beliefs that promote the murder of innocents on the basis of belief be tolerated in any society? The answer must be a resounding NO.

Here’s a reminder of the events leading up to this advocacy campaign…

In September 2007, 62 Pagans, almost all of whom represented existing South African Pagan covens and organizations, met in Melville, Johannesburg to discuss the imminent threat of the tabling of a bill known as the (2007) Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill. That meeting elected five self-defined Witches to act as representatives, under the auspices of the South African Pagan Council (SAPC), in order to fulfill the 'Melville Mandate'.

The delegation has already instructed Lawyers for Human Rights to initiate the repeal of the Witchcraft Suppression Act in order to prevent any further or future unfair discrimination and prejudice against citizens of a free and democratic country founded on the recognition of human dignity, equality for all - irrespective of religion or belief, and the advancement of human rights and freedoms for all South African citizens equally.

The 'Melville Mandate' also seeks to reclaim the terms 'Witch' and 'Witchcraft' within a modern Pagan context and representatives have been tasked with fulfilling the goal of reclamation through various educational and other processes, including the possible establishment of a formal Commission of Enquiry to investigate ongoing violence against innocent persons accused of practicing malefic Witchcraft. A Pagan Witches TouchStone was written with this in mind.

Download a free copy of A Pagan Witches TouchStone
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org/press.htm

Send a copy to three friends and encourage each of them to send a copy to three more friends.

SIGN THIS PETITION
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/end-witchcraft-related-violence-in-south-africa

Tell your friends to sign this petition.

The 30 day advocacy campaign (from 29 March to 27 April) against religious prejudice and witch hunts will focus on a) highlighting the tragedy of sporadic and ongoing Witch hunts, b) exposing the religious beliefs and cultural prejudice against Witchcraft, and c) asserting the right of Pagan Witches to self-definition, self-determination, religious freedom and safety and security.

For more information visit:

South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA)
http://www.paganrightsalliance.org

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South Africa: SATURDAY 29 MARCH TO SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2008

'30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence'

One annual event will be gathering South African Pagans across the country in celebration of religious freedom under a new constitution in which equality and religious freedom are enshrined.

On 29 March South African Pagans, including members of the South African Pagan Council (SAPC) and the  South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) will be launching '30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence' (29 March to April 27 2008) to highlight the tragedy of incidences of violence against people incorrectly alleged to be Witches or falsely accused of practicing Witchcraft in South Africa.

The 30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence will culminate on Freedom Day (April 27) with Pagan Freedom Day celebrations in 5 cities around the country. [1]

In order to highlight the tragedy of ongoing violence and religious and cultural prejudice against Witchcraft as well as offer accurate information on real Witchcraft as practiced from a Pagan perspective, three self-defined Pagan Witches, Morgause Fontleve, Luke Martin and myself have compiled a book entitled A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone. [2]

A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone details actual witch-hunts in South Africa between 1980 and 2007, examines steps taken by the South African government to bring an end to Witchcraft-related violence, explores the underlying beliefs and assumptions held by many South Africans about Witchcraft, the Occult and Paganism that promote and engender accusations of Witchcraft, and challenges these beliefs by offering accurate information on these subjects by South African Witches themselves.

The Violence

In a media briefing on 3 July 2007 Minister For Safety & Security Charles Nqakula said,

"The report on crime trends shows that crime levels in South Africa continue to drop. We are deeply concerned, though, that crime continues to be rife and that the crime rate continues to be high. The fact that instances of serious and violent crime are very high is disconcerting and unacceptable." [3]

On 4 July Reuters reported, "South Africa's security minister on Wednesday dismissed calls for his resignation over new statistics that showed many of the most violent crimes on a frightening upswing." [4]

According to the Crime Information Analysis Centre,

quote: Eight serious crimes are grouped together as contact crime or violent crime against the person of victims. These crimes are murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH (assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm), common assault, indecent assault, aggravated robbery and other robbery. The crimes in question account for 32,5% of South Africa’s recorded serious crime. These crimes involve physical contact between the victims and perpetrators and such contact is usually of a violent nature. end quote [5]

A Crime Information Analysis Centre Executive Summary states,

If crime figures for 2006/2007 are compared to those recorded during 2005/2006, the following transpires:

- Six of the eight contact crimes, namely rape, attempted murder, assault GBH, common assault, indecent assault and common robbery, decreased by between -8,7% (common assault) and -3,0% (attempted murder). The decreases in these crimes in order of significance are as follows:

Common assault -8,7%

Common robbery -5,8%

Indecent assault -5,5%

Rape -5,2%

Assault GBH -4,9%

Attempted murder -3,0%

quote: An overall decreases of -3,4% in the incidence of contact crime was recorded during the period under review. Two of the eight contact crimes, namely aggravated robbery and murder, increased by 4,6% and 2,4% respectively. The marginal increase of 2,4% in the incidence of murder - and the smaller decrease in the reported number of attempted murders (-3,0%) compared to the previous two financial years (2004/2005 and 2005/2006) in particular - can be explained in terms of the 4,6% increase in aggravated robbery. In more then 70,0% of aggravated robberies, firearms are used (this is basically almost a trademark of aggravated robberies). Whenever perpetrators, victims or bystanders shoot at one another during an aggravated robbery, attempted murders will be registered. end quote [6]

The CIAC does not distinguish between violent crimes associated with Witch hunts from other violent crimes in its December 2007 analysis and one must wonder how many recorded crimes are associated with false accusations of Witchcraft.

According to InsidePolitics.org however the number of convictions for Witchcraft-related crimes in South Africa between 1994 and 2004 has increased.

• 1994: 10 (case withdrawn); 13 (guilty); 0 (acquitted)

• 1995: 8; 7; 9

• 1996: 26; 16; 26

• 1997: 30; 33; 49

• 1998: 121; 45; 36

• 1999: 256; 84; 88

• 2000: 272; 109; 133

• 2001: 463; 173; 139

• 2002: 676; 231; 181

• 2003: 547; 247; 144

• 2004: 567; 345; 141

quote: 345 convictions for witchcraft-related crimes is a staggeringly big number for a country which boasts one of the most liberal and progressive constitutions in the world and often boasts about the strength and merits of its democracy. In 2004, 74% of all cases reported were in Limpopo, 9% in Mpumalanga and 7% in KwaZulu-Natal. The majority of cases reported are by black South Africans. In 2004, 1 053 (92%) out of the 1 138 cases reported in 2004 were brought to the police by black South Africans, 17 (2%) by whites, 33 (3%) by coloured people and 34 (3%) by Asians/Indians. Those proportions also hold generally true going back to 1994. The majority of cases are also reported by men. In 2004 717 (69%) of the 1 038 cases were reported by men and the remaining 421 (31%) by women. 52% of all cases reported are by people between the ages of 21 and 35. While the number of cases being reported is increasing, so is the conviction rate. In fact, 2004 represented the highest conviction rate since 1995 - 30% - up from 20% in 2002. There has always been a high number of witchcraft- related crimes in South Africa but better reporting and less tolerance means they are increasingly making it into the public domain. end quote [7]

Witchcraft-related violence in the new South Africa has not decreased since 2004. Chapter one of A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone details reported Witch hunts between 1980 and 2007. It must be remembered that the accused victims of witch-hunts in this country are not self-defined Witches.

The Prejudice

Prejudice against Witchcraft and the Occult in general is widespread in South Africa and originates primarily from Traditional African belief systems and Christianity. Chapter two of A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone looks at these and other urban legends associated with Witchcraft in this country, urban legends that in effect justify prejudice and violence against suspected Witches.

Under the South African constitution no person may discriminate against another on the basis of belief and religion, but as you will see, some beliefs are by their very nature discriminatory. Those who hold and propagate these beliefs may claim freedom of belief, religion and speech. Those targeted by this hate speech have good cause to challenge the propagation of definitions and beliefs which tend to criminalize their own religious beliefs and practices.

South African Witches regard harmful stereotypical definitions of Witchcraft as injurious to the dignity of self-defined Witches and the use of the terms Witch and Witchcraft to describe criminal activities as harmful discrimination against self-defined Witches. The use of the English term Witchcraft with which to describe harmful magical practices brings into disrepute anyone who may self-identify as a Witch, irrespective of whether or not said self- defined Witch is a European Pagan or a practitioner of Traditional African magic.

The Scapegoats

In Chapter three the authors introduce the Occult, Paganism and Witchcraft from a Pagan Witch’s perspective in order to dispel some of the false myths propagated by traditional African religions and Christianity

South African Witches have determined that the right to define the words Witch and Witchcraft rests with self-defined Witches themselves and no one else.

The Solution

A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone humbly suggests exploring the potential of a true South African ‘renaissance of the soul’, one in which the ignorance and fear that perpetuates Witch hunts is relegated to a painful but never forgotten history; one in which citizens of every religious persuasion will embrace a common vision of humanity, compassion and true enlightenment.

Without a moderating perspective on the question of Witchcraft and a true renewal of both theological and cultural understanding of the nature of evil in relation to this question, no room will ever be created within which to achieve any form of true equality, dignity or humanity in South Africa.

Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence

During the 30 days of Advocacy against Prejudice and Violence from 29 March to April 27 2008 South African Pagans who self-define as Witches are encouraged to send a free .pdf copy of ‘A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone’ to the media, radio stations, local political parties, local Municipalities, members of Parliament, Parliamentary Portfolio Committees, Directors- General and Ministers of both government and religion throughout the country.

If you would like to support this Advocacy Campaign against prejudice and violence against persons suspected of or accused of practicing Witchcraft in South Africa contact Damon Leff – damon@gardenroute.com

Coming soon....Click HERE to read the PDF document on 'A Pagan Witch's Touchstone'

End Witchcraft-related Violence in South Africa.
Sign this petition against prejudice and violence today.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/end-witchcraft-related-violence-in-south-africa

References:

[1] Pagan Freedom Day Initiative (PFDM)

http://www.geocities.com/zapfdm/

[2] A Pagan Witch’s Touchstone - Witchcraft in South Africa

Damon Leff – damon@gardenroute.com

[3] Building a Safer South Africa - Media Briefing, July 3, 2007

Charles Nqakula, Mp Minister For Safety & Security

[4] S.Africa minister under fire over shock crime stats

By Muchena Zigomo

[5] Crime Information Analysis Centre Report (CIAC)

South African Police Service

[6] Executive Summary - Crime Information Analysis Centre (CIAC)

South African Police Service

[7] InsidePolitics.org

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A recent e-mail alert [1] originating from Pastor Conrad Kruger of 'Acts Christian Centre' of Constantia Kloof in Gauteng levels serious allegations of human sacrifice by "Satanic covens" in South Africa on Halloween. Acts Christian Centre is a 'spiritual warfare' ministry. The ministry's primary cause for existing is to counter what they regard and name as the dangers of the occult. The "spiritual warfare attack team" of Acts Christian Centre is led by Pastor Conrad Kruger and Nadia Oosthuizen.

South African Pagans, who, by their own admission neither identify themselves as Satanists nor practice human or animal sacrifice, have expressed offense at Kruger's deliberate demonization of the Pagan holy day of Halloween and at the Pastor's stereotypical criminalization of all Satanists as kidnappers, paedophiles and murderers.

In responding to several complaints from justifiably angry Pagans, Kruger, whilst admitting that Pagans are not Satanists, has repeatedly questioned why Pagans should be taking offense to his diatribe against Satanists and (his alleged) their predicted alleged activities between October 22 to October 31.

Pagan Charles Van Bergen has accused Kruger of hate speech against Pagans. "Halloween is a Pagan festival and has absolutely nothing, no matter which hemisphere we live in, to do with Christianity, and therefore, absolutely nothing to do with Satanism! This is therefore hate speech designed to induce fear of and hatred for Pagans by aligning us in the eyes of Christians with their natural enemies, Satanists. This kind of malicious and willful mis-/disinformation endangers each and every one of us. By turning Halloween into some sort of Satanic festival, even if only by association, they are attacking Pagans." [2]

Convenor of the South African Pagan Council Luke Martin, in a letter of objection to Pastor Kruger wrote, "Let me tell you with total honesty, you are wrong about Halloween and every one of your other malicious statements, which are in fact hate speech. The vast majority of "covens" in this country do not recognise the Judeo-Christian entity, Satan. Neither do they celebrate Halloween (Samhain) at this time of year. It is Beltane we are about to celebrate in the Southern Hemisphere." [3]

South African Pagans celebrate Halloween, a festival traditionally celebrated at the beginning of Winter on the eve of May 1. Also called Samhain, Halloween is regarded by Pagans throughout the world as a sacred feast day in honour of the Ancestors and the Dead.

Terri Moore, Executive Member of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance questioned Kruger's insistence on promoting the belief in Satanic ritual abuse in South Africa. "Satanic Ritual Abuse has been thoroughly debunked by the FBI as well as others, but these Christians just keep dragging it back from the dead, especially around this time of year." [4]

The e-mail in question lists very specific alleged activities to be undertaken by alleged Satanists, including (a) the ceremonial planning and kidnapping of a (?) sacrificial victim between October 22 and 29, (b) the sacrifice of the kidnapped victim on October 28, (c) another human sacrifice (presumably with a different victim?) and "sexual orgies with demons, animals and children in order to attempt to enter the gates of hell" on October 31, and (d) yet another human sacrifice to mark the end of Halloween between November 1 and 3. The Pastor adds that another human and animal sacrifice will take place on December 22, and that a male and female sacrifice will occur on December 25. Unfortunately Kruger mistakenly assigns December 22 as a "summer equinox" instead of the Summer Solstice, another sacred holy day for Pagans and one in which reverence is given by Pagans to the Sun as the source of Life and Light on Earth. [5]

The Pastor's apparent inside knowledge of these alleged occult activities is derived, by his own admission in correspondence with me, from the work of Kobus Jonker and F.A. Havenga. [6] The so-called 'Satanic Calendar' [7] originated by Havenga and adopted without question by Kruger in motivating his call to action against Halloween and its alleged Satanic practices, has been thoroughly discredited by a number of authoritative sources, including self-defined South African and international Satanists themselves.

According to encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com "Dr. Ed Murphy is the author of a modern 600 page tome on the subject from the point of view of deliverance ministry entitled The Handbook of Spiritual Warfare.... [ ] ...The excesses of unsubstantiated allegations made in the Satanic Ritual Abuse phenomena of the 1980s and 1990s has also prompted critical reviews. Some apologists in the Christian countercult movement have expressed concerns that spiritual warfare techniques seem at times to have been based on spurious stories and anecdotes without careful discernment and reflection. Some of these general concerns have been expressed by apologists like Elliot Miller (Christian Research Institute), and Bob and Gretchen Passantino in various articles published in the Christian Research Journal. Others, such as Mike Hertenstein and Jon Trott, have called into question the claims of alleged ex-Satanists like Mike Warnke and Lauren Stratford whose stories have subsequently influenced many popular books about spiritual warfare and the occult. Bill Ellis' work Raising the Devil has detected the presence of folkloric stories about the occult and demons circulating in evangelical and charismatic circles, which later become accepted as unquestioned facts." [8]

Despite existing evidence to the contrary on alleged Satanic ritual abuse and criminality internationally, the irrational and uncorroborated allegations leveled at Satanists and the Occult in general by Pastor Kruger finds an echo in an article published online by 'Africa Christian Action' based in Claremont Cape Town. [9]

"We are in a spiritual world war. Cruelty to animals, vandalism and even murders occur with far greater frequency during Halloween. Every Halloween many thousands of animals, and even people, are sacrificed in satanic rituals worldwide, while millions of other people, including well meaning Christians, participate in Halloween celebrations. Halloween is a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists."  [10] By their own admission however, Witches do not recruit or proselytize, and neither Witches nor Satanists practice human sacrifice.

The published work of Kobus Jonker, F.A. Havenga and many others on the subject of Satanism and the Occult in South Africa have become the definitive sources for almost all debate on the subject of Satanism in South Africa. They are studied by new police recruits, social workers and theology students. Their work is quoted as authoritative source in courts of law. The fact that little or no equally authoritative material exists to counter the bias of their work on the Occult and Satanism in South Africa in general is a reason for the mushrooming of "spiritual warfare" Christian groups and individuals. These groups and individuals accept the "authority" of the sources they consult, usually without question or further research.

Evidently ritual crimes in which human body parts are harvested for sale for use in magic which do occur in our country are most often incorrectly used by Havenga et al as de facto proof that Satanism is alive and well in South Africa despite the fact that actual evidence shows that human mutilations in South Africa are performed by criminals who do not identify as Satanists or as Witches. There are few if any exceptions to this rule. African Traditionalists accuse Witches of human mutilations. Christians in general blame Satanists. The truth of course is that neither are guilty. We're just convenient scape-goats.

In my opinion, the accusers are the actual criminals. They use lies to bolster their accusations against the innocent and perpetuate harmful and hurtful propaganda against Satanism and Witchcraft in order to give reason and purpose to their chosen form of spiritual warfare ministry.

References:

[1] E-mail alert originating from Pastor Conrad Kruger of 'Acts Christian Centre'

Halloween

Acts Christian centre

S.W.A.T Spiritual warfare attack team

Past. Conrad Kruger

On 31 October 2007 will be Blood and sexual rituals performed by Satanic covens around South Africa. There will be sexual orgies with demons, animals and humans AND THERE WILL BE A HUMAN SACRIFICE - KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE ESPECIALLY YOUNG BOYS

October 22-29 - Ceremonial planning and kidnapping of sacrifice.

October 28 - Human sacrifice to enter into Halloween.

October 31 - Human sacrifice & sexual orgies with demons and animals and children to attempt to enter the gates of Hades.

November 1-3 - Human Sacrifice end of Halloween.

December 22 - Summer Equinox - Human and animal sacrifice - The birth of the sun god - through the goddess of the moon.

December 25 - Male and female sacrifice.

This Sunday 28 October - a Christians response to Halloween. Do you realise the spiritual implications of Halloween? And do you realise curses will be pronounced by Satan and his cohorts from 22 - 31 October? KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AND ANIMALS SAFE.

[2] Charles Van Bergen - quoted with permission from the South African Pagan Council Mail-Forum.

[3] Luke Martin, Convenor of the South African Pagan Council - letter to Pastor Conrad Kruger quoted with permission.

[4] Terri Moore, Executive of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance - quoted with permission from the South African Pagan Council Mail-Forum.

[5] E-mail alert originating from Pastor Conrad Kruger of 'Acts Christian Centre'

[6] From: "Acts Christian Centre"

Subject: Re: Halloween

Date sent: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:12:55 +0200

Satanism is more real than you can imagine

Source referencing - well there are many -  S. A Police - Kobus Jonker occultist unit wrote a book on Satanism

F.A. Havenga 18 years experience in the S.A . Police - Book and course on S.R.A - Satanic Ritual Abuse with reference.

[7] The Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult by Mather & Nichols, (Zondervan, 1993), P. 244, quotes 'The Satanic Bible' as listing the main Satanic holidays as: Walpurgisnacht, Halloween, and the member's birthday.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/ra_date.htm

[8] Africa Christian Action, Claremont Cape Town, South Africa

http://www.christianaction.org.za

[9] Africa Christian Action - 'Frontline Fellowship', Claremont Cape Town, South Africa

http://www.frontline.org.za/articles/Halloween_and_the_Bible.htm

[10] Spiritual Warfare

http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Spiritual+Warfare

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In recent months three South African Pagans have taken it upon themselves to challenge an overwhelming majority of South African Pagan Witches who seek to reclaim the terms Witch and Witchcraft, by accusing those who seek reclamation of (a) not serving the greater good, (b) going against the code of ethics enshrined in the Wiccan Rede, (c) causing harm to Pagans and Paganism in South Africa, and (d) not acting responsibly.

In ‘A Witch in Africa’ (dated 26 August 2007) written by the Rev. Andi Fisher, Archpriestess and Chief Director of the Correllian Nativist Church International South Africa (CNCI-RSA), Fisher states:

“There seems to be sufficient doubt over whether adopting terms that are perceived as evil and harmful in Africa will serve the greater good. It may even be argued that this could go against the code of ethics enshrined in the Wiccan Rede, as it almost certainly could cause harm to Pagans and Paganism in South Africa. If not physical harm, then at least harm in the sense that Pagan Witches and Witchcraft in Africa will always be viewed with the  greatest suspicion and mistrust. Ultimately while self-definition is a personal choice for every individual Pagan to make, as responsible practitioners we have to ask ourselves how the choices we make in defining ourselves will affect the manner in which the collective Pagan Movement in South Africa is perceived? And what will the consequences of our choices be? ... I am willing to speculate that if Pagans are prepared to meet Africans half- way by adopting less offensive terms with which to label ourselves in Africa, we would be in a far greater position to grow the Pagan Movement on this continent. While compromising on terms will certainly not solve all our

problems, it would go a long way towards establishing a platform of trust with traditional Africans from where the Pagan Movement could potentially grow.”  [1]

What Fisher is proposing is repeated and further explained in her ‘CNCI SAPC Conference Report’ of 12 September. Fisher states,

“We are of the opinion that we have little choice but to relinquish terminology now in order to avoid further discrimination against Paganism in South Africa... We acknowledge that someday the climate in RSA may be more conducive to reclaiming these terms, but that this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future in light of the negative manner in which witchcraft in Africa is perceived. While we respect and honour our Pagan brothers and sisters who wish to embark in a struggle for the reclamation of terminology, we cannot support a course of action that is combative when another more peace-invoking alternative is plausible.”  [2]

Fisher’s sincerely misguided attempts at opposing those Pagans who do wish to work towards the reclamation of the terms Witch and Witchcraft are echoed by her alliance cohorts Adrian Williams (Coven of the Silver Sickle) and Ken Burke (Circle of Friends).

In correspondence between a member of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) and Adrian Williams dated 13 September, Williams clarified his position on reclamation by saying,

“I will actively attempt to persuade government to abolish the words witch and witchcraft using all possible means available to me. I will further attempt to make it known that not all Pagans share the view of keeping the word witch and witchcraft even though these words are offensive to the vast majority of South Africans.”

In an early September letter to Pagan delegates intending to attend a Conference hosted by the South African Pagan Council, and posted on SAPRA’s public Forum, Williams made the following proposal:

“Witches in South Africa , in the interest of cultural and spiritual unity release the terms witch and witchcraft due to the negative connotations that these words bring up in the minds of the vast majority of South Africans and by doing so take the spiritual journey one step closer to the divine and call upon all Pagans around the world to support us in this sacrifice that will strengthen the relationship between Pagans within Africa.”  [3]

He reiterated this proposal in earnest at the 8 September SAPC Pagan Conference in Johannesburg in opposing a motion by conference delegates on the question of reclamation. The minutes of this conference read:

Adrian Williams: Proposed we release the terms “witch” and “witchcraft” in the interests of spirituality and ask for international support from Pagans abroad to do the same in an act of solidarity. (Unrest in the house.)

Luke Martin: Those in favour of relinquishing the words witch and witchcraft please raise their hands. Nine delegates raised their hands: 9/61 – Minority [4]

It must be noted that many of the 61 delegates who attended this Conference were leaders of their own Covens, Clans, Circles etc. and were in fact fairly representative of the majority of self-defined Pagans in South Africa.

On 13 September Ken Burke, in support of the anti-reclamation lobby, wrote,

“If it is gets to be a choice between protecting the lives of the innocent black people who get killed because they are perceived to be witches, or allowing a few hundred white Pagans to legally call themselves witches, we're going to support protecting the lives of the innocent.”  [5]

All three protagonists cite as reason for their decision to oppose the reclamation of the terms Witch and Witchcraft the presumed but often repeated allegation that, to quote Burke,

“black Africans are profoundly afraid of witches and witchcraft.  For centuries, the words (and their equivalent in other European languages) have been used to translate words like "Butsakatsi" and the equivalent in other African languages.” [6]

In “A Witch in Africa’ Fisher stated, “No amount of Pagan protesting could eradicate the African concept of evil entrenched in witchcraft.”  [7]

Fisher also quoted Ronald Hutton in support of her position against reclamation.

Quote: In an email response to Donna “darkwolf” Vos, dated 24/08/2007, when approached for his comments on this issue, Professor Ronald Hutton replied as follows:

“I hesitate to advise on matters in a country not my own, but in this case I would suggest that South African Pagans abandon any attempt to reclaim the word 'witch', and concentrate on safeguarding the labels 'Pagan' and 'Wiccan'. Your easiest way out of the problem, in my opinion, would be to force a recognition of the huge conceptual gap between African and European tradition, and ensure that any law passed to satisfy Africans is amended to protect South Africans who practise modern Western-style Paganism. I personally feel that the law needs to be fought in itself, and (like Izaak Niehaus) that education of Africans and not surrender to them is the best response to the problem.”  [8]

False Evidence Appearing Real

As a supporter of reclamation I find myself in a position of having to reflect honestly on the position of the ARL. I hope I have truthfully reflected their position.

But I will not defend the agenda of the anti-reclamation lobby (ARL). In fact, I find their position wholly intolerable. I am a Witch. I’m not asking for anyone to give me the right to call myself a Witch. And I certainly won’t tolerate anyone who actively campaigns and lobby’s to prevent me from exercising my right to self-definition and self-determination.

The right to self-determination, self-definition and freedom of belief and religion are cornerstones of a culture of Human Rights (enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa) in which every individual must be accorded equality, dignity and freedom.

I’ve examined the under-pinning ‘evidence’ produced by the ARL for their position and all I have found is ‘False Evidence Appearing Real’ – FEAR. Much of this so-called ‘factual evidence’ is presented in Fisher’s ‘CNCI SAPC Conference Report’. For a copy of the full rebuttal prepared by me on behalf of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance visit the website of the Alliance at http://www.paganrights.net/press.htm

The 'CNCI SAPC Conference Report' states:

Two sources * have confirmed that the South African Government is determined to go ahead with the suppression of witchcraft in South Africa, even if this proves to be unconstitutional; as too many people are being harmed as a result of (perceived) witchcraft activities and witchcraft accusations in South Africa. The solution according to Government is to suppress witchcraft in an attempt to protect victims of witchcraft related crimes. [9]

The CNCI Report also states,

Government have made it clear that they will be going ahead with the drive to suppress witchcraft in South Africa, (witchcraft as understood and perceived by most Africans.). [10]

Chapter 1.2. (a) of the Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) determines that no Provincial legislation may contradict the supreme law of the Republic [i.e. Act 108].

Chapter 7. (1) and (2) of Act 108 states:
(1) This Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.

(2) The state must respect, protect, promote and fulfill the rights in the Bill of Rights.

Chapter 9. (1) to (4) of the Bill of Rights states:
(1) Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.

(2) Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. To promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.

(3) The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.

(4) No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds in terms of subsection (3). National legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination.  [11]

In other words, the South African Government has no intention of acting outside of the provisions of the Bill of Rights and Constitution. This has in fact been confirmed by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and Legislature who have given their assurance that they will not proceed with legislation against Witchcraft. The Mpumalanga Provincial Government and Legislature have absolutely no intention of pursuing the draft Witchcraft Suppression Bill.

The Mpumalanga Premier's Office has stated that the Mpumalanga Provincial Government have a mandate to draft legislation to:

(i.) prevent ritual killings, and

(ii.) prevent accusations of witchcraft which lead to violence.

On the question of reclamation the 'CNCI SAPC Conference Report' states:

CNCI-RSA and other critical thinkers amongst Pagan Leadership in South Africa are of the opinion that Pagans will have to sacrifice something. Be it blood or the terminology that many Pagans dearly wish to hold on to.  This sounds dramatic, but the truth is that hundreds of innocent African people are killed every year due to witchcraft related crimes in South Africa. Blood is already flowing, which is why Government wants to take action. A price will have to be paid by Pagans in RSA, either we give up the terms ‘witch’ and ‘witchcraft’ and thereby support Government in putting an end to the senseless killing and mutilation of many Africans, or we fight to reclaim these terms and inadvertently add to the conflict by legalizing witchcraft, in which case blood will continue to flow. It is unfortunate that two forms of witchcraft exist in South Africa, but only one is predominantly perceived, the one that causes harm… In light of the African world-view surrounding witchcraft and how it is perceived by the majority (approximately 40 million people) in South Africa, we (delegates against reclamation) are equally firm in our resolve to engage with government in a cooperative relationship. We are prepared to relinquish the terms “witch” and “witchcraft” in an effort to make inroads with government and the African people to ensure the preservation and equality of Paganism, and in an attempt to protect those innocently accused and killed in witchcraft related crimes… It is not on our immediate agenda to debate whether witchcraft as perceived and understood in the African world-view is being discriminated against by government. Our immediate concern is to protect Paganism in South Africa, to claim equality for Pagans and to support government in protecting innocent victims accused of harmful witchcraft practices in RSA. We are of the opinion that we have little choice but to relinquish terminology now in order to avoid further discrimination against Paganism in South Africa. [12]

The fact is relinquishing the right to self-definition will not prevent ongoing violence against individuals who are alleged to be witches or accused of bewitching others. Since 1957 the Witchcraft Suppression Act has failed to curb “Witchcraft-related violence”, and may in fact be fuelling violence against persons accused of using witchcraft to cause harm. The ‘Thohoyandou Declaration on Ending Witchcraft Violence’, issued by the Commission on Gender Equality in September 1999 states the following:

The Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 falls short of a pragmatic approach to the issue of witchcraft, and may in fact be fuelling witchcraft violence. Legislative reform is required as matter of urgency. We call on the government to repeal the Witchcraft Suppression Act and introduce;

(1) Legislation dealing with the issue of witchcraft, so that those who are engaged in harmful practices can be separated out from those who are falsely accused; and so that those who make false accusations can be brought to book. Such legislation would, inter alia

* Represent a paradigm shift from the current act which operates from a premise that denies the belief in witchcraft; leading to the Issue being dealt with outside the criminal justice system.

* Provide clear definitions for words and concepts such as "witch", "wizard" and "witchcraft".

* Introduce structures to deal with certain witchcraft-related complaints by means of conciliation and mediation, thereby attempting to resolve underlying tensions.

(2) Legislation to control the practice of traditional healing: which should be accompanied by a Code of Conducted to ensure that the practice of traditional medicine is separated from sinister practices.

The conference requested the Commission on Gender Equality to convene a meeting with the Ministry of Justice and other interest groups to initiate the above legislative reform in * October. [13]

* Note: No legislative reform was undertaken.

Violence against persons accused of ‘witchcraft’ is motivated by several factors, all of which need to be understood and addressed constructively in order to bring an end to ‘witch-hunts’ and ‘witch purging’ in South Africa.

Whilst the state of emergency in South Africa during the 1980’s may indeed have contributed to increasing insecurity and paranoia, witch hunts did not come to end after 1990. During the 1990's the expelling and killing of suspected witches occurred frequently in several provinces. The frequency of occurrence of witch hunts within the Limpopo Province prompted the former Premier of Limpopo Province in 1995, Advocate Ngoako Ramathlodi, to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to investigate, amongst other things, the ‘phenomenon of witch purging’.

The ‘Commission of Inquiry into Witchcraft Violence and Ritual Murder in the Northern Province’ chaired by Professor N. V. Ralushai revealed the tragedy of ‘witch purging’. The ‘Ralushai Report’ found that prior to 1980 suspected witches identified through various methods of divination by ‘witchdoctors’ (diviners or traditional healers acting as witch finders) were apprehended by members of their community and killed without trial. Many testified that some murders were politically instigated.

Participants of the Conference, including survivors and perpetrators of violence against suspected / alleged witches, supported the assertion that accusations of witchcraft were most often simply motivated by jealousy and that victims of such violence were innocent of the allegations made against them.

Findings show that the murder of suspected witches increased sharply during the 1980’s in Venda, Lebowa and Gazankulu in the Northern Province (Limpopo). Between January 1990 and April 1995, 455 cases related to witchcraft accusations were opened by the South African Police Service in the Limpopo Province. In 1996 the number of witchcraft related cases dropped from 676 to 417. [14]

In November 1995 ‘Human Rights Watch’ reported:

In some rural areas of South Africa, violence against women also includes the phenomenon of witchcraft killings, which are most often directed against women, although men are also on occasion attacked after accusations that they have practiced black magic. At least ninety-seven women and forty-nine men were killed in Northern Province during the period April 1994 to February 1995, according to police statistics quoted in an interim report published by a commission of inquiry appointed by the new provincial government to investigate witchcraft and ritual killings in the province. All kinds of misfortune, including matters as varied as financial problems, illness, drought or lightening strikes, are blamed on witchcraft, and traditional healers or "witch doctors" may then be paid to search out the individuals responsible. A number of villages have even been created under police protection to house people accused of witchcraft who have fled their homes. While convictions of the perpetrators of these killings have been secured in some cases, in many cases the reluctance of witnesses to come forward prejudices any investigation. [15]

The ARL have already used their democratically protected right to lobby in support of their position to attempt to undermine the credibility of the democratically elected and mandated South African Pagan Council (SAPC) Delegation. In a letter to Advocate Rudolph Jansen, National Director, Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) Ken Burke wrote,

"I would like to bring it to your attention that there is concern amongst a significant portion of the Pagan community that the SAPC and SAPRA are adopting a highly confrontational and aggressive stance about striking down anti-witchcraft legislation and opposing the Government when it comes to drafting new legislation.  By no means is support for the SAPC and SAPRA agendas unanimous. …The SAPC and SAPRA are adopting a highly confrontational and aggressive stance about striking down anti-witchcraft legislation and opposing the government when it comes to drafting new legislation."

LHR has dismissed Burke’s correspondence and is currently acting as legal counsel on behalf of the SAPC Delegation. The South African Pagan Rights Alliance is represented on the SAPC Delegation.

LHR have been requested to (a) prevent the Mpumalanga Legislature from proceeding with the drafting of any legislation which will in any way criminalize individuals on the basis of belief and religion, (b) ensure that the Mpumalanga Legislature does not proceed with the proposed draft Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill, and (c) institute legal action to have the Witchcraft Suppression Act of 1957 repealed.

For those of you struggling to understand why the pro-reclamation lobby is so incensed with ARL, perhaps an analogy might be useful at this point?

Whilst Pagan Tom, Pagan Dick and Pagan Harry have every right to voluntarily abstain from sex, no Tom, Dick or Harry has the right to enforce sexual abstinence on Pagans in general !

References:

[1] ‘A Witch in Africa’ - the Rev. Andi Fisher, Archpriestess and Chief Director of the Correllian Nativist Church International South Africa (CNCI-RSA)

[2] ‘CNCI SAPC Conference Report’ - the Rev. Andi Fisher, Archpriestess and Chief Director of the Correllian Nativist Church International South Africa (CNCI-RSA)

[3] Adrian Williams. Minutes of the ‘SAPC Pagan Conference’ – 8 September 2007

[4] Minutes of the ‘SAPC Pagan Conference’ – 8 September 2007
http://www.pagancouncil.co.za/?q=node/62

[5] South African Pagan Rights Alliance Public Forum - 13 September 2007

[6] South African Pagan Rights Alliance Public Forum - 7 September 2007

[7] ‘A Witch in Africa’ - the Rev. Andi Fisher, Archpriestess and Chief Director of the Correllian Nativist Church International South Africa (CNCI-RSA)

[8] Ibid.

[9] ‘CNCI SAPC Conference Report’ - the Rev. Andi Fisher, Archpriestess and Chief Director of the Correllian Nativist Church International South Africa (CNCI-RSA)

[10] Ibid.

[11] The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996)

[12] ‘CNCI SAPC Conference Report’ - the Rev. Andi Fisher, Archpriestess and Chief Director of the Correllian Nativist Church International South Africa (CNCI-RSA)

[13] The Thohoyandou Declaration on Ending Witchcraft Violence, issued by the Commission on Gender Equality September 1999 - ‘The Thohoyandou Declaration on Ending Witchcraft Violence’

http://www.womensnet.org.za/pvaw/campaigns/witchcraft.htm

[14] Report of the Ralushai Commission of Inquiry into Witchcraft Violence and Ritual Murder in the Northern Province, 1995

[15] The State Response to Domestic Violence and Rape: South Africa - November 1995 by Human Rights Watch

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by Damon Leff

In July this year the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) was informed by the Mpumalanga legislature that the proposed Witchcraft Suppression Bill will not be tabled and that the legislature will not proceed with any legislation either for or against Witchcraft in this Province. I’ve also been informed by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development that SAPRA’s appeal for legislative reform of the 1957 Witchcraft Suppression Act is being considered by the Minister.

Who would have thought that African Traditional Healers (iSangoma's - diviners and iNyanga's - herbalists) and Pagan Witches would ever have shown solidarity in their shared opposition to the Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill? Well obviously Enmarie Potgieter did, and with good reason. It's not the first time Pagans and Traditional Healers have gathered in support of freedom and equality.

In 2004 hundreds of Traditional Healers, members of the Traditional Healer's Organisation (THO), joined Pagans - many of whom defined their personal spiritual path as Witchcraft - at Zoo Lake to celebrate 10 years of religious freedom in South Africa on Freedom Day, 27 April 2004. The guest speakers of this 'Pagan Freedom Day' event included Dr. M. Motshekga, founder of the Kara Heritage Institute established in 1982 to promote African Traditional Religion, and Dr N. Maseko, the President of the THO, an organisation currently representing over 20 000 traditional healers in South Africa. In the Garden Route, Pagans invited traditional healer Dr. R. Kutela as the Garden Route Pagan Freedom Day guest at a function held at Beyond the Moon near Wilderness, George.

The Bill has elicited outrage from traditional healers according to Enmarie, member of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) and Technical Administrator of the South African Pagan Council (SAPC). "It took some time to explain to the THO that we are not going to budge from calling ourselves Witches, and after explaining the history - they were able to see that they are currently in a very similar position. (i.e. a subtle smear campaign against traditional healing practises). They are completely livered that the bill contains incorrect definitions for words such as Muti, (which means medicine) and which can not be anything other than good by definition."

The Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Bill defines "muti" as: “Muti” means any mixture of herbs, water, wollen cufs etc, used by wizards, igedla, inyanga, African Churches, Foreign traditional Healers, etc for the purposes of curing diseases, helping others who come to consult to them for whatever purposes and including causing harm to others or their properties.

Traditional healers have offered the following alternative definition for muti: 'Umuthi' - means an object or substance used in traditional health practice for the purpose of:

a) The diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a physical or mental illness; or

b) For any curative or therapeutic purpose, including the maintenance or restoration of physical or mental health or wellbeing in humans.

Enmarie says, "Thanks to the media, the word 'muti' can now denote anything from human tissue to herbal concoctions. Traditional Healers will tell you how passionately they feel about the fact that their perception of muti is not the same as that which is put forward in the media, especially by those critical of Traditional Healing practices."

In 'Healers, pagans oppose new witchcraft bill', published in the Sowetan on 18 July 2007, Riot Hlatshwayo reported, quote: About 50 THO members, led by its national president, Nhlavana Maseko, met the Local Government and Housing Department. Maseko said they were opposed to definitions such as umuthi and ubuthi. He said umuthi was a substance used in traditional health practice to diagnose, treat and prevent physical or mental illness, whereas ubuthi was used in the application of negative energy with the intention to kill or harm. Maseko said the proposed bill did not differentiate between “witchdoctors” and traditional healers. “Let there be two bills, not one,” he argued. “Witchdoctors and traditional healers are not even on the same platform because they are different,” he said. His organisation accused the government of failing to consult all stakeholders. end quote.

Pagan Witches have opposed the Bill on the grounds that it incorrectly defines Witchcraft. The Bill defines 'witchcraft' as: “Witchcraft” means the secret use of muti, zombies, spells, spirits, magic powders, water, mixtures, etc, by any person with the purpose of causing harm, damage, sickness to others or their property.

Witches themselves have offered an alternative definition of Witchcraft. Witchcraft is a religio-magical occupation that employs the use of sympathetic magic, ritual, herbalism and divination. After all, who exactly is being defined by the Bill?

But the revelation of the existence of self-defined Witches has been met with both shock and surprise. Although traditional healers knew who we Pagans were, they did not realise that many Pagans were also Witches. In 'Bewitched or de-witched?' published in the Mail & Guardian on 20 July 2007, Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane and Sydney Masinga reported, quote: There was confused silence when Luke Martin told a group of traditional healers this week that he is a witch. Phephisile Maseko, the national coordinator of the Traditional Healers' Organisation (THO), quickly had to explain that some white people consider witchcraft to be a religion and were open about practising it. There was still some apprehension, however, because the healers come from communities where witchcraft is considered evil and where people have been evicted from their villages or even killed because they were suspected of being witches. Now here was someone standing up and admitting to being one. end quote

The THO presented their own definition of 'witchcraft' in their comments in objection to the Suppression Bill. The THO's proposed definition of Witchcraft is:

(a) Any act or conduct, which causes or leads to the infliction of injury, illness, or even spiritual damage to another person through the use of ubuthi [1] or other destructive means;

(b) Any act or conduct that leads to the death of another person through ukuthakatha [the practice of witchcrafts];

(c) Any act or conduct which is perceived by the community as unnatural and capable of causing danger or damage to the person or property of another through some negative energy;

(d) Any conduct or act which cannot be explained in western scientific terms but which is perceived or believed to exist and can be proved so to exist by those trained in African Science through diagnosis.

[1] 'ubuthi' is defined by the THO as: [(i) an object, act or substance used in the application of negative energy with an intention to kill or harm a person, (ii) the usage of any poisonous substance with an aim to kill or harm a person. (iii) any act that is evil in its nature and does not uphold the principles of humanity and nation building as enshrined in our constitution, and (iv) casting a spell on any person ].

Luke Martin, Convenor of the SAPC and a member of SAPRA, is quoted as saying, "My idea of the word 'witch' is different from the others". In objecting to the Bill Luke said, "It is a mirror image of the apartheid-era's Witchcraft Suppression Act. It discriminates against the practices of minority groups." Luke's sentiments are echoed by many other Pagans.

Donna Vos, Arch Priestess of CAM and author of 'Dancing under an African Moon' (2002) said, "I feel shocked and cheated.  We have been told for over a decade by Government officials, lawyers etc that there shall be freedom of expression, association, religion and freedom from discrimination. We were told that the Constitution of our country will override any danger posed to us by the Witchcraft Act of 1957.  Now we are all in a conundrum with the advent of an even sterner witchcraft bill beginning in Mpumalanga. Whilst I understand the dynamics of the word  ‘witch / witchcraft’ from an Afro-centric perspective, and government’s  serious attempt to stamp out those who would consider themselves witches (as per definition an evil-doer, amongst other things,  and accepted as such in the Afro-centric community), Euro-centric witchcraft cannot be lumped together with these practices. Those of us that practice a Euro-centric brand of witchcraft are being radically discriminated against. I feel that this bill can definitely be re drafted in order for a win-win situation to happen.  One must now exercise tolerance and realise that Government is to a large extent unaware of those of us who call ourselves Pagan or witches."

Arias Ndlovu, owner of Vuya!Pagan, one of the most popular South African online forums and the home of South Africa's first Pagan publishing house - Anubis Publishing - says, "Although the advocate who thought up this draft (read "daft") bill was trying to find away to eliminate the crimes related to African define witchcraft, it actually becomes a floodgate for every person with a gripe with a Witch to sue for very little reason. Now here's my problem: People fear the power of the Witch, but they neglect to acknowledge the power of the average person too. Although the Witch has the power to harm or heal, so does every person; the "Evil eye" is something that all humans know how to do, whether a Witch or not... what this bill is proposing is that its ok to "curse with the Eye" if you're (for example) a Christian, but if you define yourself as a Witch you're to be locked away?"

Pagan Witch Colleen Mollentz, who was interviewed by Radio Sonder Grense (RSG) on the Suppression Bill and Witchcraft says, "I would like to say that I fully support the government's attempts to address the killing and victimisation of people accused as being witches."Witch" murders and other abuses have been a major concern and many people, mainly women and the elderly, are affected by it. However, existing laws should prevent people from being murdered, beaten and driven off their land. Crime is crime whether "witchcraft" is involved or not. The proposed legislation seems a very simplistic way of dealing with a very complex issue. It's almost a case of "if you kids don't play nicely, I'll take the ball away". I feel that education and protection of people's rights are the keys to curbing the violence."

Advocate Thomas Bongo of the Office of the Premier has responded to the outrage from Pagans and Traditional healers by stating on SAfm on Thursday 19 July that he intends establishing an advisory panel composed of both Pagan Witches and Traditional Healers to advise him on a suitable alternative to the Witchcraft Suppression Bill.

But in 'Bewitched or de-witched?' of 20 July 2007 local government and housing spokesperson Simphiwe Kunene is quoted as saying people should not jump the gun. "It is very presumptuous for people to think this draft is infringing on their constitutional rights. This is not an Act, just a sketch to show what we are trying to prevent," said Kunene.

Despite Kunene's attempts to sweep Pagan concerns and objections against the Bill under the rug, Kunene cannot argue that to suppress accusations of witchcraft one must suppress witchcraft. The Bill contradicts 11 provisions of the Bill of Rights and no amount of back-peddling will change that fact.

In 'Western witches set out to defeat new law' published in the Weekend Argus on 29 July Kylie Walker writes, " Speaking on condition of anonymity, a member of the Mpumalanga department of local government and housing, which is writing the bill, said the Mpumalanga advocates were "extremely annoyed" that the national body Sapra had made public a document given to them in confidence."

The document in question was forwarded to Sapra by Luke Martin, not by the department of local government and housing. Despite the fact that Sapra repeatedly requested a copy of the Bill for comment, the Department instructed Sapra that the Bill was not available for viewing as it had not yet been published for public comment.

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Mpumalanga Witchcraft Suppression Act: South Africa

South African Witches demand protection as a religious minority.

In June this year the Office of the Premier of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, leaked a draft Witchcraft Suppression Bill which threatens to undermine the freedoms and rights already guaranteed to an existing religious minority – Witches - by deliberately criminalizing and prohibiting said religious minority’s constitutionally guaranteed right to exist and to practice their religion. The Bill seeks to suppress Witchcraft and will imprison self-defined Witches on the assumption of automatic inference of criminality.

In submitted formal objections to the proposed Suppression Bill the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) and the South African Pagan Council (SAPC), supported by Pagans across the country who define themselves as Witches, have criticised the Mpumalanga legislature’s decision to base their Bill on a piece of Apartheid legislation – the Witchcraft Suppression Act (Act 3 of 1957 as amended by Act 50 of 1970). The Suppression Bill contradicts 11 clauses enshrined in the Bill of Rights, Chapter Two of the Constitution of South Africa, by denying self-defined Witches the right to dignity, equality, religious freedom, expression, association and the right to choose their trade, occupation or profession freely. The Act would in effect deny equal citizenship to South Africans who define their religion as Witchcraft.

SAPRA has called on the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to support the enactment of legislation to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination, to protect and advance persons or categories of persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination, and to promote the achievement of equality for a specific historically disadvantaged religious minority – Witches.

SAPRA and the SAPC have presented an alternative Witchcraft Protection Bill to the Mpumalanga legislature for consideration as a replacement to the current Suppression Bill. Chapter 9 (4) of the Constitution of South Africa makes provision for the drafting of legislation to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination. The Protection Bill will provide for the protection of self-defined Witches, protect Witchcraft as a belief system and religion, and prohibit discrimination against persons claiming to be Witches, or alleged to be Witches or practicing Witchcraft.

Who defines Witchcraft?

The Suppression Bill defines Witchcraft as:

…the secret use of muti, zombies, spells, spirits, magic powders, water, mixtures, etc, by any person with the purpose of causing harm, damage, sickness to others or their property.

Self-defined Witches have rejected this definition on the grounds that it stereotypes witchcraft as harmful and portrays Witches as a danger to the communities within which they live and work. The proposed definition will merely serve to justify public fear of witchcraft and promote malice and violence against suspected witches.

SAPRA has called on Provincial and national government authorities to halt the passage of the Suppression Bill and has provided the authorities with the following preferred definition of Witchcraft:

…a religio-magical occupation that employs the use of sympathetic magic, ritual, herbalism and divination.

Urgent need to avert a Witch-Hunt

The national Witchcraft Suppression Act (1957) prohibits not only the knowledge and practice of witchcraft but also the practice of divinations. The Act also makes it illegal to accuse another of either being a Witch or of using witchcraft to cause harm.

Since 1980 thousands of innocent men and women have been accused of being witches or of using witchcraft. Many have been murdered by their communities without trial. Many more have been banished from their villages, their homes destroyed and members of their families murdered or forced to flee in fear of their lives.

For many South Africans a witch is nothing but a source of mischief, quarrel, illness, barrenness and sudden death. In common usage the word ‘witch’ is virtually synonymous with poisoner, murderer and liar and has become a label of convenience for any archetypal evil that threatens the natural and good societal order. In rural South Africa, the mere suspicion of witchcraft activity may lead to accusation, assault, enforced exile or murder, especially in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

We are not criminals

Despite numerous inter-governmental investigations into the phenomena of ‘witch-purging’ by individuals and communities within South Africa and in spite of numerous very detailed published reports, including the Thohoyandou Declaration, no attempt has been made to reconcile the two very different world-views at stake when discussing witchcraft from a traditional African and Christian perspective, and Witchcraft from a South African Pagan perspective.

The 1995 Report of the Ralushai Commission of Inquiry into Witchcraft Violence and Ritual Murder in the Northern Province, defined the term ‘witch’ to mean a person who,

…through sheer malice, either consciously or subconsciously, employs magical means to inflict all manner of evil on their fellow human beings. They destroy property, bring disease or misfortune and cause death, often entirely without provocation to satisfy their inherent craving for evil doing.

Testifying before a Truth and Reconciliation Commission Amnesty Hearing in July 1999 Professor Ralushai confirmed his Commission’s definition of ‘a witch’ when he was asked by attorney Patrick Ndou to define what a Witch was. Ralushai stated,

“A witch is supposed to be a person who is endowed with powers of causing illness or ill luck or death to the person that he wants to destroy.”

It could be argued that maintaining and reinforcing a definition predisposed to eliciting violence against alleged witches was never in the best interest of tolerance or reconciliation.

The characterization of a person or group of persons (witches) as ‘evil’ and so deserving of criminal classification by default makes a mockery of the values of human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms on which the Republic of South Africa is founded.

Witchcraft is a religion

Witchcraft is an ancient magical system that employs the use of divination, sympathetic magic and Pagan ritual practices. Contemporary Witches define their religio-spiritual practices as a craft and modern Witches ply their craft as herbalists, diviners and magic workers.

As ‘Wicca’, Witchcraft has evolved into a modern Pagan mystery religion. Wicca is an initiatory, polytheistic (with exceptions), Pagan mystery religion inspired by various pre- and post-Christian western European beliefs and spiritual practices. Wicca was popularised in England in the 1950's by Gerald Gardner. An initiate of 'the Wicca' is one who traces his or her initiatory lineage back to Gerald Gardner or his initiates.

 Not all Witches define themselves as 'Wicca'. Contrived disassociation of the term ‘Wicca’ from ‘Witch’ in order to support a cultural and religious world-view of good (the Wicca) versus evil (the Witch) is grossly misleading. The Wicca are (with exception), by self-definition, Witches.

Pagans identify their religion as a modern Earth and Nature venerating spirituality, one that embraces ancient and new forms of spiritual and magical practice, including the veneration of ancient Gods and Goddesses worshiped by pagans of the pre-Christian world.

Although no definite census exists, it is estimated that there are between 3000 and 5000 self-defined Pagan Witches in South Africa.

For more information please visit the website of the South African Pagan Rights Alliance – Press

http://www.paganrights.net

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The influence of Christian beliefs concerning witches, the occult and Satanism have and do also play an influential role on the one hand in stemming the tide of violent reprisal against suspected witches and on the other, in perpetuating the promotion of suspicion, prejudice and fear against witchcraft and witches in this country.

The concept of the nature and purpose of evil amongst coloured and white Afrikaans and English speaking South Africans is no less diverse. As most English and Afrikaans speakers are either nominally or devoutly Christian, and since Christianity has the largest number of adherents, it would be illogical not to examine what Christians of various denominations have to say about evil and witchcraft in particular.

In ‘Witchcraft and Social Relations in a South African Village: Implications for Development Policy and Practice’ (2003) Frederick Golooba-Mutebi writes that anti-witchcraft movements “have in the past sprung up in the guise of millenarian movements with religio-Christian characteristics. Some have even been encouraged or led by clergy of mainstream or fringe churches.” [1] African Initiated Churches number more than 10 000 in South Africa, most of who are predominantly Protestant.  The Zionist Christian Church is the largest AIC denomination numbering more than four million mostly Zulu and Swazi members. Many AIC’s have incorporated traditional African beliefs concerning the nature of evil. I have not been able to find any direct evidence to prove that millenarian African Independent / Indigenous / Initiated / Instituted Churches in South Africa have actively encouraged or participated in witch hunts. Allan Anderson remarks, The African world is filled with fearsome and unpredictable occurrences demanding a Christian answer. The hermeneutical process of Pentecostal-type AIC’s seeks to be relevant to the total existence, and to proclaim biblical deliverance from the very real fear of evil. Whatever the source - evil, misfortune and affliction are the experience of people everywhere. The Pentecostal-type churches in Africa are endeavoring to provide a solution to this compelling need. [2] In AIC’s prophets assume the role previously held by traditional diviners and healers.

The prophets are the ones to whom God reveals his will and through whom he manifests his power. Although sometimes the prophets are revealers of the will of ancestors, for most members the source of the revelation is the Holy Spirit. He is the one who gives the prophets the power to heal sickness and overcome evil generated by the deep-seated fears and insecurities inherent in the traditional world view. [3]

If witchcraft is suspected as a cause of illness or misfortune prophets perform exorcisms to expel evil spirits and maleficium.

Our respondents said that affliction and trouble came from various sources: from Satan, from failure to keep the instructions of the Bible or of the church leaders, from hatred and fear of other people, from witchcraft and sorcery, from the ancestors, and even from God. The solution was to trust in a power greater than the afflicting power. Most said that faith in God and his ability to bring deliverance was the prerequisite for salvation. [4]

Numerous Christian Biblical references strongly condemn the practice of witchcraft and divinations as an abomination to God. One in particular incites Christians to “not suffer a witch to live.” [5]

Other Biblical references often cited against witchcraft in the King James version include:

Deuteronomy 18:9-15

When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

Exodus 22:18

Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

Leviticus 19:31

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 20:6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

1 Samuel 15:23

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Chronicles 10:13

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it;

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Micah 5:12

And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:

1 Corinthians 10:14-21

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

The Bible motivates and encourages prejudice against witchcraft and calls on Christians to expel practitioners of witchcraft, referred to above in the King James Bible as ‘witches, sorcerers, enchanters, necromancers, wizards, soothsayers and diviners’. In a Christian sense, witchcraft is closely associated with idolatry, sacrifices, familiar spirits and devil-worship, but also with foresworn common religious practices of pagan cultures of the time.

But the law of the land prohibits the accusation of witchcraft and forbids incitement to harm. In 21^st century South Africa, Christians are presented with a unique paradox. The African National Congress government’s promotion of equality has been resisted by Christians in South Africa. Much of this resistance has been targeted at rights afforded to minorities and previously disadvantaged persons, rights seen to be diminishing their own right to hold religious beliefs contrary to those enshrined in the Bill of Rights, law and legislation.

In January 2000 the African Christian Democratic Party's President Kenneth Meshoe, objecting to the 'Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Bill’ tabled in parliament said,

"[This] Bill is going to directly affect a number of rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights such as the right to freedom of belief, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. The ACDP regards this Bill as one of the worst and most far-reaching interventions by this Government in the regulation of private life." [6]

The Act in question (Act No. 4 of 2000) prohibits the advocacy of hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion that constitutes incitement to cause harm. [7]

In his criticism of the 'Religion in Education Policy', ACDP MP Rev. Kenneth Meshoe writes,

"The department (of Education) justifies its multi-faith Religion in Education policy by quoting the constitutional right of equality, which allows "fair discrimination" in favour of people who are seen to have been previously disadvantaged. The government sees Christians as the previously advantaged group against which "fair discrimination" is now a necessity. Government has been en route to this juncture since the signing of the Constitution and policy and legislation since then have been preparing the way. Christians who oppose government's agenda are seen as bigots and labeled intolerant, while Minister Asmal proudly makes good on his promise to ensure that no learner is ever again "indoctrinated" with Christianity." [8]

In September 2002 Cheryllyn Dudley ACDP MP said in Parliament,

Moral regeneration... sounds good! But…what exactly do we mean? Biblical morality for example, is diametrically opposed to the morality, which is diligently promoted in South Africa. Humanism has replaced Biblical foundations, and now dictates the new South African, and new World Order. This new order does not seek to restrain and punish evil and protect good but seeks to change and reform mankind through laws and policies, which they say will free us of every evil. Take the Equality Act for example, designed to free us from prejudice but entrenches homosexual rights and renders Christians guilty before Equality Courts, for simply quoting the Bible. [9]

Christian prejudice against witchcraft in South Africa has largely been targeted at what National Co-ordinator of Africa Christian Action Jeanine McGill refers to as the “mass marketing of witchcraft” through J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. McGill writes,

Professor Quirrell's statement, "There is no good or evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it" is didactic. Potter fans claim that this statement can't be taken seriously, since Quirrell was controlled by evil at that point. It would appear from the warm picture presented in books that Harry believes in good and evil, and aligns himself with good. However, when measured against an objective standard (the Bible), Harry's attitudes and acts align him more with the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:19 to 21 includes idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy.) […] We are engaged in a massive spiritual battle. If we as Christians do not do our job, JK Rowling will "evangelise" our generation into witchcraft bondage and "discipleship" of hedonism, selfishness and despair. Real, eternal destinies are at stake. Rather than giving in to self-indulgence and pleasure seeking, let us seek God and evangelise and disciple our world for the King of kings. [10]

Peter Hammond echoes these sentiments in ‘Through the Wardrobe’.

Unfortunately, because of the success of the “Harry Potter” series, many have assumed that the “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” is something similar.  However, while Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia” have a Christian worldview, the “Harry Potter” books and films are occultic.  C.S. Lewis made clear in his writings that it is wrong to use magic.  Magic is forbidden in the Bible (Deuteronomy 18:8-13; Leviticus 19:31; Revelation 21:8).  However, in the “Chronicles of Narnia,” Lewis uses the word “Magic” as a synonym for the unchangeable Laws that God has written into the universe. [...] In contrast, the “Harry Potter” books are thoroughly occultic.  In their ontology, the world can be manipulated through magic.  Things change shape.  Nothing is really real.  There is no need for a Saviour.  One merely has to have the right incantations and formulas to manipulate reality for one’s own selfish ends. While Christians should avoid the occultic “Harry Potter” series, both the books and the films; Christians can enthusiastically support “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” film, and the book on which it is based. [11]

Christian prejudice against witchcraft has also focused on the celebration of Halloween. In ‘The Bible and Halloween’, African Christian Action states,

Halloween is a religious day, but it is not Christian. Tom Sanguinet, a former high priest in Wicca has said: “The modern holiday that we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to November 1, the witches’ new year. It is a time when the spirits (demons) are supposed to be at their peak power and revisiting planet earth… Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have, or will do, that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus.” [...] Instead of participating in paganism, walking with Wicca, being in harmony with Halloween, having our children celebrate cruelty, and dabbling in a day of death, we should focus our family and congregation on celebrating Reformation Day this 31 October. [...] Every Bible believing Christian should celebrate the Reformation. No Christian should have part in celebrating the occultic Halloween. We are in a spiritual world war. Cruelty to animals, vandalism and even murders occur with far greater frequency during Halloween. Every Halloween many thousands of animals, and even people, are sacrificed in satanic rituals worldwide, while millions of other people, including well meaning Christians, participate in Halloween celebrations. Halloween is a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists. Many people have testified that they were introduced to the occult at a Halloween party. Halloween is very religious, but it is not Christian. [12]

Halloween and its Celtic origins in the pagan Irish festival of Samhain will be discussed in chapter three in relation to modern Paganism. It is prudent to note here that South African Pagans do not celebrate Samhain in October, but rather on May 1, the start of the season of Winter in the southern hemisphere.

In an article published in Christian Action Magazine in 2004 entitled 'The Paganisation of South Africa', Director of the Christian Action Network Dr. Peter Hammond attempted to draw cause and consequence between pre-Christian animistic paganism and human sacrifice and slavery.

When the President of South Africa calls for “an African Renaissance”, what exactly does he mean? Is he calling us to the humanism of the European Renaissance that culminated in the French Revolution and the Soviet Gulags? Or is he merely desiring a return to the pre-Christian Paganism and Animism that afflicted Africa prior to the spread of the Gospel? […] We want God to bless South Africa. However, we cannot expect God to bless a nation which is in rebellion to His Laws. Consider how we have broken the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). Our leaders are too proud to bow before God in prayer at the beginning of Parliament. At state events, our leaders have committed idolatry, worshiping other gods who are not God at all. God's Name is routinely taken in vain on national television and at cinemas, and this blasphemy is constitutionally protected and regarded as “entertainment”. [13]

Peter Hammond, director of the Cape Town-based Frontline Fellowship, was charged with assault in 2005 after he gave his children paintball guns and instructed them to target Halloween 'trick or treaters' on the streets of Cape Town. The Cape Argus reported,

Many fundamentalist Christians believe Halloween, with its pagan origins, is a celebration of the "powers of darkness". Some describe it as "an evil day of Satan", and say participation sends a message to children that witchcraft, demonism, Satanism, and the occult are fun, entertaining and harmless. [14]

Perhaps the most vehement opposition to witchcraft and the occult in general in South Africa was published in an on-line publication of Servamus Safety and Security Magazine. [15] This Special Edition is still available online.

Servamus provides its readers, primarily in the South African Police Services, with the following definitions for witchcraft:

1. A witch is a person who is possessed by a spirit of witchcraft.

2. Witches cause misery, destruction and bloodshed.

3. Witches and magicians work with spirits who ultimately carry out Satan's orders.

4. The only escape for a witch is to accept Jesus Christ - FOR HELP: 083 917 JESUS (53787).

The cited sources for this discriminatory propaganda against Witches and other occultists include amongst others, 'The Solution, Youth and Satanism Exposed’ by F. H. Havenga and Kobus Jonker, [93] and ‘Satanism in South Africa’ by Els, Lien and Jonker. [16]

Kobus Jonker founded the ORCU in 1992. In 2000 Jonker's occult-related policy structure was accepted as SAPS policy, which led to the first occult-related crime course in South Africa. ‘Satanism in South Africa’ became compulsory reading for all ORCU detectives. In a featured article on Kobus Jonker published by Servamus entitled "God's Detective: Left But Not Lost", [17] Madaleen Fourie writes, "Having suffered some terrible childhood years, Kobus has always had a passion for the youth and an interest in the supernatural. The beginning of Kobus Jonker's involvement with occult-related investigative work started after Senior Supt Kobus Jonker had given his life to Jesus Christ in the early 80's."

In preview of the Servamus Special Community Edition on 'Drugs & Occult-related Crime' featuring the work of Jonker, the editors of Servamus claim,

"In a time when information addiction is rife, the line between fact and fiction, and right and wrong becomes even finer, and compromise even easier. The SAPS, in carrying out its constitutional duties, endeavours to promote a safer South Africa, and, along with the community, is doing all it can to curb drug- and occult-related crime. The need for accurate information about these crimes was identified and, especially, the provision of an answer for those involved. This project is mainly sponsored by the private sector. More sponsors will be needed to reach our aim of 1 million copies. This special edition forms part of a proactive action and supports priority three of the SAPS policing priorities focusing on the combating of crime against women and children and is fully supported by our National Commissioner J S Selebi." [18]

The Community Edition in question, published in a magazine whose target audience are members of the South African Police Services states,

Ninety-five percent of all mass murders in history are said to be directly related to the occult. In South Africa more than 60 statutory Acts concerning the occult, have been and are still being violated. These crimes include murder, attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, sodomy, bestiality, drug abuse, weapon smuggling, kidnapping people (to cruelly torture and sacrifice them to Satan, for example street children, the homeless and prostitutes), abortion (of unwanted babies usually fathered by other Satanists, who are then sacrificed to Satan), cruelty to animals (to torture them and sacrifice them to Satan), desecration of graves, etc. [...] You cannot be a satanist and not be involved in crime. [19]

It is important to note that muti murder is seldom associated with witchcraft in the press, and is not in any way associated with Witchcraft as practiced by modern Pagan Witches. The ORCU never-the-less defined ‘occult-related crime’ as,

…any human conduct that constitutes any legally recognized crime, the modus operandi of which relates to or emanates primarily from any belief or seeming belief in the occult, witchcraft, satanism, mysticism, magic, esotericism and the like. Included in the scope of occult-related crime are ritual muti/medicine murders, witch purging, witchcraft-related violence and sect-related practices that pose a threat to the safety and security of the Republic of South Africa and/or its inhabitants. [20]

The U.S. Department of State's International Religious Freedom Report for 2006 however states,

"There were no reports of killings linked to the practice of Satanism. The government does not keep records on cases of reported witchcraft and satanic killings. These cases are investigated and prosecuted as homicide by law enforcement officials." [21]

Yet the Servamus Special Community Edition on 'Drugs & Occult-related Crime' claims that “Ex-Satanists or survivors of Satanism say that this cult is growing rapidly”. The article also states,

A witch or wizard is a person who is possessed by a spirit of witchcraft. A black witch is more feared than the white and grey witches. Witches and wizards cause misery, destruction and bloodshed. They use magic and charms for their powers. They have spirit eyes with which they are able to see into the spirit world at all times. For example, whenever the witches are angry with a person and wish to destroy him/her, they will place a spiritual mark upon the forehead of that person. This mark can only be seen in the spirit world with witch eyes. No matter where this person tries to escape, s/he can never get away. The witches in the new location will see the mark and begin fighting against that person until they have destroyed him/her. The only escape is to accept Jesus Christ. A witch, wizard, or magician can travel in the astral world. Working with the servient spirits, they are the ones who ultimately carry out Satan's orders. The servient spirits are called so because they serve the Principalities, Powers and Rulers of Darkness. The familiar spirits, they are the ones who ultimately carry out Satan's orders. The servient spirits are also servants, but one of their primary functions is to gather information about humans for the Dark Kingdom. Evil spirits must have a physical body in order to operate in the physical world. These spirits cause sickness, poverty and even death within the human race. Only the word of God and the Name of Jesus are powerful enough to stand up against these wicked spirits. [22]

This definition and description of a witch as a servant of Satan, one popularized and promoted by Kobus Jonker [23] is one often repeated by Christians against modern Pagans and Pagan witches.

Peter Hammond writes in another article entitled 'Hostility against Christianity',

"The publishing of our new book Biblical Principles for Africa sparked a lot of interest and controversy. [...] On a secular radio programme (702 Talk Radio), I was astounded at the intense opposition to the book from listeners calling in. [...]  The first caller attacked me and my new book over something that the book doesn't even deal with. This lady declared that the Bible contains the six most destructive and dangerous words ever written: "You shall not suffer a witch to live". Beside from the fact that that's actually 8 words and not 6, I was quite surprised that she would have thought that the most important issue to bring up. I pointed out that as witches throughout history have engaged in human sacrifices, it should be evident that it is most appropriate to have the death penalty for such murderers." [24]

The statement: “...witches throughout history have engaged in human sacrifices, it should be evident that it is most appropriate to have the death penalty for such murderers” constitutes incitement not only to expel suspected witches, but to legally sanction their execution. No evidence is given by Hammond to support his statement that witches throughout history have engaged in human sacrifices.

Pastor James Lottering, an ex-member of the South African Police Service and assigned to the Occult Related Crimes Unit as Provincial Coordinator for the Eastern Cape between July 1992 and 31 December 1997, now runs 'Warfare Ministries'. [25]

'Warfare Ministries' website states,

During this time he was appointed to assist in the investigation of Satanism, witchcraft and other supernatural occurrences which constituted crimes through these practices. God took James to another level spiritually and placed him into the DELIVERANCE ministry to assist people who are bound, demon possessed and where curses and bondages have been placed on their lives to set them free through the blood and the Name of Jesus Christ. During this time he was appointed to assist in the investigation of Satanism, witchcraft and other supernatural occurrences which constituted crimes through these practices. James has been involved in the training up of Pastors, leaders and members of churches to do deliverances and to cause damage to the kingdom of satan. [...] The vision that James has is to raise up leaders all over South Africa, Africa and the world to do what he does as to become a nightmare to the devil’s kingdom. [...] Businessmen and –women who are Christians are also coming under attack in the market place. The competition are consulting with sangomas, mediums, witchdoctors and other occult practices to curse the Christian businesses. Instead of the Christian calling on their spiritual leaders in the church, they also in turn consulting with the devil, which then opens the door and satan destroys their businesses. [26]

Lottering himself writes,

As a member of the South African Police Service for 21 years, I (James) was assigned to the Occult-related crimes unit as Provincial Coordinator, Eastern Cape in July 1992. At that stage the unit consisted of 52 members but today, due to the sensitive nature of this work, there are only two of us left, namely myself and Kobus Jonker. During this period I was invited to lecture at 300 different venues, where many lives were touched and changed by Jesus Christ. I received many telephone calls daily from concerned parents who were worried about their children being involved or dabbling in satanism/the occult. During this time I also helped 200 young people out of Satanism. Due to the fact that we are dealing with the supernatural many of these children fall back into the occult because they do not receive ongoing specialized counselling. Eph. 6:12 - "for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." The constitution of South Africa declared freedom of religion thereby recognising satanism as a religion. Due to this, Marie and I had to seriously consider my future within the Police Service. We eventually decided to step out in faith and run "WARFARE MINISTRIES" on a full-time basis. We will be opening a counselling office and in due course a centre to help these adults/children. [27]

In order to understand what is meant by ‘warfare ministries’ I consulted two definitive on-line sources of information. In the first entitled ‘A Quick Primer on Spiritual Warfare’, spiritual warfare is defined as,

… a battle between the kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan and the kingdom of light ruled by God and His Son Jesus Christ. The weapons of this warfare are not fleshly human weapons but spiritual weapons such as truth and righteousness, blessings and curses, forgiveness and repentance. The battle involves an intense wrestling with powers and principalities “in the heavenly realms” from which Christians need protection. [28]

The recommended procedure according to this manual, for dealing with any occult involvement includes the following advice:

1. Do a personal inventory of both your involvement and your families involvement in the occult - could your grandmother tell fortunes, did you have an uncle who was a magician (not tricks - real magic), were your parents members of an organisation like "The Spiritualist Church". Remember the punishment for these sins goes down the generations and could be affecting you. Confess all these that you know of to God and ask His forgiveness. [...] Break associations with the sins of parents and ancestors particularly those involving the occult or idolatry. Exodus 34:6,7 says such sins bring a curse "to the third and fourth generation". We have to break ties with such sins by not participating in occult ceremonies that may be traditional and even confessing such involvement of your parents and ancestors and forsaking them in a prayer of renunciation to God. The essential thing is to make a clear break with the familial sin in your own heart, mind and spirit.

2. Burn everything that is associated with the occult -jade Buddhas, temple wind chimes, tarot cards, magic books, demon masks, even the "dark" kind of heavy metal music, things with pentagrams on it (the five pointed occult star), astrology books, love magic , charms, books from cults such as the JW's or Mormons, when in doubt destroy it. Many people are trapped by the value of these items as they can be covered with gold or silver or be "old and rare books" etc. The Ephesian Christians burnt 50,000 drachmas (about 5 million dollars worth) of magic books when they became converted. The Bible tells us (Deut 7:25) that we are not to covet the silver or the gold that is on them - its tempting but its dangerous. [...] Get rid of objects that bring a curse particularly objects associated with pagan worship, idolatry or the occult. For instance if we have our Grandmothers pack of tarot cards we need to get rid of them. (Deuteronomy 7:25,26) The Ephesian converts were moved by the Holy Spirit to burn their magic scrolls and occult objects. (Acts 19:18-20). [29]

In ‘The Spiritual Warfare Mini-Handbook’ demons are defined and described as having the power to cause mental illness.

Demons can and do cause mental illness:

-They can make a person be not in his 'right mind' (Mark 15:15).

-They can cause screaming and convulsions, foaming at the mouth (Luke 9:39).

-They can cause self-destructive thoughts and actions (Mark 9:22).

-They can make a person appear to be 'raving mad' (John 10:20).

-They can cause immoral, anti-social behavior that makes the person seem not right mentally (Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35).

It cannot be said with certainty if all mental illness is demonic or not. Other factors are involved such as chemical imbalances, birth defects, damage from injury or drug usage, etc. Demonizing must always be considered until completely ruled out. One way to tell if it is demonic or not is the person's willingness to listen or talk about Jesus. If they fall asleep, change the subject constantly, don't seem to be hearing you, get violent, want to leave in a hurry, etc., you have good reason to suspect demons are involved. [30]

This handbook condemns witchcraft as a sin, including as sins any occult practices, including astrology, fortune telling, séances, hypnotism, psychic healing and all new-age practices and beliefs. But it also lists playing ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ together with these occult practices as "those which can allow Satan and his demons to have access to "demonize" you." [31]

In the new South Africa, any person who incites violence against a suspected witch is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 20 years under the Witchcraft Suppression Act. As I have already stated, the Constitutional protection of religion and belief prohibits religious discrimination against witchcraft as defined by modern Pagans. The South African Bill of Rights further determines that “no person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth”. [32]

References:

[1] ‘Witchcraft and Social Relations in a South African Village: Implications for Development Policy and Practice’ (2003) Frederick Golooba-Mutebi http://www.crisisstates.com/download/seminars/Golooba-Mutebi.pdf

[2] The Hermeneutical Processes of Pentecostal-Type African Initiated Churches in South Africa by Allan Anderson
http://artsweb.bham.ac.uk/aanderson/Publications/hermeneutic.htm

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Exodus 22:18 ‘Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.’ King James Bible

[6] Kenneth Meshoe - African Christian Democratic Party – Parliament - January 2000

[7] The Promotion Of Equality And The Prevention Of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000(Act 4 of 2000), referred to as the Equality Act, entrenches the principle of equality by preventing and prohibiting unfair discrimination and harassment, promoting equality, eliminating unfair discrimination and preventing and prohibiting hate speech.

http://www.doj.gov.za/2004dojsite/eqact/legislation/equality%20act%204%20of%202000.pdf

[8] 'Religion in Education Policy', ACDP MP Rev. Kenneth Meshoe 2003

http://www.acdp.org.za/issues/education.asp

[9] Cheryllyn Dudley MP for the African Christian Democratic Party - speech delivered on Moral Regeneration - 10 September 2002

http://www.acdp.org.za/oldpress/MoralRegeneration10Sep02.htm

[10] 'Harry Potter - Mass Marketing Witchcraft' by Jeanine McGill – published in Christian Action Magazine 2003 - Vol 3

[11] ‘Through the Wardrobe’ by Dr. Peter Hammond - Frontline Fellowship

http://www.frontline.org.za/articles/through_the_wardrobe.htm

[12] ‘The Bible and Halloween’ –  African Christian Action

http://www.christianaction.org.za/articles/thebibleandhalloween.htm

[13] 'The Paganisation of South Africa' (2004) by Dr Peter Hammond - http://www.christianaction.org.za/articles_ca/2004-1-The_paganisation.htm

[14] 'Paintball spree was anti-occult, says pastor'

http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=49&fArticleId=3018665  and

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1843472,00.html

[15] Servamus http://www.servamus.co.za/serv_bundel/bund_myst.htm

[16] 'The Solution, Youth and Satanism Exposed’ by F. H. Havenga and Kobus Jonker.

[17] ‘Satanism in South Africa’ (2000) by Els, Lien and Jonker. Amabhuku Publications.

[18] 'God's Detective: Left But Not Lost' - Servamus

http://www.10111.co.za/servamus/servamus200105/gods1.htm

[19] Servamus Special Edition advertising

http://www.servamus.co.za/

[20] 'The mysterious world of Satanism' - Servamus Special Community Edition

http://www.servamus.co.za/serv_bundel/bund_myst.htm

[21] U.S. Department of State's International Religious Freedom Report 2006

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71325.htm

[22] 'The mysterious world of Satanism' - Servamus Special Community Edition
http://www.servamus.co.za/serv_bundel/bund_myst2.htm

[23] ‘God’s Detective’ – Madaleen Fourie
http://www.10111.co.za/servamus/servamus200105/gods1.htm

[24] 'Hostility against Christianity' by Peter Hammond

http://www.christianaction.org.za/articles_ca/2003-4-HostilityAgainstChristianity.htm

[25]'Warfare Ministries'

http://www.warfare.co.za

[26] Ibid.

[27] http://www.pechurchnet.co.za/resource/warfare.htm

[28] ‘A Quick Primer On Spiritual Warfare’

http://aibi.gospelcom.net/ebooks/spirwarfare.htm

[29] ‘A Quick Primer On Spiritual Warfare’

http://aibi.gospelcom.net/ebooks/spirwarfare.htm

[30] Spiritual Warfare Mini-Handbook

http://www.mainstreetbaptist.org/spiritual-warfare-handbook/

[31] Ibid.

[32] Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa

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Inter-faith discussion between Dr Steven Hayes (Orthodox Deacan) and Damon Leff (Witch)

Response to Dr Steven Hayes: ‘Witchdoctor – a cultural stereotype?’

27 April 2007 - Freedom Day

I have received notice of your commentary entitled ‘Witchdoctor – a cultural stereotype?’.

In your blog dated 23 April 2007 you wrote:

I do take issue with the articles on one point in particular – the use and misuse of the term ‘witchdoctor’… … one of the articles in The Pagan Activist, however, implies that “witchdoctors” are the ones who perform harmful activities usually attributed to witches, which implies that witchdoctors actually cause harm, rather than preventing it. [1]

Thank you for offering me an opportunity to further clarify my statements on this. I believe my definition of the term ‘witchdoctor’, within the context of my article entitled ‘Murder on the Dark Continent: but is it Witchcraft?’ of March 2007, did indeed affirm that a ‘witchdoctor’ is, to use your own definition, “one who protects against the harmful activities of witches”.

Traditional Healers in South Africa opposed to such practices tend rather to identify the perpetrators of muti-murders as “witch-doctors”, perhaps a misnomer as the term itself implies a ‘doctor of witches’ or one who euphemistically ‘takes care of witches’ when they are perceived to be a nuisance. [2]

In support of my statement I wish to draw your attention to a South African Law Reform Commission Discussion Paper 111 (Project 131) on Trafficking in Persons, Chapter 3 (Trafficking of persons for purposes of using their organs or other body parts in muti) in which a clear distinction is made between traditional healers “who only use plants and herbs for purposes of healing” and witchdoctors “who also use human organs and other body parts”.

… according to traditional African beliefs, the use of human organs or other body parts increases the power of muti. An important distinction needs to be made between those who only use plants and herbs for purposes of healing, i.e. traditional healers, and those who also use human organs and other body parts, i.e. witch doctors. This paper deals with the latter category. Several instances have been reported about the trafficking of persons within South Africa or from neighbouring countries to South Africa whose organs or other body parts ended up in the muti of witch doctors. Although it could not be established with certainty, there appear to be certain organised gangs which provide human organs or other body parts to witch doctors… Authorities generally prosecute only the perpetrators of the murder and not the witch doctor who has ordered the organs or other body parts. Unless the organs or other body parts are found in the possession of the witch doctor, the police have no evidence to link the killing to the witch doctor who often denies knowing the perpetrators. Given the belief that witch doctors possess supernatural powers, it is found that members of the community are often scared to testify against them. [3]

I accept that one of the traditional functions of the Traditional Healer was and still is to protect against the harmful activities of people defined within an African cultural context as ‘witches’.

I would argue that this traditional function is neither sanctioned by law, nor permissible in our society given the existence of a) the Witchcraft Suppression Amendment Act 50 of 1970 which makes it illegal to accuse a person of witchcraft, to name a person as a witch, or to injure or damage any person or thing on the advice of any witchdoctor or witch finder, and b) the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in which freedom of religion and belief is afforded to all South Africans, including Witches!

Whilst I applaud your closing statement, “Ritual murder, however, is not witchcraft.”  I must challenge a number of statements made by you concerning Witchcraft, Witches, the Wicca and Paganism in your article ‘Christian responses to witchcraft and sorcery’ to which you referred readers of your blog on the matter of “different meaning(s) applied to the word "witch" by many neopagans”.

In ‘Christian responses to witchcraft and sorcery’ you wrote:

I shall make a distinction between Wicca and witchcraft, and between Wiccans and witches, even though Wiccans themselves make no such distinction. I use the term "Wicca" to denote the modern religion, and "Wiccans" to refer to its practitioners, and I shall use the terms "witchcraft" and "witch" for those who are believed to cause harm by occult or supernatural means. It is important to note that Wiccans are not witches in the commonly-understood meaning of the term, nor are they Satanists - they do not believe in the existence of Satan. Though they have a wide range of eclectic beliefs and practices, one common feature is the Wiccan Rede, "An it harm none, do what thou wilt". Wiccans are committed to being harmless. In normal, non-Wiccan usage, however, the essence of witchcraft and sorcery is the causing of harm to persons or property by invisible occult means. [4]

Contrived disassociation of the term ‘Wicca’ from ‘Witch’ in order to support a cultural and religious world-view of good (the Wicca) versus evil (the Witch) is grossly misleading. The Wicca are (with exception), by self-definition, Witches! In modern usage the word ‘wica’ (with one ‘c’) was used by Gerald Gardner to describe members of the Coven into which he was initiated. [5] In ‘The Witches Speak’ by Patricia and Arnold Crowther (initiates of Gerald Gardner) use the word ‘Wica’ to refer to British Traditional Witchcraft. [6]

The English word ‘witch’ is derived from the medieval English ‘wicche’, derived from the Anglo-Saxon words ‘wicca’ (a male Witch) and ‘wicce’ (a female Witch). These words in turn derive from the Old High German word ‘witega’ meaning ‘a seer’.

Contemporary Gardnerian Wicca reserve the term ‘the Wicca’ for Witches who have been initiated into a lineage of British Traditional Witchcraft popularized by Gardner between 1939 and 1959. It should be noted that Gardner was initiated into an already existing British Witchcraft Tradition from which several modern lineages distinct from Gardner’s, also claim right to identify as ‘the Wicca’. Witchcraft is not confined to British Traditional lineages.

Your attempt to identify contemporary Witchcraft as something distinct from modern Paganism cannot be supported. Witchcraft is an ancient and globally prevalent phenomenon of the pre-Christian world. In contemporary Paganism Witchcraft is regarded as a Pagan spirituality / spiritual path. Witches who identify as ‘the Wicca’ were instrumental in the early public formation of modern Paganism in England. Today Witches constitute one of the largest and most influential ‘denominations’ within contemporary Paganism.

I am a Witch. I am not an initiate of any British Traditional lineage and so I am not ‘of the Wicca’. According to your selective definition I am therefore “believed to cause harm by occult or supernatural means.”  I admit only to having the power to both heal and harm, but which man or woman does not already have this power?

Your use of the words “occult” and “supernatural” may however, if left unexplored within the context of this discussion, lead your readers to assume that this unexplained and therefore ‘hidden’ (occult) technique must be un-natural? Perhaps if the technique were understood it would cease to be ‘occult’ and ‘super-natural’? I define Witchcraft as ‘a religio-magical craft that employs the practice of sympathetic (natural) magic, the use of ritual, and the practice of herbalism and divination’. I believe this is a generally acceptable definition of Witchcraft amongst contemporary Witches.

Within a modern Pagan context Witchcraft is a life affirming spirituality and spiritual calling. For me the calling is an ancestral one not identical to, but not dissimilar with that experienced by iSangomas. For others, it is an initiatory choice made after much study and introspection. As a pantheist I believe that everything that exists in the known and unknown universe (i.e. Nature) is already Divine and therefore sacred; imbued with the immanent presence of Divinity. I choose to identify this Macrocosmic Divinity as The Goddess. My own ‘living theology’ is one of reverence and respect for Nature, Life and Death. [7]

The selective prejudicial cultural (African) and religious (Christian) use of the terms ‘witch’ and ‘witchcraft’ to exclusively define maleficium ignores a growing movement of individuals globally who use these terms to define what they are and do. The word ‘Witch’ has already been contested within a modern historical European and American context and contemporary Pagans world-wide have reclaimed it within a modern Pagan paradigm.

In South Africa self-defined Witches will not abrogate their right to define their own spirituality and practice. Cultural and religious discrimination against Witchcraft can never be seen to be fair within a constitutional democracy in which the right to equality and religious freedom is a central tenet of national identity. In the 21^st century Witches are what Witches say they are! Any Ideology that seeks to entrench the belief that Witchcraft and Witches be converted, suppressed or persecuted represents an untenable and unconstitutional position within society. A culture of prejudice promotes fear, hatred and violence.

In your article ‘Witchcraft and Death: Enculturation and Orthodox mission’ you quote (?) a Father Michael Oleksa:

People interested in witchcraft are also looking for ways of exercising power over others, even if it has negative effects. This desire to have control for its own sake is always demonic, even within the Church... Witchcraft always seeks to limit that freedom, sometimes by using evil spirits themselves and other times by using natural forces -- wind, fire, water or bacteria -- to limit or destroy the freedom of another. Any intervention in another person's life without their knowledge or consent by manipulation is therefore totally inappropriate, and potentially demonic. [8]

You also clarify Orthodox position on Witchcraft as, “For those who practise witchcraft, therefore, the Orthodox teaching is clear: it is a sin they need to confess and forsake, like any other behaviour that involves treating others with malice and hatred.”

The virtues of “modesty, humility, patience and love” are virtues of the aspiring soul in every man and woman irrespective of their religion. Witches in South Africa associated with the newly formed Pagan Council of South Africa (SAPC) recently affirmed our own commitment to participating in the Moral Regeneration Movement by setting down a Pagan Code of Principles [9] representing our collective and communal aspirations as Pagans and as Witches.

I am of the opinion that good people everywhere will always seek to promote love and tolerance rather than fear and hatred. How will Christians and African traditionalists reconcile their religious and cultural prejudice with the Witch’s right to religious freedom and dignity?

References and Footnotes:

[1] ‘Witchdoctor – a cultural stereotype?’ Steven Hayes

http://methodius.blogspot.com/2007/04/witchdoctor-cultural-stereotype.html

[2] ‘Murder on the Dark Continent: but is it Witchcraft?’ Damon Leff

http://www.thepaganactivist.com/paganisminafrica.htm

[3] South African Law Reform Commission Discussion Paper 111 (Project 131) on Trafficking in Persons, Chapter 3 (Trafficking of persons for purposes of using their organs or other body parts in muti)

http://www.doj.gov.za/salrc/dpapers.htm

[4] ‘Christian Responses to witchcraft and sorcery’ Steven Hayes

http://hayesfam.bravehost.com/WITCH1.HTM

[5] ‘The Meaning of Witchcraft’ (1959) Gerald Gardner

[6] ‘The Witches Speak’ (1959) Patricia and Arnold Crowther

[7] Clan Ysgithyrwyn

http://www.geocities.com/clan_ysgithyrwyn/index.html

[8] ‘Witchcraft and Death: Enculturation and Orthodox mission’ Stephen Hayes

http://www.theandros.com/witchcraft.html

[9] South African Pagan Council – Code of Principles – Moral Regeneration Movement

http://pagancouncil.za.net/

• As Pagans we recognize humanity’s duty towards the environment and acknowledge that Nature is our Mother and teacher. We should strive to protect Her and to live in harmony with Nature.

• We acknowledge the interconnectedness of everything and should therefore strive to practice kindness, generosity, hospitality and cooperation.

• We acknowledge equality of the sexes and should therefore not regard one above the other.

• We should honour those who teach and acknowledge those who have given themselves in leadership to the revival and advancement of Paganism.

• We should avoid gossip and the repetition of unverified facts, and avoid passing judgment on others. We should not promote a spirit of animosity towards other religious paths.

• Honour is a sacred virtue. Let our actions be upright, causing harm to none. We should at all costs, avoid deceit, exploitation of others, fraud, violence, theft, abusive behaviour, and any form of action deemed detrimental to society.

• We believe in religious freedom and should therefore be tolerant and accepting of other Pagan and non-Pagan spiritualities and religions.

• We should remain true to our highest selves and strive to act with wisdom and strive never to do anything that would bring our religion and spirituality into disrepute.

• We should be honest with others and let them know that we expect nothing less from them. Our word should be our bond.

• Pagans should strive to obey the just laws of the land and its government.

• Pagans should strive to act with dignity. Let our words, thoughts and actions be in line with our philosophy of life, respect and reverence towards all.

• Pagans reserve the right to preserve our cultural and Pagan heritage and traditions in the form of rituals, doctrines, practices and religious holy days.

--------------------------------------

Private Reply from Steven Hayes:

27 April 2007

Thanks very much for your thoughtful reply.

Maybe later, when I have given the matter more thought, I'll reply to some of the points you raise seriatim, but for the moment just a quickie, to acknowledge your letter, and give a broad response.

It was the paragraph above that I was commenting on, and agreeing that the term "witchdoctor" is a misnomer, because it indeed means what you say it does, and it is, in my view, MISused in the parliamentary law reform discussion paper you quote below. But, as I acknowledge in one of me responses to comments on my blog, I am a bit of a pedant where words are concerned, having worked as an English editor at Unisa for several years.

For the rest I agree entirely with your points about religious freedom, and people being entitled to call themselves whatever they like, even if, as Hutton points out, it is likely to pose the difficulty of being associated with a stereotype of evil. The constitution likewise would allow a religion to call its adherents "terrorists" or "serial killers" if they wanted to. I'm not saying you

do that, I give it as an example only. So you need to define your terms, as you have. It's not the way I define them or use them but when you use them, then I must understand them in your sense, and not in my own.

The matter of terminology in religion is a difficult one. A lot of English-speaking Protestant Christians in America assert that "Allah is not the Christian God". Arabic-speaking Christians would disagree, and pray to succeed in their jihad.

That is why interfaith dialogue (such as we are having now, in this correspondence) is so important. We may not agree in our theology or terminology, but we need to learn enough about each other to know when others are using terms differently from the way in which we use them, to avoid misrepresentation.

I haven't checked the comments on my blog this morning, so I don't know if you have responded there as well, but in any case I hope you won't mind if I send your response to someone who occasionally reads my blog, Phil Wyman, who is a Protestant pastor in Salem, Massachusetts, where he has good relationships with members of the neopagan community, and I think

would find this discussion interesting, even if he doesn't want to comment on it.

Steve Hayes

--------------------------------------

Response from Steven Hayes:
http://methodius.blogspot.com/2007/04/witchdoctor-cultural-stereotype.html

Damon

Thanks for commenting. Blogs are, by definition, commentaries on web sites one has visited, but it is all too rare for the authors of the websites to comment on the blogs, and so open a real dialogue, so I'm grateful for your comments.

Let me clarify: you said the use of "witchdoctor" as a designation for those who commit ritual murders was a misnomer, because it implies a "doctor of witches". That I agree with. I disagree with the law commission report's use of the term, it IS a misnomer. A security guard may be in cahoots with a gang of robbers. But that does not make it correct to refer to all robbers as "security guards".

Concerning the use of the term "witch", I think we'll just have to agree to differ. I agree entirely that according to the religious freedom we enjoy under the constitution, you are perfectly entitled to call yourself whatever you like. I agree with Ronald Hutton that there are certain difficulties in calling yourself by a name that is a very ancient stereotype of evil, that goes back long before Christianity existed. If members of a religion want to call their adherents "terrorists" or "serial killers", they are at perfect liberty to do so. English-speaking Protestant American Christians find it almost incomprehensible that Arabic-speaking Christians worship Allah and pray for success in their jihad, but they do, and in this country they have a constitutional right to do so. Religious freedom means that we are also free to differ on the way we understand religious terminology. That is where inter-religious dialogue, such as we are having now in this conversation, is so important. It enables us to understand one another's terminology. We won't always agree on theology or the meanings of words, but at least we can understand one another better, and not misrepresent each other.

But it works both ways.

You say, "The selective prejudicial cultural (African) and religious (Christian) use of the terms ‘witch’ and ‘witchcraft’ to exclusively define maleficium ignores a growing movement of individuals globally who use these terms to define what they are and do. The word ‘Witch’ has already been contested within a modern historical European and American context and contemporary Pagans world-wide have reclaimed it within a modern Pagan paradigm."

I think I have recognised the right of modern pagans to use the term "witch" to describe themselves, but I think you perhaps go too far when you say contemporary pagans have "reclaimed" it. Claimed it, yes, but reclaimed is a moot point, though not one I want to debate here.

You also say, "In South Africa self-defined Witches will not abrogate their right to define their own spirituality and practice. Cultural and religious discrimination against Witchcraft can never be seen to be fair within a constitutional democracy in which the right to equality and religious freedom is a central tenet of national identity. In the 21st century Witches are what Witches say they are! Any Ideology that seeks to entrench the belief that Witchcraft and Witches be converted, suppressed or persecuted represents an untenable and unconstitutional position within society. A culture of prejudice promotes fear, hatred and violence."

I really don't know what to make of that. It strikes me as being itself an ideological statement, but perhaps I have misunderstood it.

But this is the heart of the problem:

"I accept that one of the traditional functions of the Traditional Healer was and still is to protect against the harmful activities of people defined within an African cultural context as ‘witches’.

I would argue that this traditional function is neither sanctioned by law, nor permissible in our society given the existence of a) the Witchcraft Suppression Amendment Act 50 of 1970 which makes it illegal to accuse a person of witchcraft, to name a person as a witch, or to injure or damage any person or thing on the advice of any witchdoctor or witch finder, and b) the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in which freedom of religion and belief is afforded to all South Africans, including Witches!

I believe you have confused several different things. The most important is where you speak of freedom of religion and belief bring accorded to witches. The question (in the Witchcraft Act) is nor whether freedom of religion and belief is being afforded to witches, but the freedom to harm others. The witchcraft legislation is based on a Western Enlightenment worldview, in which it assumed that witches do not exist, and that any accusation of witchcraft is ipso facto false.

The legislation is intended to protect people against false accusations, which is important: people do indeed need to be protected against false accusations, but the legislation has proved ineffective in doing that precisely because of the premise that it is based on: that there are no such things as witches, not in your new sense, but in the old sense of someone who deliberately seeks, out of malice or for reward, to harm another.

People know that there are witches, and if the law does not acknowledge it, that just shows that the law-makers are ignorant, and the law is an example of the intent to impose European culture on African culture. The problem cannot be solved on the legal level alone. The law does not punish motives, it punishes overt acts that can be shown to have had certain consequences. If a person shoots someone with a gun, and the law can show that A pulled the trigger, and B died as a result of a bullet wound caused by the shot, then A can be found guilty of murdering B.

But if A plants muti in B's doorway, and B has a heart attack and dies three days later, the law cannot show cause and effect. The motive, however, is precisely the same -- A intended to kill B, and performed an action that was intended to bring about that result. And there ARE people who do such things, whatever the assumptions of the law may say. Witches (in that sense) do exist.

Now I know that you do not use the world in that sense, and that a distinction that needs to be made to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. For that reason I said, in my article, that I would use the word "wiccan" to refer to modern witches in your sense, to distinguish them from the witches my article was about, and so avoid misunderstandings.

--------------------------------------

Response to Steven Hayes:
http://methodius.blogspot.com/2007/04/witchdoctor-cultural-stereotype.html

28 April 2007

Hi Steven

Steven: "A security guard may be in cahoots with a gang of robbers. But that does not make it correct to refer to all robbers as "security guards"."

Damon: I agree without reservation Steven. Perhaps the SLRC discussion document reflects existing misconceptions within the public domain surrounding the term and its use. Similar misconceptions exist around the term ‘witch’.

Steven: "Religious freedom means that we are also free to differ on the way we understand religious terminology. That is where inter-religious dialogue, such as we are having now in this conversation, is so important. It enables us to understand one another's terminology. We won't always agree on theology or the meanings of words, but at least we can understand one another better, and not misrepresent each other."

Damon: Thank you.

Steven: "I think I have recognised the right of modern pagans to use the term "witch" to describe themselves, but I think you perhaps go too far when you say contemporary pagans have "reclaimed" it. Claimed it, yes, but reclaimed is a moot point, though not one I want to debate here."

Damon: Fair enough. I concede that my use of the word "reclaimed" needs to be supported by evidence that Witchcraft is historically supported within the context of paganism (with a small "p" to refer to pre-Christian belief systems of the pagan world). "Claimed" will suffice yes. [* see below]

Steven: "You also say, "In South Africa self-defined Witches will not abrogate their right to define their own spirituality and practice. Cultural and religious discrimination against Witchcraft can never be seen to be fair within a constitutional democracy in which the right to equality and religious freedom is a central tenet of national identity. In the 21st century Witches are what Witches say they are! Any Ideology that seeks to entrench the belief that Witchcraft and Witches be converted, suppressed or persecuted represents an untenable and unconstitutional position within society. A culture of prejudice promotes fear, hatred and violence." I really don't know what to make of that. It strikes me as being itself an ideological statement, but perhaps I have misunderstood it."

Damon: I don't believe my statement is that complicated? Cultural and religious prejudice against Witchcraft and Witches leads to violence.

Steven: "I believe you have confused several different things. The most important is where you speak of freedom of religion and belief bring accorded to witches. The question (in the Witchcraft Act) is not whether freedom of religion and belief is being afforded to witches, but the freedom to harm others."

Damon: I do not believe I have. I said:

"I would argue that this traditional function is neither sanctioned by law, nor permissible in our society given the existence of a) the Witchcraft Suppression Amendment Act 50 of 1970 which makes it illegal to accuse a person of witchcraft, to name a person as a witch, or to injure or damage any person or thing on the advice of any witchdoctor or witch finder, and b) the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in which freedom of religion and belief is afforded to all South Africans, including Witches!"

a) The Witchcraft Suppression Amendment Act 50 of 1970 makes it illegal to accuse a person of using witchcraft to bring harm.

This necessarily obviates the function of a 'witch-finder'.

The Witchcraft Suppression Act determines that any person who Imputes to any other person the causing, by supernatural means, of any disease in or injury to any other person or thing, or who names or indicates any other person as a wizard... Shall be guilty of an offence and liable to conviction.

b)The Bill of Rights enshrines freedom of belief, religion and opinion.

No confusion there.

Steven: "The witchcraft legislation is based on a Western Enlightenment worldview, in which it assumed that witches do not exist, and that any accusation of witchcraft is ipso facto false."

Damon: And that is where part of the problem lies. Witches do exist.

Steven: "The legislation is intended to protect people against false accusations, which is important: people do indeed need to be protected against false accusations, but the legislation has proved ineffective in doing that precisely because of the premise that it is based on: that there are no such things as witches, not in your new sense, but in the old sense of someone who deliberately seeks, out of malice or for reward, to harm another."

Damon: The Act does not limit the protection to "people against false accusations". It protects against any accusation of witchcraft.

Steven: "People know that there are witches, and if the law does not acknowledge it, that just shows that the law-makers are ignorant, and the law is an example of the intent to impose European culture on African culture. The problem cannot be solved on the legal level alone. The law does not punish motives, it punishes overt acts that can be shown to have had certain consequences. If a person shoots someone with a gun, and the law can show that A pulled the trigger, and B died as a result of a bullet wound caused by the shot, then A can be found guilty of murdering B. But if A plants muti in B's doorway, and B has a heart attack and dies three days later, the law cannot show cause and effect. The motive, however, is precisely the same -- A intended to kill B, and performed an action that was intended to bring about that result. And there ARE people who do such things, whatever the assumptions of the law may say. Witches (in that sense) do exist."

Damon: The assumption here for many of course is that Witches will, given enough time, commit "overt acts" of evil. The Witchcraft Suppression Act was used to form the Occult-Related Crime Unit in the SAPS in 1992 (Kobus Jonker). The SAPS definition of 'Occult-related Criminal activity' is: "any human conduct that constitutes any legally recognized crime, the modus operandi of which relates to or emanates primarily from any belief or seeming belief in the occult, witchcraft, satanism, mysticism, magic, esotericism and the like." * It is important to note here that in January 2001 the SAPS announced that the specialised unit would be dissolved and reorganised into "Organised Crime and Serious Violent Crime Units", but the definition still exists. Blanket derision against "belief or seeming belief" in the occult (derived from the Latin word 'occultus' 'meaning 'hidden'), witchcraft, mysticism, magic, the esoteric (from the Greek 'esoterikos' meaning 'the inner') "and the like" (?) perpetuates and encourages hate propaganda against people who call themselves Witches, Mystics and Magicians, or who are practitioners of belief systems categorised as occult and esoteric. Instead of focusing on actual crimes committed in a ritual sense, they focused on religious minorities and accused them of being the likely candidates for committing such crimes. Clearly the SAPS have some way to go before they fulfill the SAPS Code of Conduct which requires that the police "uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person" and "act impartially".

Muti-murder is a case in point. Witches are not responsible for muti-murders, and yet we're still being fingered as the most likely targets. Yes I concede that some people do curse. Are all of these people Witches? No!

Steven: "Now I know that you do not use the world in that sense, and that a distinction that needs to be made to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. For that reason I said, in my article, that I would use the word "wiccan" to refer to modern witches in your sense, to distinguish them from the witches my article was about, and so avoid misunderstandings."

Damon: I appreciate the sentiment. But as I said, I am not of 'the Wicca'. I am a Witch. I own that term and I get to define what that term means in practice. :) That's my point.

* I wanted to add a comment on something…

You said:

Steven: "I think I have recognised the right of modern pagans to use the term "witch" to describe themselves, but I think you perhaps go too far when you say contemporary pagans have "reclaimed" it. Claimed it, yes, but reclaimed is a moot point, though not one I want to debate here."

I replied:

Fair enough. I concede that my use of the word "reclaimed" needs to be supported by evidence that Witchcraft is historically supported within the context of paganism (with a small "p" to refer to pre-Christian belief systems of the pagan world). "Claimed" will suffice yes.

The earliest records to refer to Witches appear in ancient pagan Greek and Roman writings, and the term was not always used in the negative sense at all. The names most often used to indicate a Witch in early Greek and Latin, according to author Raven Grimassi (Witchcraft, A Mystery Tradition), are pharmakis (referring to a person using plants in healing and sympathetic magic) and saga (a diviner). The Witch as herbalist and fortuneteller. To the Romans the Witch was known as strix, striga or venefica (a person who makes love potions).

Writers of this era tell that Witches worshipped deities of Nature and the Underworld such as Hecate, Diana and Proserpina, all identified as Witch Goddesses. The Goddess Habondia is a combination of Hecate and Diana and was used by much later authors to refer to the Goddess of Witches. Classical writers depict Witches using cauldrons, wands, plants and invocations to Nature and various Goddesses.

Ancient writers such as Horace, Lucan and Ovid refer to Witches (Medea) ‘drawing down the moon’ as a ritual magical act. In The Epodes Horace states that this is achieved through the chanting of magic words. In Rhizotomoi, Sophocles describes a Witch reaping herbs naked.

I would suggest that Hutton’s research be compared with that of other Pagan authors and historians.

I appreciate your willingness to listen to my perspective and look forward to continuing this discussion in the spirit of inter-faith dialogue.

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In a discussion document entitled ‘The RDP of the Soul’ [1] recently published by the African National Congress (ANC), and which is to be debated by ANC branches ahead of the ANC's National Policy Conference in June, the ANC’s Commission for Religious Affairs has urged that the multi-religious nature of South Africa be recognised and has proposed that Christmas and Easter, Eid ul Fitr, Diwali and Yom Kippur be celebrated as Public Holidays.

The document, a review and analysis of the Liberation struggle, seeks to encourage the reconstruction and development of the nation's spirit, and to “devise policies and set out comprehensive programmes for secular transformation by spiritual values… wherever people are learning to transform human community together.”

It reaffirms that unity of the spirit “is the RDP of the soul”, and calls on all religions to “agree on the great spiritual truths which drive humanity”, and to “hold the same values in common whether it is love, joy, or peace; honesty, justice or integrity; generosity, responsibility or loyalty”.

The South African Pagan Rights Alliance has confirmed that South African Pagans will also be afforded the same recognition with the addition of one Pagan religious holiday to the official Public Holiday calendar. If the ANC succeeds in implementing its proposal, South Africa will be the first country to officially recognise the modern Pagan religious holiday of Beltain as a Public Holiday.

The religious holiday of Beltain, derived from ‘Bel-tinne’ and meaning ‘fire of Bel’, is an ancient Gaelic holiday celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and on the Isle of Man on the eve of May 1 in the Northern Hemisphere, and on the eve of November 1 in the Southern Hemisphere, marks the beginning of the pastoral season of summer. Beltain is celebrated by South African Pagans with the burning of bonfires dedicated to Pagan Solar deities and the dressing of water wells and rivers with wreaths of flowers to encourage fertility. Bel or Belenus or Belimawr, as He is also known, is the ancient Celtic God of Light.

Light is a fitting symbol of the highest spiritual aspiration of mankind and is treated with some veneration by Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Traditional African Religions and both modern Pagans and ancient pagans alike. The common values of love, truth and justice are the products of spiritual enlightenment, and the catalysts for the awakening of the human spirit to a life of compassion, generosity, honesty and peace.

The ANC’s proposal is a tangible realization of the already constitutionally enshrined guarantee to equality of religion in South Africa, and it fulfills the aspiration of the ANC’s Freedom Charter [2], declared at the ‘Congress of the People’ in Kliptown, South Africa on 26 June 1955, “that only a democratic state, based on the will of all the people, can secure to all their birthright without distinction of colour, race, sex or belief”.

The Commission’s proposal to increase the number of religious Public Holidays has been welcomed by members of diverse religious groups. It is especially welcomed by Pagans lobbying for the transformation of the existing Public Holiday calendar in which the only two religious public holidays, Christmas and Easter, are Christian. But the proposal has also been criticised by many who feel that South Africa already has enough (12) Public Holidays [3] and can not afford to include 5 (+) more.

References:

[1] The RDP of the Soul
http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/policy/2007/discussion/rdp.html

[2] Freedom Charter