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Nosiphiwo Masikane also known as Gogo Manzini is a certified healer who went through the Ancestral Traditional Healing journey in 2021. Ever since, she has learned a lot about herself and her tradition. Her practice in ubungoma is an innate calling and a gift of healing others using a gift from your ancestors, which may not be given to everyone.

As soon as Nosiphiwo accepted her ancestral gift, her life changed dramatically. As a result, she became more committed to providing healing services to those in need. She also became more emotionally attuned to the needs of others.

When should you undergo ukuthwasa? This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Undergoing ukuthwasa differs from one person to another. A person may receive a dream from their ancestors that they should undergo training. There are others who find out when they consult a sangoma who will advise them to undergo the training

According to Nosiphiwo, it was the right time for her to take this big step. “It is not like I never knew that eventually, I would need to give myself in because I already knew that I was a gifted child, the chosen one. I was told countless times…” she enthused.

Nosiphiwo knew she could see beyond the naked eye, but she never imagined that one day she would be called umlaphi wendabuko (traditional healer) and be tasked with healing the nation. She took this step because she felt it was the right time, not only for herself but for everyone in her family. Have you ever heard of breaking a curse for your family? This is what Nosiphiwo considered when she decided to train as a sangoma. “My family was not pleased with my decision not because we never performed traditional things at home but because ukuthwasa was taboo for them; they did not know what happens to someone once they take that step,” she said.

After completing the training process, she believed she would be fine. She also said her family had to trust the process and their ancestors. Otherwise, they would never choose her if it was difficult. We can imagine her smiling and adding that she was ready for whatever life had in store for her. Or even reminding her family that they always have each other’s back.

“I remember my uncle once said I had a trance while I was visiting him (prior to initiating) where he did not know what to do, that’s when he said to me, Nosiphiwo the time has come, you are doing this. I was so shocked because I woke up with wet clothes, garlic in my mouth, and a room filled with incense because he was trying, by all means, to bring me back to my old self,” she recalled. Nosiphiwo does not remember what really happened in that short period of time because she had blacked out.

“I had the fear of the unknown, however I kept the good spirit going because again my family was in my thoughts and I knew what I wanted out of this journey, ” she said.

At some point, she believed ukuthwasa would be impossible for her due to her disability, but little did she know she could manage. A nagging doubt she couldn’t shake off. However, with the help of her family, Nosiphiwo was able to find ways to adapt her journey to fit her needs. Through perseverance and dedication, she was able to successfully complete her ukuthwasa.

This journey would have not been easy for her if it was not for her sister and uncle and her gobela. The term ‘gobela’ refers to a person whose duty is to train a sangoma.

“I am so happy that my Gobela didn’t treat me differently because of my disability, I was treated equally with my initiation mates, and I did everything they would also do, showing I never let my disability hold me back whatsoever,” she said.

Whenever someone asks her “how can someone with a disability be a healer?” she responds with pride that her ancestors made it possible. She believes her disability gives her an advantage in being a healer. This is because she can empathise with people who are struggling and understands how to help them. She is determined to use her experiences to help others in any way she can.

Her clients have faith in her, which makes her ancestral calling easier. She describes her clients as loving, helpful, and understanding. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it”, she added.

As part of my healing journey, I also make homemade herbal products (soaps, salts, herbal medicine, and oils). These are for home use for those who need them and for those who are far from me. I have healed clients as far as Germany, Namibia, Zimbabwe through my gift and believe I will heal more,” she added.

In the near future, Nosiphiwo plans to open a home essentials business outside of Ubunyanga to provide products such as candles, diffusers, soaps, and coasters. This will be a luxury brand that specializes in exceeding expectations in every way.

Whenever Nosiphiwo is not treating patients, she is baking cookies and biscuits. “I am also drawn to baking biscuits and scones for those who need baked goods for events. I noticed that healers make so many events that require baked goods, but not so many deliver when it comes to that in my area, so that’s where I’ll step in. Call me a jack of all trades if you can,” Nosiphiwo said.

“Everything I do is out of my own pocket, I have knocked on the doors of NYDA and government with no luck, although they always preach inclusivity, even with my NGO, Ladies On Wheels, I have never been assisted. Sadly, the government is failing us big time. My business ideas need funding, but I doubt that will happen, so I would rather go with my business ideas, she said. It is my hope that one day I will be noticed and assisted in building an empire for myself and my family. Kusazokhanya.”