Bridging tradition and technology with the Ngoma app

The cost of development – When land grabs threaten homes

In the latest episode of The Indigenous Corner with Gogo Zipho, we uncover the harsh truth behind land dispossession masked as development in South Africa. Hosted by Zipho Dolamo, this episode shines a light on the ongoing struggles in Ntabankulu, Eastern Cape, where local communities are fighting to safeguard their ancestral land from illegal mining operations. Gogo Zipho is joined by Dr. Ntsizakalo Ngalo, a passionate community activist leading the charge against land grabs and championing justice for indigenous people.

Whose land is it anyway?: Unpacking land redistribution

In the latest episode of The Indigenous Corner with Gogo Zipho, we tackle one of the most pressing and controversial topics of our time: land redistribution and lived realities of land dispossession. Land. It is more than soil. It is identity, history and the foundation of our spiritual and cultural existence. In South Africa land has been at the heart of deep injustice, from colonial theft to apartheid-era dispossession and the capitalist stronghold that continues to gatekeep ownership.

Bridging tradition and technology with the Ngoma app

In a world where modern technology often drives us further from our roots, a new app is making waves by doing the opposite — bringing South Africans closer to their cultural heritage through the wisdom of traditional healing. The Ngoma app, developed by innovator Lebo Rantao, connects users with traditional healers, offering a unique blend of modern convenience and ancient practices that have been the cornerstone of African cultures for generations.  Rantao, the guest on the latest episode of the popular podcast Gogo, Have I Been Scammed? hosted by Gogo Zipho Dolamo, shared the inspiration and journey behind the groundbreaking project.

Leaving my marriage: what is required of me spiritually?

This episode centres on the story of Nompumelelo, a mother of three expecting her fourth child, who is grappling with the decision to leave her marriage after years of betrayal and deception.  Gogo Zipho addresses Nompumelelo’s concerns with compassion and insight, providing her with a spiritual and cultural roadmap to navigate the complexities of her situation. The episode touches on critical questions such as the spiritual impact of ending a marriage, the necessary rituals for leaving a marital home and the protection of children's spiritual wellbeing. Gogo, Have I Been Scammed? is a TimesLIVE production.

Unpacking the Letoya Makhene incident: The rights and responsibilities of initiates

Letoya Makhene, the former Generations actress turned sangoma, finds herself embroiled in controversy as allegations about her spiritual practices and personal life dominate headlines. Recently she was featured on the Moja Love show Fake Gobela, where one of her former initiates accused her of being a fraudulent traditional healer, adding to the public dispute between Makhene and her soon-to-be ex-wife Lebo Keswa.  The initiate claims his initiation journey under Makhene was abruptly cut short due to alleged abuse by Keswa, leading him to leave Makhene’s home. He accused Makhene of owing him money, arguing he did not receive the training he paid for.  While the personal dispute between Makhene and Keswa continues to unravel publicly, both parties have alleged abuse against each other in various interviews. However, the controversy surrounding Makhene’s practices as a gobela — particularly the accusations made by the initiate — has sparked wider debate in the traditional healing community.  In this episode, host Gogo Zipho is joined by Mkhulu Manzolwandle as we explore key issues in the traditional healing community, such as the rights and responsibilities of gobelas and their initiates and how grievances should be addressed.  Respected as an elder in the traditional healing community, Mkhulu Manzolwandle assists us in discussing various topics, including whether initiates are entitled to refunds if they are dissatisfied with their training, how to bring up grievances with a gobela and the ethics of transferring initiates to another mpande (initiation school).  Gogo have I been scammed? is a TimesLIVE production.