Controversial reality TV star and podcaster Gogo Skhotheni, whose real name is Tumi Motsoeneng, has officially announced that she is leaving ubungoma. The 33-year-old from eMbalenhle, Mpumalanga, shared the news in a video posted on social media on Wednesday, 2 April.
In the video, she made it clear that she is no longer practising as a sangoma.
“I’m officially making this video to announce that I’m no longer a traditional healer. I’m no longer a sangoma. I’m no longer practising as a sangoma. I’m no longer doing consultations and no longer giving out isidliso and imbiza,” she said.
Despite stepping away from her spiritual practice, she emphasized that she will always respect and acknowledge her ancestors.
“However, I’ll forever acknowledge and respect my ancestors, and I’ll forever believe in my ancestors,” she added.
Gogo Skhotheni expressed joy about her decision, saying she feels happier and closer to God.
“I am a child of God. This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I’m very much happy. I wish I could sing. I wish I could do so much. My heart is full,” she said.
This announcement did not come as a complete surprise. She had previously hinted at wanting to leave ubungoma during an episode of Podcast and Chill.
“I hate to be part of this. I want to quit so bad. I don’t want to be associated under the sangoma umbrella. I’m not saying I want to quit because I don’t have the calling or I’m done scamming people. I want to quit because of the trends. Me being a strong believer and I believe in God so much. I believe I can do it without being a sangoma,” she said.
When asked if she was worried about any consequences from leaving, she confidently said she was ready to face whatever comes.
“I am willing to face them. I would rather face the consequences. Before anything else, I am a child of God,” she declared.
She also spoke about the challenges of being a sangoma, saying that the journey had been dark at times.
“This journey of ubungoma, you end up doing witchcraft and other things, so I think it’s one of the darkest journeys I’ve been on as a healer. I had to differentiate between being a healer and being a witch. Being a healer is what I chose, and it goes along with God. I am a sangoma who believes in God and puts God in everything I do. I love God, and He loves me,” she explained.
Fans and followers have shared mixed reactions, with some supporting her decision while others question what led to the sudden change.
@gogoskhothenidlam ♬ original sound – Gogo Skhotheni Dlamini
