Gogo, have I been scammed‪?‬ TimesLIVE Podcasts

Gogo, have I been scammed? is a platform for the discussion of issues such as faith, African spirituality and Christian methodologies, particularly how we use these tools to navigate real-life situations. Such situations include interactions and interpersonal relationships that leave you heartbroken, physically harmed and without hope. 

In discussions with Bontle Moka, author and reproductive rights activist, host Gogo Zipho Dolamo explores trauma and healing within the bounds of faith and spirituality. Moka shares a survivor's tale of abuse, violence and survival. Having authored and published two books, Moka shares practical struggles related to turning to God and faith during times of psycho-spiritual turmoil.  

Moka also shares her journey of honouring the ancient African tradition of storytelling to inspire hope in those who face similar challenges and as methodology in her personal healing.  

Gogo, have I been scammed? is a TimesLIVE production. 

Disclaimer: Please be advised that this episode deals with content relating to sexual assault, and may be offensive and harmful to some audiences.
Listener discretion is advised.

By now, we have all seen the video of Sassa officials conducting what appears to be a ritual at their Mpumalanga offices. The footage was captured by CCTV, showing one official holding a snake. It is said that residues of needles and other muthi-like substances were discovered at the offices. 

On this episode of Gogo have I been scammed? we will be unpacking the possibilities of what the ritual could be and what it could be used for. I say what it could be, rather than what it is, because we must all be aware that each ritual is charged by the performer’s intentions. 

Joining host Gogo Zipho Dolamo in conversation is Mkhulu Manzolwandle, a seasoned sangoma and all-round spiritualist who has much experience in the realms of African spiritual practices.

Gogo have I been scammed? is a TimesLIVE production.

Faith homes and compounds are well known and received in African communities. These establishments support community members with illnesses beyond the scope of western medicine.  

Faith homes and compounds led by notorious healers such as Ma’Ngconde, once crowned “the healer of the nation”, enjoy publicity by word of mouth. People share stories of triumph thanks to the intervention of healers and by extension their compounds.  However, sometimes faith-based organisations can cause a disturbance in communities and in the lives of members.  

In this episode of Gogo, have I been scammed?, host Gogo Zipho Dolamo is joined by Mrs Sikelelwa "Siki" Ngubane, widow to late actor Menzi Ngubane. Siki shares a chilling story of how an organisation that was meant to nurse her husband back to health left her widowed, and in search of answers.  

Menzi died in 2021 and was largely known and loved for his roles in Generations and Isibaya and many other productions that he starred in.

Gogo, have I been scammed is a TimesLIVE production. 

In Human Rights Month, host Gogo Zipho Dolamo engages in retrospective conversation with seasoned sangoma Nonkwenkwezi.  

With the growing presence of iZangoma and traditional spiritualities in media, one wonders what this looked like pre-democracy and the new constitution in South Africa. Nonkwenkwezi offers insights on the social context and the manner in which iZangoma were permitted to exist in society pre-democracy.  

The rights now afforded to iZangoma have limitations and responsibilities. Nonkwenkwezi helps us understand what some of those boundaries and responsibilities are.  

Gogo have I been scammed? is a TimesLIVE production. 

March signifies the month of human rights for all South Africans. With the constitution having been affected 27 years ago, this month we commemorate human rights for all, specifically religious and spiritual rights.  

In this episode we briefly reflect on the progression of rights afforded to izangoma and their operation “in the shadows” at traditional medicine markets. We also acknowledge that in the absence of the constitution, practising certain aspects of African spirituality would be prohibited by law.

We exercise our rights in episode 13 by hosting the Machethes, Alyndale Mayibongwe and Gerald Tebogo, in discussion about ukuzila (which directly translated means “mourning” but contextually covers the practice of fasting from various things). The Machethes share their understanding of ukuzila, its importance and the complexities posed when it is practised.

Gogo Have I Been Scammed? is a TimesLIVE production. 

The month of love has been dedicated to unpacking the complexities of navigating relationships and spirituality.

This episode focuses on the relational aspect of love and spirituality within the parameters of marriage. Joining the discussion are couple Alyndale and Gerald Machethe, both journeying spiritualists.

As journeying spiritualists Alyndale believes: "We both believe in God and acknowledge our ancestors and the gifts they have passed on to us and we are [in] the process of finding ourselves spiritually and letting the guides show us the way”.  Swiping right on one another’s profiles, the couple could never have been prepared for the journey into marriage via lobola. 

The couple share their views on the divinity of their union and how their joint performances of spiritual practices acted as a tool to motivate and support one another.  

Gogo have I been scammed? is a TimesLIVE production.