Kelly Khumalo calls for peace amid feud between Gogo Maweni & Gogo Skhotheni
Kelly Khumalo, celebrated South African singer and newly initiated traditional healer, has weighed in on the heated feud between celebrity sangomas Makgotso “Gogo Maweni” Mokopo and Patricia “Gogo Skhotheni” Motsoeneng.
As tensions rise between the two spiritual practitioners, Khumalo has expressed concern over how their public disagreements might impact the sacredness of their spiritual roles.
The Feud Escalates
The dispute between Gogo Maweni and Gogo Skhotheni has captivated public attention as accusations fly back and forth between the two. Skhotheni accused Maweni of wearing counterfeit Gucci and claimed she did not own her cars. Maweni retaliated by alleging that Skhotheni lied about owning Cavo, a newly launched club.
The controversy took a personal turn when Maweni and her associates made claims involving Skhotheni’s estranged husband, Monde. They suggested that Monde was encouraged to pursue a relationship with Dominic Zaca, insinuating details about Monde’s sexuality.
Kelly Khumalo Speaks Out
In response to the feud, Kelly Khumalo shared her thoughts through a video, addressing the tension with a call for mutual respect and preservation of their spiritual responsibilities. She refrained from taking sides but emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity of their calling as sangomas.
Khumalo urged both Maweni and Skhotheni to honor the sanctity of Isigodlo—a sacred space for consultations with ancestors and divine guidance. She highlighted the need to maintain discretion about the practices conducted in these sacred spaces, saying:
“Respect the secrets of Isigodlo. Respect the secrets of ancestors. Respect the secrets of Amakhosi. There are things that people shouldn’t know that we do in our sacred spaces.”
Maintaining the Dignity of the Calling
Khumalo expressed concern over how public spats might tarnish the image of sangomas and the spiritual gift of healing. She reminded Maweni and Skhotheni that their roles require a deep sense of responsibility and reverence for their calling.
“My sisters, this thing isn’t cool. It takes down your dignity of the gift of healing bestowed upon you. At some point, you will see people in compromising situations, something that needs to be hidden at all costs.”
Khumalo highlighted the broader implications of their public dispute, noting that the sacredness of their spiritual practice should always remain intact, even when promoting their work.
The Role of Sangomas in Society
Traditional healers, or sangomas, play a significant role in South African culture. They are revered as mediators between the physical and spiritual worlds, tasked with healing, guidance, and maintaining the balance between these realms. The public nature of the feud has sparked concerns about how such disputes might affect public perceptions of sangomas and the trust placed in them by their communities.
A Call for Unity and Respect
Kelly Khumalo’s intervention has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding her for her wisdom and maturity, while others speculate on whether her plea will resonate with the feuding sangomas. Nevertheless, Khumalo’s words underscore the importance of unity and mutual respect within the spiritual community.
She reminded both Maweni and Skhotheni that their actions reflect not only on themselves but also on the broader spiritual practice they represent. By prioritizing the sanctity of their roles and avoiding unnecessary public conflicts, they can ensure that the divine gift of healing remains respected and revered.
Moving Forward
As the feud between Gogo Maweni and Gogo Skhotheni continues to make headlines, Kelly Khumalo’s call for peace serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with spiritual leadership. Whether the two sangomas will heed her advice remains to be seen, but Khumalo’s intervention highlights the need to preserve the integrity of their sacred calling.
In the end, the focus should be on the work they do to uplift and heal their communities, keeping the spiritual and cultural significance of their roles at the forefront.
