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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Interpersonal relationships and their navigation are often a seminal part of the advice sought from traditional healers. In this episode our discussion focuses on the concerns of a listener about spiritual hygiene in a relationship.  Joining Gogo Zipho Dolamo in discussion are Asande Mahlaba (yoga practitioner and spiritualist) as well as Siphokazi Tau (a qualified sangoma, academic and feminist thinker). While looking at intimate relations may be tricky, especially when a significant age gap exists between healer and client, today’s conversation aims to highlight intimacy and spirituality.

As we enter the second half of the Gregorian calendar year, many of us are gearing up and looking forward to the African new year in September and the change of season it brings. I, and many healers, believe it is good practice to cleanse, declutter and reflect at the beginning and ending of cycles, seasons and journeys. However one signifies endings and beginnings in one’s personal context is not as important as doing the related spiritual work. Fitting for the time of year, the conversation on pricing associated with cleansings has re-emerged on X. User @LiseboMofokeng posed the question: “Nah but why are river cleansings so expensive? R3,500.” Join Gogo Zipho Dolamo and guest sangoma Amina Deka Asma, or Mkhulu Thandolwethu, in unpacking what goes into cleansings. Gogo, have I been scammed? is a TimesLIVE production.

For artists and consumers of art, music is a construct that reaches far beyond the purpose of entertainment. Historically, in a South African context, artists have used music as a tool to drive social change and transformation in protest against the repressiveness of the former state. Today the musical landscape sees artists addressing the sociopolitical issues of our time — and a spiritual awakening of young people. The emergence of genres such as amapiano has not only been reflective of the current social landscape but has also triggered interest in African spirituality. The reliance of African spirituality on exploring the origins of self renders it an identity project. Amapiano has taken over globally as a genre that inspires dance, an expression of culture and identity. Phila Dlozi is a songwriter who has pioneered the subgenre of spiritual amapiano. Through songs like Idlozi Lami, his music acts as a backdrop for the dissemination of indigenous knowledge. In this episode, host Gogo Zipho Dolamo is joined by singer, songwriter and composer Phila Dlozi who details his interpretation of music as a gift and a medium through which he has the obligation to teach and heal. This fuels Phila in his meticulousness when it comes to the kind of places where he chooses to perform. Gogo have I been scammed? is a TimesLIVE production.

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.