Swazi Classified Ads – Traditional Healers
I have commented before on the craziness that is the Swazi Media. Well today, I wanted to pass along a clipping from the Classified section of the Swazi Times (the most popular paper in the country).
As you may know, a majority of Swazis visit traditional healers either instead of or in conjunction with western medicine. This can include everything from "throwing bones" to consulting the spirits to taking herbal remedies to casting spells. Most of these traditional healers (often incorrectly called witch-doctors) take a spiritual / magical approach to issues. However, as you can see from these classified, the issues they often work on rarely have to do with spiritual (or even medical) issues. [Click the image for a larger view]
So, if you need assistance with a "week erection" or are looking for "a specialist in warts and womb cleansing" then look no further than your local Swazi traditional healer – conveniently advertized in the classified section.
This has to be my personal favorite (words in brackets mine):
My muthi [magic] is your answer. It stops your relationship from breaking apart. Put him/her under your feet, listen to everything you say [ahh yes… using oppression and subjugation to solve marital disputes]. To apologies when she/he is wrong by using emindi smoke remote control. [I wonder if works even if he/she is not wrong… it’s worth a shot… after all, who couldn’t use some remote-control smoke.]
But, I want to be fair… these listings are more indicative of the newspaper they are in than the overall profession of traditional healer. The organization I work with regular collaborates with traditional healers, and while there are certainly some who are way out there, most are people whose view on the world is simply shaped by their cultural experiences and expectations.
Anyway, I thought you all would appreciate one of those "Only in Swaziland" insights.