In South Africa the words witch and witchcraft are used as accusation, but the people being accused do not identify themselves as witches and deny practicing witchcraft. The terms have been inherited to incorrectly describe traditional African religious and magical practices, practices which are not described as ‘witchcraft’ by those who adhere to them. This is a direct product of European colonial prejudice against traditional African religious belief systems.

Witchcraft is real and Witches do exist, but they are not what culture and religion would like you to believe they are. Actual Witches constitute a recognized and constitutionally protected religious minority in our country. We regard Witchcraft as our religion. We are not murderers, and we do not trade in human body parts or practice blood sacrifice.

Legislation which seeks to suppress witchcraft and witches will always fail to prevent people from making accusations of witchcraft whenever things go wrong. Education is a far more potent weapon against the witch-hunters.