Gogo Skhotheni Quits Being a Sangoma, Claims Some Healers in Endumbeni “Talk to Air” and Follow Nothing

In a surprising and controversial turn of events, reality TV star and former traditional healer Gogo Skhotheni has announced that she is no longer practicing as a sangoma and has made some eyebrow-raising claims about traditional practices in Endumbeni.

Skhotheni, whose real name is Patricia Tumi Motsoeni Shange, rose to fame through her bold presence on television and social media, where she openly discussed her spiritual journey, ancestral callings, and the challenges of being a young, modern sangoma.

Her content resonated with thousands across South Africa, especially among the youth who were navigating their own identities between traditional beliefs and modern lifestyles.

But now, everything has changed.

In a candid live session that has since gone viral, Skhotheni declared that she has completely stepped away from her ancestral calling and no longer identifies herself as a sangoma.

She explained that the decision was not taken lightly, but came after years of confusion, inner conflict, and what she described as spiritual misdirection.

Even more controversial was her statement that in certain places like Endumbeni, many traditional healers are, in her words, “talking to air.

According to Skhotheni, her spiritual journey became clouded with contradictions and pressure.

She claimed that at some point, she began to question whether the spirits she was connecting with were truly ancestral, or if she had simply convinced herself of their presence out of fear, tradition, and societal expectation.

She admitted that some of the rituals she once performed no longer made sense to her, and she began to feel emotionally and spiritually disconnected from the practices she had once embraced so passionately.

Her comments about Endumbeni—a region known for strong traditional practices and healers—have sparked intense backlash from both spiritual leaders and followers of African traditional religion.

Skhotheni stated during her live session:
“People there are just speaking to the air.

They’re convincing themselves it’s the ancestors when actually, it’s nothing.

I know because I was one of them.

And it took me a long time to admit that.

These words did not sit well with many within the spiritual community.

Traditional healers and sangomas across the country have accused her of disrespecting sacred practices and misleading the public, especially the youth who may now feel even more disconnected from their roots.

Several elders have spoken out, warning that undermining ancestral callings comes with spiritual consequences.

One practicing sangoma from KwaZulu-Natal responded publicly, saying:
“Skhotheni is not just walking away from a calling.

She’s mocking the spirits and the people who live by these traditions.

You don’t play with things you don’t understand.

And if she’s confused, she should sit down with elders—not go live on Instagram.

Meanwhile, fans and followers are torn.

Some say they admire Skhotheni for her honesty and bravery in speaking her truth.

They believe she’s opening a necessary conversation about the pressure that comes with spiritual callings—especially among young people who may feel forced into roles they don’t fully understand.

Others believe she is simply chasing attention, and that her statements are dangerous in a society already struggling with cultural identity and spiritual confusion.

Skhotheni has insisted that her decision was not for clout or attention.

She claims that walking away from her spiritual path has come at a huge personal cost, including isolation from certain family members and criticism from former spiritual mentors.

But she stands by her experience, saying she now feels more mentally and emotionally free.

“I’m not saying all sangomas are fake,” she clarified in a follow-up post.

“But I am saying some of us were misled.

We didn’t know better.

We wanted to belong.

And now I choose to walk away because I want peace.

The debate has extended far beyond her fan base.

Cultural experts, spiritual teachers, and even religious figures are now weighing in on the broader implications of Skhotheni’s announcement.

Some believe it reveals a deeper generational conflict, where younger South Africans are caught between honoring ancestral traditions and finding individual freedom.

Others argue that spiritual callings are sacred and must not be doubted or challenged, regardless of personal feelings.

Skhotheni’s own journey has been anything but quiet.

From polyandry to open conversations about witchcraft, she has never shied away from controversy.

But this latest chapter could be her most polarizing yet.

Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or a cry for liberation, her departure from traditional healing has undoubtedly shaken the space.

It also raises critical questions:
How many young people are practicing out of fear rather than true calling?
Are traditional practices being diluted by social media and modern lifestyles?
And where does one draw the line between personal truth and cultural responsibility?

As the dust settles around her revelation, one thing remains clear—Skhotheni has once again forced South Africa to confront uncomfortable truths.

And whether you agree with her or not, she has reignited a national dialogue around faith, identity, and the evolving role of tradition in a rapidly changing world.