Celebrities Who Walked Away from Their Ancestral Calling

 The path of ubungoma the ancestral calling to become a sangoma is one of deep spirituality, responsibility, and personal transformation. For many, it's a lifelong journey. But for some, the calling evolves, pauses, or even comes to an end.

Over the years, several well-known South African celebrities have publicly embraced the calling, undergoing ukuthwasa (initiation) and stepping into the role of traditional healer. Yet, not all remained in that space. Some later returned to Christianity, others to their creative careers, reflecting how spiritual identity can shift with time.

Here are the celebrities who once accepted the call but later chose a different path:

1. Tol Ass Mo

The comedian and TV personality initially accepted his spiritual calling, undergoing sangoma training. In 2023, he publicly renounced the calling and identified as a born-again Christian, expressing that he no longer believes in ancestral practices.

2. Gigi Lamayne

The rapper previously embraced her spiritual gifts and openly shared her journey. In 2025, she chose a new path, being baptized and affirming her Christian faith.

3. Thabiso Mokhethi

Former Generations actor and gospel show presenter Tabiso Mokhethi publicly announced that he had stepped away from his role as a sangoma. “I will no longer serve as a sangoma, and this is my form of public resignation,” he declared via social media, marking a return to his Christian beliefs.

4. Palesa Madisakwane

The actress once accepted the calling of a sangoma but later stepped away, citing her Christian faith as the reason. She now shares her journey of spiritual transformation and devotion to God.

5. Boity Thulo

Boity confirmed she had undergone ukuthwasa, stepping into the role of sangoma. However, she later revealed she no longer practices, choosing to shift her focus elsewhere.

6. Brenda Ngxoli

After completing her initiation and embracing her spiritual calling, the actress made headlines in 2024 for stepping away, stating she had left the ancestral path behind.

7. Gogo Skhotheni (Tumi Motsoeneng)

The reality TV star and sangoma shocked many in 2025 when she announced she had stopped practicing. She revealed a shift in focus to her Christian faith.

8. Dineo Ranaka

A public figure who openly practiced as a sangoma, Dineo later spoke about her healing from chronic depression and her renewed connection with God, signaling a spiritual transformation.

9. Bongani Masondo

Former Skeem Saam actor Bongani Masondo accepted his calling and became a sangoma in 2011. However, he later put his spiritual practice on hold to focus on his acting and music career, illustrating the delicate balance between calling and passion.