Boity Thulo says she is still a committed Christian

Boity Thulo says her graduation as a traditional healer has not changed her.

She is still a committed Christian going to the Anglican Church.

"I do go to church and pray to God. My traditional healing is personal to me and it's between me and my family," she said.

Thulo's sangoma name is Kgosigadi Dabulamanzi.

"I consider myself to be a queen, hence kgosigadi and Dabulamanzi is my traditional name as a healer."

Thulo announced her graduation at the weekend and said the training took five months at the village of Berseba in North West.

Her gobela (mentor) sent her to the village.

"I was ready. I knew there would be three reactions, they would be very happy for me or be confused and disappointed.

"But that doesn't faze me because I'm speaking out expecting nothing. It's for my sanity and to stop speculation and being asked about this over and over again."

She said while she received congratulatory messages from people who understood that ukuthwasa was part of African culture, some were not flattering.

"Some have said that I don't believe in God and others are confused because they don't understand this process."

Thulo said she was largely allowed to carry on with her work as a host of Club 808 on e.tv, a sought-after MC and a red carpet darling at glitzy events.

With one of the most recognisable faces in entertainment, Thulo said the training wasn't easy under prying eyes and attention.

"I knew why I was doing it. I'm not my work. My work comes after my calling. The important thing was my calling," she said.

For months she has evaded questions and said it felt good that she could talk openly. "I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I wanted to finish first and be comfortable."

She said graduation only means the beginning of her new journey as a healer. She is still unsure whether she will open a consultancy or not. "We will see with time. This is still new, it's the beginning."

Thulo said she was always a traditionally grounded person and spiritual.

"It's been a long journey. I've been spiritual for as long as I can remember.

"The most important thing is to follow your journey relentlessly, whatever path, with confidence and passion. As long as you're kind to yourself and the next person."

-This story first appeared in Sowetan