The Deceptive Nature of Magic and Witchcraft: A Cultural Practice and Its Menace on Zimbabwean Society
This study critically examines the deceptive nature of magic and witchcraft as cultural practices in Zimbabwe and highlights its negative impact on society. Based on social conflict theory, the research explores how the belief in witchcraft fosters fear, suspicion, and social division, perpetuating...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Noyam Journals
2025-07-01
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| Series: | E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies |
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| Online Access: | https://noyam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ERATS20251172.pdf |
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| author | Dylan Yanano Mangani Temba Rugwiji |
| author_facet | Dylan Yanano Mangani Temba Rugwiji |
| author_sort | Dylan Yanano Mangani |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study critically examines the deceptive nature of magic and witchcraft as cultural practices in Zimbabwe and highlights its negative impact on society. Based on social conflict theory, the research explores how the belief in witchcraft fosters fear, suspicion, and social division, perpetuating conflict within families and communities. Witchcraft, often considered a form of cultural heritage, is scrutinised not only for its historical significance but also for the ways in which it undermines social cohesion and development. The study employed a qualitative methodological approach, using a combination of ethnographic accounts and a literature review to gather insights from local communities, traditional leaders, and scholars. By analysing narratives from individuals who have been affected by witchcraft accusations or practices, the research revealed the deep-seated anxieties and tensions that witchcraft engenders. This paper argues that although cultural traditions should be valued, harmful practices such as witchcraft must be discouraged to foster social harmony and progress in Zimbabwe. The discussion calls for a collective effort to address this menace and to reimagine cultural practices in a way that promotes unity, peace, and development. This study contributes to scholarship by offering a critical cultural analysis that challenges the romanticisation of witchcraft as heritage, presenting a framework for evaluating cultural practices through their social consequences. It adds to the discourse on cultural reform and social justice, particularly in postcolonial African societies seeking pathways to development grounded in ethical and inclusive traditions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e814d11e1ec849ea8b96d496aa7a1fc2 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2458-7338 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Noyam Journals |
| record_format | Article |
| series | E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies |
| spelling | doaj-art-e814d11e1ec849ea8b96d496aa7a1fc22025-08-20T03:32:09ZengNoyam JournalsE-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies2458-73382025-07-01117355 366https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20251172The Deceptive Nature of Magic and Witchcraft: A Cultural Practice and Its Menace on Zimbabwean SocietyDylan Yanano Mangani 0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0288-2153Temba Rugwiji1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9080-9908The Independent Institute of Education, Varsity College, Pretoria Campus, South Africa.The Independent Institute of Education, Varsity College, Pretoria Campus, South Africa.This study critically examines the deceptive nature of magic and witchcraft as cultural practices in Zimbabwe and highlights its negative impact on society. Based on social conflict theory, the research explores how the belief in witchcraft fosters fear, suspicion, and social division, perpetuating conflict within families and communities. Witchcraft, often considered a form of cultural heritage, is scrutinised not only for its historical significance but also for the ways in which it undermines social cohesion and development. The study employed a qualitative methodological approach, using a combination of ethnographic accounts and a literature review to gather insights from local communities, traditional leaders, and scholars. By analysing narratives from individuals who have been affected by witchcraft accusations or practices, the research revealed the deep-seated anxieties and tensions that witchcraft engenders. This paper argues that although cultural traditions should be valued, harmful practices such as witchcraft must be discouraged to foster social harmony and progress in Zimbabwe. The discussion calls for a collective effort to address this menace and to reimagine cultural practices in a way that promotes unity, peace, and development. This study contributes to scholarship by offering a critical cultural analysis that challenges the romanticisation of witchcraft as heritage, presenting a framework for evaluating cultural practices through their social consequences. It adds to the discourse on cultural reform and social justice, particularly in postcolonial African societies seeking pathways to development grounded in ethical and inclusive traditions.https://noyam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ERATS20251172.pdfcultural practicessocial divisionzimbabwesocial harmonywitchcraft. |
| spellingShingle | Dylan Yanano Mangani Temba Rugwiji The Deceptive Nature of Magic and Witchcraft: A Cultural Practice and Its Menace on Zimbabwean Society E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies cultural practices social division zimbabwe social harmony witchcraft. |
| title | The Deceptive Nature of Magic and Witchcraft: A Cultural Practice and Its Menace on Zimbabwean Society |
| title_full | The Deceptive Nature of Magic and Witchcraft: A Cultural Practice and Its Menace on Zimbabwean Society |
| title_fullStr | The Deceptive Nature of Magic and Witchcraft: A Cultural Practice and Its Menace on Zimbabwean Society |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Deceptive Nature of Magic and Witchcraft: A Cultural Practice and Its Menace on Zimbabwean Society |
| title_short | The Deceptive Nature of Magic and Witchcraft: A Cultural Practice and Its Menace on Zimbabwean Society |
| title_sort | deceptive nature of magic and witchcraft a cultural practice and its menace on zimbabwean society |
| topic | cultural practices social division zimbabwe social harmony witchcraft. |
| url | https://noyam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ERATS20251172.pdf |
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