Culture shock
How did Generations get Getty’s sangoma storyline right? They brought in a traditional healer consultant!
Weekdays SABC1 (*191) 20:00
Getty’s (Andisiwe Dweba) life took a drastic turn in November 2017 when she traded in her waitress job to become a traditional healer. While her grandmother Gog’Flo (Ivy Nkutha) was against her decision, Getty followed her heart and she is just weeks away from officially becoming a sangoma. To truthfully tell Getty’s new chapter, the soap called in traditional healer Lungile Ndluzele to give her expertise on writing the character’s new lifestyle. “I was surprised when Generations asked me to help write a storyline,” says Lungile. “But a good surprise as they want to teach viewers what it’s like being a traditional healer. I was excited because this is my day-to- day reality.” It’s not just grabbing a pen and writing – the process is far more intricate, explains Lungile. I thought that it would be a healing process for viewers who may be going through similar experiences as they can now see that they’re not alone – others have the gift to communicate with the ancestors and use traditional medicine. What is the most important point that you want viewers to learn? That you can still have a “normal” life while practising to be a traditional healer. There are a lot of people with “the calling” who are thriving in their jobs and family lives, so it is possible to do it all. What has been your favourite part about working with the writing team? The fact that they’re friendly and always open to suggestions. I like that they always take my ideas into consideration, which makes me feel part of the team while contributing to the authenticity and accuracy of the storyline. Not everyone in Getty’s life is onboard with her decision to be a traditional healer. Why do you think some people are against this spiritual journey? They’re either in denial or don’t understand the realities of being a traditional healer. It was easy writing Gog’Flo into the storyline as there are many people like her, who let fear cloud their judgement and are too scared to accept family who’re traditional healers. This is the old Getty, before her calling.
What was the brief from the soap? They were working on the storyline already and asked me for advice. Traditional healer Lungile (inset) was asked the help with a storyline for Getty (far right).