Witch-doctor-Sangomas-Ngangas

In traditional Shona culture, witch doctors, also known as "sangomas" or "ngangas", play an important role in the community. They are believed to have spiritual powers and are consulted for a wide range of issues, such as healing the sick, divining the cause of problems, and providing guidance and advice.

One of the main roles of the witch doctor is to act as a mediator between the physical and spiritual worlds. They are believed to be able to communicate with the spirits of ancestors and other supernatural beings, and can use this ability to diagnose and treat spiritual or supernatural causes of illness or misfortune.

They also use traditional healing methods, such as herbal medicine, to treat physical ailments. They are also believed to have the ability to remove curses and other forms of negative spiritual influence.

Witch doctors also play an important role in rituals and ceremonies, such as initiation ceremonies for young men and women, weddings, and funerals, and in providing protection and guidance for the community.

In addition to their spiritual roles, witch doctors also serve as social and cultural leaders in the community. They are often respected members of the community and are consulted for advice on a wide range of issues, including personal and community problems.

It's worth noting that In modern day Zimbabwe, the role of the witch doctor has changed and the traditional practices are not as prevalent as they once were. With the advent of modern medicine, and the decline of traditional practices, the role of the witch doctor has evolved and many of them now work in tandem with Western-trained doctors to provide comprehensive health care to their communities.