Sangoma, prophets appease ancestoprs with sweets, cakes and meat

In a strange traditional ceremony Sangomas and prophets came together in Ekurhuleni's Etwatwa in South Africa reportedly appeased their ancestors by making a fire and poured cold drinks and  threw food on the flames.

Reports say they believe that the ancestors deserve to be given sweets, cakes and meat – just like living people! They also believe that the ancestors will inhale the smell of the food and send them good luck. Bishop Phindile Mokoena said they conducted the ceremony every year.

"We believe our ancestors need to be taken care of so they can return the favour," she said. "We collect money to buy food for our ancestors. We believe that by doing this our paths will open.  "Some people may say we are wasting food but we believe this is the way to go – or we are doomed.

"Many people are poor today because they neglect their ancestors.  "People take ancestors for granted and have no idea of the power they could exert in our daily lives."

Mokoena, who is also a sangoma, said they also wanted to thank the ancestors for giving them healing powers.

Gogo Margaret Mngomezulu said people should always thank their ancestors.

"Our ancestors hold our lives. We sometimes offer them sheep just to say thank you."