Zimbabweans flock to traditional healers

The sprouting of Pentecostal churches headed by charismatic prophets who claim to have healing powers might be a popular option for those who believe in spiritual solutions for earthly challenges, but it would also appear that many Zimbabweans with no distinction of age, class, social or economic standing still flock to traditional healers.

A traditional healer from Hatfield who shot to fame in December last year after allegedly healing a girl who had a wound that was producing wire rods has become a crowd puller and many are flocking to him for assistance.

Faith in the power of traditional healers who are condemned as heathen and evil by the Bible and other religions still remains strong in many African countries, Zimbabwe included.

When Mr Caleb Mugiyo's story of his 10 year old daughter who had a wound that produced wire rods was aired on ZBC TV and later on National FM, many viewers and listeners were interested to know if the girl found help.

Within a week the girl's problem was reportedly solved and many could not believe that she had been indeed cured.

Traditional healer, Mr Benjamin Nyaude of Hatfield in Harare who allegedly helped the young girl soon found his house flocked by hundreds of people seeking help.

Mr Nyaude had to find a place to conduct his healing sessions and he is now plying his trade in Graniteside's industrial area.

The healer is pulling crowds to rival those of the most vibrant prophets in the country and the number of people who are trekking to his shrine, show that the spirit medium has surely become a traditional 'Messiah' for many.

Contrary to the perception of traditional healers being mostly illiterate, Mr Nyaude abandoned his career to become a spirit medium-cum-traditional healer and he even refers some cases to doctors who practise modern medicine.

Could it be prohibitive medical costs that are making it impossible for the poor to get medical attention and traditional healers becoming the first and last line of defence against various diseases?

People are also opting for traditional healers, because they do not always demand cash up front.