Inqulo Emhlophe (White Sickness) in Xhosa Society

"White sickness" is a common phenomenon in Xhosa society and an integral part of Xhosa religion. It is believed that the sick person is being called by the spirits of her/his lineage to become a diviner. The belief is that, in the initial stage, the persons who are called experience certain mystical powers, which cause turmoil in their lives, and that these can cause mental disorientation or serious physical disablement if the call is not heeded. In this essay, Bishop Sigqibo Dwane, an Anglican minister and scholar, examines white sickness in Xhosa society. He believes that much of what people say about the need to Africanise Christianity will remain verbiage until African people themselves get down to the business of examining, critically, the specifics of their own culture to identify its great moments. These moments have to be highlighted and celebrated because it is through them that Christianity will find a new African home, and through them that African culture will receive a new heart of flesh. Bishop Dwane presents this essay to the general public in the hope that it will contribute something to the continuing research for a truly African identity in these critical times.