Actor Wiseman has revealed that he accepted his calling to be a sangoma a long time ago but does not engage much in spiritual conversations as he considers it a sacred thing for him. The actor was speaking at the fourth Ancestors Day celebration yesterday in Muldersdrift, West Rand. The event is pioneered by Contralesa secretary-general, Zolani Mkiva, and it was attended by the chairperson of the National House of Traditional Khoi Leaders, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seathlolo with panelists Mpho Wabadimo, Mbuso Khoza and Wiseman.

ACCEPTANCE

Wiseman said as an actor, he did not expect that he would be one of the people called to be a sangoma. "It is a very emotional day for me looking back at where I came from and where I am today. If my ancestors had not been protecting and guiding me, I would not be here, alive on this earth," he said, adding that, "That is why when people gather and discuss spiritual topics, I will not engage much or argue. I know who I am and why I am here. I respect my ancestors."

Wiseman Mncube cleansing at the river 

HONOURING HIS ANCESTORS

Wiseman said when he faces hard times, he does his traditional rituals. "I go in my shrine, talk to them, and pray," he said. Before accepting his calling he never saw himself being a sangoma. "I was a young man living my life, never thought it would happen to me. I refused and ran from it but I eventually couldn't run away from it and went for initiation," he said, adding that when he went to thwasa, change happened. "I got revelations while ephehlweni (at initiation)." Wiseman said he has since not backed down from believing in his ancestral calling. "I was able to do that and build my mom a house because I listened to the instructions from my ancestors. I also have a house here in Johannesburg through my ancestors. But you will never find me posting about my spirituality, but I know it is my ancestor feeding me and taking care of me. Even playing the role of UShaka is not just a job-it's because I am called to honour those people."