Witchcraft in Ga-Rankuwa Township: An African Perspective
Mwansa Claude Kimpinde 
Issue: Vol.6 No.8 Article 3 pp.1321 – 1335
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2025683 | Published online 11th July, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This study explored the cultural and social significance of witchcraft beliefs and practices in Ga-Rankuwa Township, South Africa, through an African perspective. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined academic literature, ethnographic research, and community engagement to provide a comprehensive understanding of witchcraft as a complex phenomenon. The findings revealed that witchcraft operates at the intersection of traditional beliefs, social dynamics, and spiritual worldviews, significantly influencing community interactions and individual behaviours. Discussions highlight how these beliefs shape social relationships, conflict resolution, and coping mechanisms within the community. Based on the insights gained, the study recommends fostering open dialogues within the community to address misconceptions about witchcraft and promote understanding between traditional beliefs and modern perspectives. This research contributes to scholarship by offering a nuanced understanding of witchcraft in contemporary African contexts, emphasizing its relevance in social and cultural dynamics. It also highlights the importance of integrating traditional beliefs into broader discussions on mental health and community well-being, thereby enriching the discourse on spirituality and social cohesion in African societies.
Keywords: Witchcraft, Ga-Rankuwa Township, African Perspective
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Rev. Dr. Mwansa Claude Kimpinde holds a PhD in Practical theology – Pastoral care and Counselling at University of Pretoria-South Africa, a Master of Arts in Theology (MA Th PT) in Practical Theology from the University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Art honours Theology with specialisation in Practical Theology (BA Hon PTh) from the university of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Theology Degree (BTh) from the Theological Education by Extension College (TEEC) in South Africa, a Diploma in Practical Theology from Emmaus Road Ministry School, Texas-USA, a Degree in Accounting and Financial Management, from the High School of Commerce (ISC- Kinshasa) in the Republic Democratic of Congo, a Diploma in banking and insurance: sales associate, from GRETA MTE-94 in France. He is a research fellow in the Department of Biblical study at the University of Free State, South Africa. He is also a Research associate at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and at Wesley House, Cambridge, UK, is an Advance Religious Specialist in Christian Pastoral Counselling, ACRP-CPSC D0588/2019, South Africa. He is a former minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, currently a Presbyter in the Methodist church of Great Britain, UK and a member of the British & Irish Association for Practical Theology, UK. He is a member of Society for Practical Theology in South Africa (SPTSA), is a member of The British & Irish Association for Practical Theology (BIAPT)., is a member of the South African Association of PHDs (SAAPhDs), he is a member of The Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies (TOIMTS). Dr. MC. Kimpinde research interest is in Practical Theology in the sub-discipline of Pastoral care and counselling focusing on the interplay of Western and African perspectives of counselling and mental illness (individual, relationship, pre-and post-marital, trauma, pastoral, depression, spiritual, sexual, gender equality, gender violence).
Kimpinde, Mwansa Claude. “Witchcraft in Ga-Rankuwa Township: An African Perspective,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no.8 (2025): 1321 – 1335. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2025683
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
