Written by: Mfundo Knowledge Mthembu

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) held an in-depth discussion on religion and African traditional beliefs at the ML Sultan Campus on Friday, 18^th August.

The Department of Student Housing and Residence Life hosted public influencers to shed light with students and members of the public regarding issues about religion and culture.

Traditional healers, pastors, members of the public and students gathered at the event which aimed to raise funds for food security for students living at DUT residences.

Radio personality and businessman, Alex Mthiyane hosted the proceeding of the debate while other delegates went head-to-head enagging on the debate.

Acting Dean of Students Malusi Nxumalo said, “Part of the things that the Vice Chancellor has commended to the institution as part of the strategy and imperatives, one of them is to encourage public lecturers.”

Amongst the panelists was Bishop Vusi Dube who spoke on behalf of christians. Also present was Themba Masinga from the Shembe congragation, Sifiso Duma who represented the Muslim religion, and traditional healer Mbuso ‘3 Cent’ Makhathini.

“When you speak about religion, you speak basically about all the faiths and beliefs that people believe in,” said Dube. “When we are talking about religion, we are talking about different ways where people are seeking a relationship with God.”

Makhathini is famously known in and around Durban for his work and although he is a traditional healer, he also believes in God.

“My duty is to build the nation through herbs. So, what can I say is that I am not a witch doctor but a traditional healer,” said Makhathini.

Panelists also touched on the superiority competition between traditional and western medicine.

“When it comes to politics and economics where supremacy is more about collecting economy and swaying it to the West, that is where you would find a statement that says go to the medical doctor not the traditional doctor. Because the money that is needed is to feed the particular sector of our society,” said Ukhozi FM Principal Writer and Contributor, Lungisani Mavundla.

The event was one of many still to come.

“We are hoping that this will happen more often to ensure that more funds are raised as this was the beginning. The more funds we raise, the more students will be assisted through this initiative,” said Celiwe Chemane, Walsingham Residence Advisor.

Caption: Mlekeleli Mbanjwa, Lungisani Mavundla and Doctor Dlamini At The Simplified Talk At Cane Growers Hall.