Do many South Africans still believe today in the supernatural, bad magic, witchcraft, witches and evil demons?

Abstract

Aims:The aim of the study is to determine if a significant number of South Africans believe in the supernatural. Method: The exploratory and descriptive method was used to research the belief system regarding the supernatural, bad magic, witchcraft and demons. The findings were offered in narrative form. Results: It seems as if the New South Africa has indeed embraced the upholding of beliefs in the supernatural, witchcraft and evil demons as encapsulated in Act No 22, which includes the official management and practices around such phenomena in South African daily life by the main role player, the traditional healer (statutorily to be known in future as "traditional health practitioner"). Conclusions: There is an established community of believers in the supernatural in South Africa. With Act No 22 this community will be assured of support as well as the opportunity to promote such beliefs as a health science.