UP’s Department of Religion Studies recently hosted an enriching multidisciplinary event that provided first-hand insight into African traditional religions.

University of Pretoria (UP) first-year Religion Studies students were treated to a unique interdisciplinary academic event within the Department of Religion Studies last week, where the realms of religion and traditional healing converged in a thought-provoking dialogue.

Iwana Hartmann, a lecturer and doctoral candidate within the department, coordinated the event, which featured Thabisile Mtshali, an LLM student within the Department of Jurisprudence in UP’s Faculty of Law, as guest presenter.

“Miss Mtshali captivated the audience with her insightful presentation on African traditional religions, delving into their distinctive characteristics and diverse expressions, and shedding light on the intricate process of ancestral reverence,” Hartman said. “Drawing from her rich background as a traditional healer, she provided unique perspectives on the subject matter.”

Adding to the immersive experience, Mtshali curated a small exhibition showcasing religious items of significance to her practice and belief system. The event garnered tremendous enthusiasm from students. This was evident in their early arrival and active participation during the discussion, which was extended by nearly 30 minutes. Mtshali’s dual role as a law scholar and a traditional healer sparked a heightened level of curiosity and engagement among attendees, including students from Groenkloof campus who also joined the event.

“My hope is that this dialogue not only enriched their understanding of African traditional religions, but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the cultural and spiritual heritage embedded within them,” Mtshali said.

Professor Jaco Beyers, Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Theology and Religion, commended Hartmann and Mtshali for orchestrating an insightful event. He advocated for ongoing interdisciplinary collaborations, urging faculties across UP to embrace similar initiatives.

“As a faculty, we are open to collaborating with anyone,” he said. “We would like to see more of events such as these across the board so that we may offer our students a richer learning experience with a comprehensive understanding of their respective disciplines, while also nurturing a broader worldview conducive to appreciating and valuing diverse perspectives.”