South Africa, like an other country has violent & traumatic deaths. What is of concern is how we handle the passing of a loved one and completing the circle of life. Ukuvala umkhokha (cleansing) - is important for both the remaining family and the deceased.

A thread.

Death is supposed to be natural. Violent death by stabbing, gun shot, car accident, drowning - requires a ritual in which a goat is used to cleanse the home and assist the deceased spirit to be welcomed on the other side.

Without this ritual the circle of life is open and balance between living and ancestral realm is out. Hence sometimes, other family members may suffer the same violent death.

The blood of the goat, cleanses and restores balance.

Left unchecked, this violent death/disease can filter down to the following generations. This is where in every generation there would be at least one to suffer this disease/death.

Eg. The eldest son/ daughter always being the victim.

A pattern will be there.

This also includes suicide. But that has more considerations which I will explore at a later stage.

So before I go into too many details, go home and ask the elders - how did we handle a violent/traumatic death in this family?