Living in Peril: Witchcraft Suppression in the Northern Province, South Africa in the Twentieth Century Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

This thesis examines the prerogatives and anxieties that underwrote twentieth century witchcraft suppression legislation in the Northern Province of South Africa. I analyze witchcraft’s place in the political imaginaries of colonial, apartheid, and post-apartheid states and how witchcraft suppression policies weaponized their biases. More broadly, this thesis explores the subjectivity of evil, suffering, and fear.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Way of the World or The Way of Yours? 1

Chapter 1: Never Fear, the British are Here: Witchcraft Suppression in the Early-Twentieth Century 8

Chapter 2: Witchcraft Suppression and White Supremacy in the Age of Apartheid 27

Chapter 3: Which Side are You on: The Ralushai Commission and the ANC’s Witchcraft Problem 42

Conclusion: Dammed if You Do and Dammed if You Don’t: Witchcraft Suppression Post- Apartheid 57

Bibliography 64

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	History
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	History, African
Keyword	Witchcraft Witchcraft Suppression Witchcraft Violence South Africa Gender Colonialism
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Clifton Crais, Emory University
Committee Members	Irene Browne, Emory University Adriana Chira , Emory University

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