Trees and sun in Oregon. Photo: Jason Thomas Pitzl
News

Pagan Community Notes: South African radio show ridicules SAPRA founder, gathering in Niota, Tenn., and more!

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WILDERNESS EAST, WESTERN CAPE, South Africa – Last week, Damon Leff, founding director of South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA), editor-in-chief of Penton Independent Alternative Media, and a contributor to TWH was interviewed in a segment on Jacaranda FM, ”The Scenic Drive with Rian”. Leff was ridiculed and treated with disrespect. Leff issued the following statement to TWH regarding his experience:
 On Wednesday, 29 May, I appeared as an invited guest on ‘The Scenic Drive with Rian’. I was interviewed by Rian van Heerden and his team from 6 to 6.30pm. During the interview I was repeatedly ridiculed and mocked by [Rian] van Heerden and members of his team.

Paganism

The Fight to End “Witch-hunts” Continues

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Every year, the South African Pagan Rights Alliance Touchstone Advocacy runs a 30 day campaign to end “witch-hunts” and the accusations of “witchcraft” (see note below)  in South Africa. This year, the campaign runs from March 29 to April 27. The importance of campaigns like this cannot be overstated. SAPRA’s leadership with this campaign powerfully responds to a critical worldwide need for greater public awareness, education, and advocacy against “witch-hunts” that changes culture and ultimately save lives. The effects of being accused of practicing “witchcraft” can be devastating, even when it does not result in the death of the accused.

Culture

The Epidemic of “Witch Hunts” (part one)

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Part one of our two part interview with Damon Leff. Leff is a South African Pagan involved in education and advocacy for human rights and religious freedom. We spoke with him about the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) and the work it is doing.

News

In wake of witchcraft accusations, concerns rise over religious regulation in South Africa

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PRETORIA, South Africa –A self-styled prophet and leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering is being sued because he accused a businessperson of being a witch on live television, and some South African Pagans fear the case may bolster a push to regulate religion. If that were to come to pass, members of minority traditional and Pagan groups may be disproportionately affected in this country. Witchcraft is a complicated topic throughout Africa. Witch accusations can lead to violence, arising out of negative associations made to traditional practices. The emergence of Neopagan movements such as Wicca make the use of the word “witch” all the more confusing.