Abstract
M.A.
Believing in misfortune is sometimes considered regarded as barbaric and superstitious. Regardless of how these practices are perceived, people strongly believe in the existence of misfortune and bad luck. The occurrence of misfortune is often attributed to a wide range of sources, such as ancestors, river people, pollution and witches. Together the river people, the ancestors, pollution and witchcraft provide an explanation for evil and misfortune. Misfortune can therefore arise from one, or a combination of these four, or additionally from natural, and/or non-natural means. Misfortune is not only an interesting concept but also problematic to those who believe in it. Misfortune can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. In other words it becomes real in their lives and it directly influences them. Preventive strategies for evil and misfortune are as different as the causes. The kinds of experiences of misfortune that are taken as data are bodily conditions, failures and losses.
A qualitative study was conducted at Harmony Gold’s Doornkop Shaft near Soweto and Sir Albert Medical Centre a nearby situated medical facility for specifically mine related injuries and health issues in Randfontein, to determine how mineworkers perceive and experience misfortune and if they do, how they explain it and deal with it? The target population was underground mineworkers because according to Xhosa custom (isithethe) one is prohibited from working underground because it is a sacred place of the dead. Whenever therefore they go down, that symbolises death and in some cases they would be regarded as people who are shaking the bones of ancestors. Working underground therefore makes one prone to accidents, illness and misfortune. The project also examines the rituals of migrants which serve as a form of preventing misfortune and ensuring good health. It is argued that working underground is a violent experience. The miners struggle with the environment, heat, falling of rocks, unnatural conditions and bad air. However, this project points out the importance of solidarity among underground workers more especially during accidents where they become a source of inspiration to one another and rescue each other before the emergency services reach them.
Prof. Anton Senekal