Ithwasanes are called by their ancestors to embody a past member of the family from their ancestral lines. The ancestors will pick someone in the family by making him or her sick. The only cure for these illnesses would be to undergo the process of initiation and the graduation ceremony. We follow the three day ceremony at the house of Mrs Shabango - a senior Sangoma, as she conducts a graduation ceremony on an Ithwasane who was sent to her by her ancestral spirits. There is no prescribed formula for these rituals. Through the song, dance and drumbeats, the spirits of the old gods inform Mrs Shabango how to proceed.

A shocking start sees the initiate's body being prepared. Using a razor blade, Mrs Shabango cuts the initiate's skin, focusing on the joints and the forehead. The scars will remain for the rest of her life as evidence of graduation. Burning herbs are applied to the initiate's body to give her power for the gruelling rituals she has to endure during the graduation ceremony. By inhaling the incense of the herbs, the ancestors gain entry to her soul and provide her with the gift of healing.

We see how the ancestral spirits manifest themselves through different forms and mediums as a goat is used for sacrifice. The initiate blows a brew of malt grain and medicine into the mouth and ears of the goat, making personal communication with her ancestors so they may grant their co -operation. The goat is forced to lie next to the initiate, and its behaviour depends on the response of the ancestor within it. The atmosphere is tense as her family wait in anticipation. If she fails this test, it shows her ancestors were not satisfied. Her family will be humiliated. There are cheers as the goat remains unconscious symbolising that the ritual is a success. Then follows the gruesome drink of the slaughtered goat's blood.

Once initiated, the Sangoma faces the ultimate test. A woman with the same ancestral lines is brought forward, who has several evil spirits within her and that have to be identified and expelled by the Sangoma. We watch as the Sangoma exorcises 6 spirits from her relative. The most significant spirit to be exorcised clearly resembles a dog, and the form and strength of this spirit is remarkably visible when entering the body of the Sangoma. Celebrations erupt as the Sangoma has displayed her true healing powers.

Now the ceremony is complete, she offers praise to her ancestors who chose her to become a Sangoma, and helped her complete the ceremony successfully. She is free to go to her home 350km away and practice the ancient tradition of healing.

This vivid, descriptive documentary offers a rare insight into the beliefs and traditions of a disappearing culture that has been an integral part of Africa since time began. The ways, methods and rituals of the African Traditional Healer are still very much the same as they were centuries ago. Through the eyes of the Sangoma, we have the rare opportunity to understand them .