The extraordinary Khotso

Unraveling the mysteries surrounding a South African medicine man while recognizing a remarkable figure who has been left out of the history books, this biography explores the life of Khotso Sethundsa, an enigmatic herbalist who created an eccentric kingdom around himself--and was rumored to control a large fortune. Legend held that he had spiritual contact with Paul Kruger, and some people claimed that leading Afrikaner nationalist politicians came to him for potions that bestowed sexual and political powers. He also was thought to have a an occult spiritual pact with a mermaid, and even after his death many thought he still exerted a dangerous magic. Featuring interviews with people who knew him, as well as an analysis of the traditional folklore that may have crept into these stories, this book presents the real Khotso Sethundsa, who, despite his lack of occult powers, traveled in high circles all the same.

Khotso Sethuntsa, the near-legendary medicine man, was believed to be a worker of powerful and dangerous magic. Khotso was renowned and feared throughout South Africa and beyond, even after his death in 1972. He created a fabulous eccentric kingdom around himself.Khotso Sethuntsa, the near-legendary medicine man, was believed to be a worker of powerful and dangerous magic. Khotso was renowned and feared throughout South Africa and beyond, even after his death in 1972. He created a fabulous eccentric kingdom around himself. He has been surrounded by mystery: the origins of his fortune and the extent of his powers shrouded in secrecy. This title takes us into the world of one of southern Africa's best-known herbalists. Khotso was famed, especially, as a seller of ibangalala, a herbal remedy for sexual potency, and ukuthwala, a terrifying procedure for acquiring long-term wealth. Also, he claimed to be in spiritual contact with Paul Kruger, hinting that his fortune derived from the long-lost Kruger millions. Meanwhile, leading Afrikaner Nationalists politicians, including H.F.Verwoed and J.G.Strijdom, sought Khotso out - for his medicines for political power, it has been said. Some believed that Khotso had entered into an occult pact with the mamlambo, the seductive mermaid woman who grants wealth at a terrible price. It is rumoured that the tragic twists and turns in his life sprung from this. Yet, as one of his many wives said, he was, too, "a lively, joking medicine man who loved money, sex and laughter." This title unravels many of the mysteries surrounding Khotso Sethuntsa. It explores his unique empire and tracks his extraordinary career.