Witchcraft practices have existed for many centuries. It was said that in early times, men used the idea of ​​magic to pay homage to the gods who ruled and offered an easier life. Magic was used primarily by shamans, sorcerers, and witches to invoke the powers of the gods to help grow crops and bring water. Magic was used more often when times were tough and it grew due to bad weather and low food supplies. These people who practiced witchcraft performed rituals and cast spells to help invoke the gods. As time went on the use of witches and witchcraft became harsh and people saw less and less of it. “Witches, who were primarily women, were originally seen as wise healers who could both nurture and destroy; this belief in their power, however, ultimately led to fear, and this often forced witches to live as outcasts” (Ashforth, 2005). Because witchcraft has been around for so many years, it has established itself as a traditional ritual in many different countries around the world. world. In South Africa, one who performed witchcraft rituals was known as a witch doctor and was described as a healer who diagnosed and cured illnesses. To better explain the implications of witchcraft in South Africa, I will analyze the book Ethnography, Witchcraft, Violence and Democracy in South Africa written by Adam Ashforth. Ashforth first visited Soweto in South Africa in 1990 and was fascinated by the culture and politics growing there. Ashforth intended to study the transition to a democracy, but during his research he came across a much bigger problem, the presence of witches. Ashforth then shifted the focus of his research to witchcraft and the dangers or spiritual insecurity related to witchcraft.... .middle of paper......Witchcraft is something that will remain an important aspect in many cultures throughout the world. Many cultures believe in many different traditions and behaviors that they are accustomed to and will never be able to let go of them. Witchcraft in Soweto has had a great impact on residents and their daily lives. Challenges related to spiritual insecurities and post-apartheid society have made it very difficult to modernize the city, which they are desperately trying to do. The ethnography was very detailed and covered a wide range of issues arising in Soweto. I think Ashforth does a great job examining the issues and spreading awareness of the seriousness of witchcraft. To others it may seem like an easy solution to solving the witch issue. It just shows how different we are from the many cultures out there, even though we are all still human.