Women and witchcraft practices in South Africa: An intersectional analysis of selected isiZulu fiction

Abstract

Drawing on Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, the article closely reads the interplay of race, gender and class in shaping female identities and experiences with witchcraft in selected isiZulu creative literature. We use a qualitative research approach in conjunction with thematic analysis as a data collection tool to extract recurring themes from the chosen novels. The study identifies overlapping themes regarding the representation of black South African women and witchcraft practices as depicted in the novels under examination. These themes illuminate the intersection of race, gender and class in constructing black female identities within cultural discourses. Contribution: This study contributes to scholarship on the literary works of B.J. Dube, Mandla Nxumalo, Christian Msimang, Langalibalele Mathenjwa, E.D.M. Sibiya, M.J. Mngadi and Mjajisi Wanda. It further adds to post-structural feminism in the field of African literature studies by analysing how race, gender and class converge in shaping the lived experiences of South African black women accused of witchcraft in isiZulu novels. By examining these themes, the study highlights how social power structures influence the construction of black female identities within South African cultural landscapes.

Keywords

• identities
• intersectionality
• kimberlé crenshaw
• south african women
• witchcraft.