The family of the late renowned traditional healer Dr Sylvester Hlati has expressed shock and disappointment after vandals damaged a statue erected in his honour at his headquarters in Malamulele, only months after his passing.
Hlati’s widow, Rhandzu Hlati, said the family discovered the damage about two weeks ago, although it may have occurred earlier. Parts of the statue — including the right hand and the spear in the left hand — were broken off, leaving the family devastated.
“We never thought people could stoop so low as to persecute the legacy of a man who helped so many people during his lifetime,” she said.
Hlati added that the incident raised concerns about the monument’s safety. “I am very disappointed and have no idea who could be behind this. People can be heartless and we now feel the statue is no longer safe where it stands,” she said.
Because of the damage and security concerns, the family is considering relocating the statue. “I am left with no option but to relocate it to his university, where it will be much safer. I am appealing to anyone who can assist in moving this massive statue, because I do not have the means to relocate it on my own,” she said.
Dr Hlati, who passed away last year, was widely respected across Limpopo and beyond for his work as a traditional healer and spiritual guide. Based in Malamulele, with branches across the country, he built a reputation for assisting people seeking traditional healing, counselling and spiritual intervention.
Apart from his healing work, Hlati was known for mentoring young traditional healers and promoting the preservation of indigenous healing practices. Despite the vandalism of his statue, his family says his legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.