He or she gets an inspiration or has a dream in which he is called to visit a river, near a deep and quiet pool, alone. He is said to be called by the spirit king of the river, or the “Ingwenya,” or alligator, with a view to his destruction. He is, however, protected by his guardian spirits, “Iminyanga.” While he is at the river he is instructed by the “Ihili,” a sort of fairy who also guards his interests. He begins to see visions, and is supposed to have some intercourse with spirits. In this stage of his initiation, or as it is called “Ukutwasa,” he is known as “Elemishologu,” analogous to the condition of a medical student. He, however, does some practising on his own account even now.
Later he pays in kind or in service, a superior or full fledged doctor to complete his education; this stage being called “Uku penleleliva,” and eventually becomes a full fledged member of one or other or perhaps several of the numerous [[40]]classes of native doctors or “Amagqira” (singular, “Igqira”).
The fees paid to these “Amagqira” vary considerably. They usually take the form of cattle or other live stock or agricultural produce, and seem to depend on the case and the wealth of the individual seeking assistance.
The general plan is to pay fees as follows:—
1. A small fee, about 5s., to get him to speak.
2. The after payment to a regular practitioner is “Umkonto,” a visiting fee for diagnosing the disease or advising a specialist.
3. “Umlandu.” Fee for actual attendance, generally an animal, large or small; only given if the treatment proves successful.
A truly excellent method of remuneration, and which might be followed in more civilized communities.
This “Insanuse” is therefore a sage or diviner, who treats all kinds of disease, often by charms and incantations, calculated to drive out the evil spirits (for to him all disease is caused by “Umtagati,” or witchcraft), and frequently by the use of herbs and drugs. He does not practice surgery. [[41]]
A 2.