10 South African Superstitions That Are Almost Too Wild To Believe
From river mermaids to seven-headed snakes, the stories that still haunt our rivers, mountains and villages.
Folklore • Fear • Mystery
South Africa is a land of multiple cultures, languages and traditions – so it makes sense that it is also
a land of unforgettable superstitions. Beneath the orange glow of a sunset and the rolling sound of the
ocean, you will still hear stories that travel from one generation to the next: stories of
mermaids hiding in rivers, giant snakes living under lakes, and
seven-headed monsters that guard secret places.
Whether you believe them or not, these tales shape how people behave: where they walk, when they travel,
and how they treat the natural world. Below are ten South African superstitions that many people quietly
respect – even if they laugh while they tell you the story.
1. The River Mermaid of Tugela Ferry
In many communities, rivers are not just flowing water – they are spiritual gateways. In KwaZulu-Natal,
around the town of Tugela Ferry, stories circulate about a mermaid-like being that is
said to dwell in the river. Some describe it as half-human, half-fish; others say it has hair made of
water and eyes that shine like moonlight on the river’s surface.
According to local superstition, this river mermaid can lure people, especially children, into the water.
If you swim in certain spots at the wrong time, particularly at dusk, you may feel “pulled” under by
invisible hands. When people mysteriously drown, some elders still whisper that
“umlamu wasemfuleni” – the river mermaid – has taken another life.
As unbelievable as it sounds, the fear is powerful enough that older family members still warn children
not to play near the river, and they time washing, fishing and crossings according to these beliefs.
2. Giant Lake Snakes That Swallow Boats
Another widespread superstition is that some deep dams and lakes hide enormous snakes
beneath their calm surface. The story goes that these creatures are not like ordinary pythons – they are
ancient, spiritual beings that can cause whirlpools, storms and sudden waves.
Fishermen and people who live near certain dams may tell you about boats that “simply disappeared” when
the water was perfectly still. Instead of blaming currents or weather, they blame the giant snake that
lives below. Children grow up hearing that they must greet the water respectfully or throw a coin into
the dam before crossing it, so that the snake does not get offended.
Scientifically, there is no proof of such monsters – but the superstition continues to shape behaviour,
especially around unfamiliar or very deep bodies of water.
3. The Seven-Headed Snake of Rivers and Waterfalls
One of the most dramatic beliefs in Southern African folklore is the story of the
seven-headed snake. This creature is said to live in forbidden pools, under waterfalls,
or deep bends in rivers. Each head can look in a different direction, which means you can never surprise
it – it always sees you coming.
For some, the seven-headed snake is a symbol of powerful ancestral spirits that punish those who disrespect
sacred places. For others, it is linked to witchcraft: a creature “sent” by someone who wants to cause
misfortune. People may avoid bathing, washing clothes or herding cattle near places rumoured to be its home.
Even if you laugh at the idea of a snake with seven heads, you may still hesitate before swimming in a deep,
dark pool in the mountains after hearing this story at night.
4. Whistling at Night Invites Spirits – Or Snakes
Many South African households share the same rule: do not whistle at night. Some say it
attracts snakes; others say it calls wandering spirits. In rural areas, children may be sternly warned that
if they whistle after dark, something unseen will whistle back from the bushes.
The superstition might have practical roots – keeping children quiet at night and discouraging them from
roaming outside – but over time, it has gained a mystical edge. The idea that a whistle could “open a door”
between this world and the spiritual realm is deeply unsettling, even to people who consider themselves
modern and rational.
So if you find a South African suddenly serious when you whistle after sunset, just know you may be brushing
up against an old fear.
5. Lightning That “Follows” Certain People
In some communities, it is believed that lightning can be controlled or “sent” by people with powerful
spiritual knowledge. When a house is struck, especially more than once, elders may whisper that someone
has used lightning to attack that family.
People might avoid standing near certain individuals during a storm, believing that the person is
“followed by lightning”. It sounds impossible in scientific terms, but the fear is real enough that
families invest in lightning rods, charms, or spiritual protection rituals to keep their homes safe.
The combination of very real summer storms and long-standing beliefs makes this superstition one of the
hardest to shake off, even for people who fully understand weather science.
6. Invisible Short People Who Cause Mischief
Across Southern Africa, there are tales of small, magical beings – sometimes described as
very short people who are almost invisible. They are said to live in forests, mountains
or abandoned places and are blamed for missing items, strange noises on the roof, or unexplained knocks
on windows at night.
Some versions of the story are playful – these beings are like pranksters. Other versions are darker,
suggesting they are controlled through witchcraft to bring luck, money or harm. The idea that a tiny,
human-like creature can be “sent” to steal or spy is frightening, especially when people already feel
powerless about crime or poverty.
Even if no one has captured one, the superstition survives in the language people use to explain misfortune.
7. Owls as Messengers of Death or Witchcraft
In Western stories, owls are often wise and noble. In many South African communities, however, an owl
perched on your roof at night can be a sign of witchcraft or approaching death. Its call,
especially if repeated, is taken as a warning that something bad is coming.
People might chase the owl away, pray, or burn certain herbs to protect the household. A perfectly natural
event – a nocturnal bird hunting in the area – becomes charged with deep fear. This superstition is so
strong that some children grow up terrified of owls, even though they play an important role in controlling
rodents and maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
Conservationists often have to work patiently with communities to separate superstition from ecological fact.
8. Never Sweep Over Someone’s Feet
A lighter but still emotional superstition says that if you sweep over someone’s feet with a broom,
they will never get married. In many homes, you will see people quickly lifting their legs when
someone sweeps near them – just in case.
On the surface, it is a funny, harmless belief. But it also reflects the enormous cultural pressure around
marriage and family. Young people, especially women, may already face questions about when they will marry,
so they do not want to take any “chances” with a broom and an old warning from their grandmother.
It might sound ridiculous, but it remains one of the most commonly repeated superstitions in many South
African households.
9. Turning Back After Seeing Certain Animals
In some traditions, seeing particular animals when you start a journey is considered a bad sign. A snake
crossing the road, a black cat, or a certain type of bird flying low can all be read as warnings.
People might decide to delay their trip, change direction, or stop completely. When accidents do happen on
the road, the story may later include, “We saw that bird, but we didn’t listen.” The superstition becomes
a way to process tragedy and make sense of events that feel random and unfair.
Even in modern cities, it is not unusual to hear older relatives quietly suggest postponing travel if the
“signs” do not feel right.
10. Rivers and Crossroads as Spiritual Highways
Many South African superstitions are tied to specific places – especially rivers and crossroads.
These are seen as spiritual “highways” where different energies meet. People may be warned never to pick
up money found at a crossroads or near the riverbank, because it might be bait in a spiritual trap.
At night, some believe that ancestors and other spirits move more freely along these paths. That is why
certain cleansing, healing or protection rituals happen at rivers or where two roads meet. The superstition
can feel heavy, especially if you walk home alone after dark and remember all the stories you heard as a
child.
Even people who no longer “believe” in these things may show quiet respect: pausing, greeting the space, or
simply walking faster past these places.
Why These Superstitions Refuse to Die
Stories of mermaids, giant snakes and seven-headed monsters may sound unbelievable, but they answer deep
human questions: Why did this tragedy happen? How can we protect our family? What forces are bigger than us?
Superstitions help explain the unexplained and give people a sense of control in a world that can feel cruel
and unpredictable. They also carry cultural wisdom: warnings about dangerous rivers, respect for nature,
and the importance of community guidance from elders.
You do not have to believe every story. But understanding them helps you understand the people who tell
them – and the landscapes, rivers and night skies that shaped those stories over generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About South African Superstitions
1. Do people in South Africa really believe in river mermaids and giant snakes?
Belief levels differ. Some people take these stories literally, while others see them as metaphors,
warnings or cultural legends. Even those who laugh at the stories may still respect the “rules”
– like not swimming alone at certain spots or avoiding the river at night – because they grew up
hearing them.
2. Is there any scientific proof for mermaids or seven-headed snakes in South Africa?
No. From a scientific point of view, there is no evidence that mermaids or seven-headed snakes exist
in South Africa or anywhere else. These beings belong to the world of folklore and spiritual belief,
not biology. However, real dangers like strong currents, underwater plants and deep water may be
“explained” through these stories.
3. Why are rivers and lakes so central in South African superstitions?
Water is essential for life but also dangerous. Rivers and lakes provide drinking water, food and
cleansing – yet they can quickly become deadly during floods or storms. Over time, people connected
these unpredictable forces with spirits, mermaids and water snakes to explain both the blessings and
tragedies that come from water.
4. Are these superstitions the same across all South African cultures?
No. South Africa has many cultures and language groups, each with its own stories, names and meanings.
Some themes repeat – like snakes, rivers, owls and lightning – but the details, rituals and
interpretations can differ from one community to another.
5. Why do some people still fear owls and lightning, even if they know the science?
Logic and emotion do not always move at the same speed. A person can understand weather, electricity
and animal behaviour, but still feel uneasy because of childhood stories and community beliefs.
Superstitions live in memory, language and emotion – not just in facts.
6. Are superstitions always harmful?
Not always. Some superstitions encourage caution – like staying away from dangerous rivers, respecting
storms, or avoiding travelling when your gut feeling says “no”. Problems arise when superstitions
create fear, stigma or violence, such as blaming vulnerable people for witchcraft.
7. How do young South Africans relate to these old beliefs?
Many young people mix modern thinking with cultural respect. They might joke about mermaids and giant
snakes on social media, yet still avoid whistling at night or sweeping over someone’s feet out of
habit. Others actively challenge superstitions that they feel hold communities back.
8. Is it disrespectful to question or reject these superstitions?
Questioning beliefs is part of personal growth, but how you do it matters. Mocking elders or ridiculing
cultural stories can damage relationships. Asking curious, respectful questions – and listening to the
history behind each superstition – is usually a better way to engage.
9. Do these beliefs exist only in rural areas?
No. While some superstitions are stronger in rural communities, they are also present in townships,
suburbs and cities. People carry their stories with them when they move, and new versions of old beliefs
often appear in urban life as well.
10. How can someone respect these traditions while still thinking critically?
You can honour the cultural value of stories, listen to elders, and recognise the emotional comfort that
superstitions offer – while also using science, evidence and healthy skepticism to guide your decisions.
Respect does not mean you must believe everything; it means engaging thoughtfully with the worldviews
that shaped the people around you.