As Halloween draws near, I can’t help but feel it is appropriate to share some of the eerie stories that are woven into the very fabric of South African folklore. Growing up here, I’ve always been fascinated by the chilling myths and legends that have been passed down through generations—stories of mysterious creatures, ghostly apparitions, and dark, mystical forces that shape our culture and history. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into some of South Africa’s most captivating and spine-tingling tales—stories that blur the line between reality and the unknown.
Disclaimer: Please be advised that this blog explores themes of death, murder, ghostly encounters, witchcraft, and other supernatural elements that might be unsettling for some readers. These stories are part of our cultural heritage and should be approached with respect for the traditions and beliefs of the communities that have passed them down. Reader discretion is advised
1. The Impundulu (Lightning Bird)
One of the most chilling creatures in South African folklore is the Impundulu, or “lightning bird.” This mythical bird, which originates from Xhosa folklore, has the terrifying ability to summon thunderstorms and lightning with the mere flapping of its wings. Some versions of the tale suggest that the Impundulu is associated with witchcraft, created by witches to take revenge on their enemies. Descriptions vary, with some saying the bird is white with red wings, legs, and tail, while others describe it as a black-and-white creature. Often considered a death omen, this bird is said to cause harm, disease, and sometimes death to its targets.
For a more in-depth look at the Impundulu, check out this source: Auden Johnson – The Lightning Bird
2. The Mysterious Heidelberg Jail Ghosts
Heidelberg Jail, located in the small town of Heidelberg in South Africa, is famous not only for its historic significance but also for its ghostly inhabitants. Originally built in the 1800s, parts of the prison were once a hospital. With so many lives lost within its walls, it’s said that not all the souls have left. Those brave enough to visit claim to have encountered eerie apparitions and strange noises that send chills down their spines. Could it be the restless spirits of those who passed away in the hospital still haunting the jail?
3. Governor van Noodt’s Curse
Have you heard the one about Governor van Noodt? This is another chilling tale that has been passed down through the walls of South Africa’s Castle of Good Hope. According to legend, van Noodt, while overseeing the hanging of several soldiers he had ordered to be executed, was cursed by one of the men before his death. The curse was said to condemn him to an afterlife trapped within the castle—a place where he had imprisoned and tortured many others during his reign.
Urban legends claim that van Noodt’s ghost still roams the halls of the Castle of Good Hope today. Visitors to the castle have reported feeling a sudden chill or an eerie sensation, as if someone is watching them. It’s said that the ghost casts a keen eye over those who dare enter, looking on as though observing the condemned once more. So, if you ever find yourself in the Castle of Good Hope, keep an eye out for an unsettling figure in the shadows. The Castle has a host of other ghosts which supposedly haunt it’s halls and even if you do not believe in ghosts it is a good spot to visit to learn more about South Africa’s history.
4. Vera: The Hitchhiking Ghost
Vera, also known by different names across South Africa, is a ghostly figure that appears as a hitchhiker, particularly to men driving alone at night. She’s described as a beautiful woman who, when picked up, directs her driver to a housing estate. However, when the man wakes up the next morning, he finds himself in Avalin Cemetery, a place notorious for its eerie atmosphere. In Durban, Vera’s cousin is said to haunt Botha’s Hill, where she causes drivers to lose control of their vehicles and veer off the dangerous road, leading to their demise. The chilling nature of Vera’s ghostly presence makes her one of South Africa’s most terrifying legends.
Check out this video about Vera’s haunting tale: Vera’s Story
5. The Inkanyamba of Howick Falls
South Africa’s Howick Falls is home to a legendary creature called the Inkanyamba, a giant serpent-like creature that dwells in the waters below the falls. According to local folklore, the Inkanyamba has the ability to control the weather, particularly storms. It is said that the creature appears during times of heavy rainfall, and some even claim to have seen its massive head emerge from the water. The Inkanyamba is a key figure in the culture and mythology of the Zulu people and adds a layer of mystery to the already breathtaking Howick Falls. To learn more about this legendary creature, check out this article: The Howick Falls Monster
6. The Pinky Pinky
The legend of Pinky Pinky struck fear into the hearts of schoolchildren across South Africa in the 1990s, and I heard this story countless times. According to the tale, Pinky Pinky is a half-man, half-woman creature that lurks in bathrooms. The story circulated widely in schools, leaving many children terrified of encountering it in the school restrooms. Some versions claimed that if you lit a matchstick and said the name “Pinky Pinky” three times, the creature would appear, while others suggested that wearing pink underwear would summon it. This myth sparked mass hysteria in several schools, with kids bolting out of bathrooms in sheer panic. As a South African woman, I find this legend particularly intriguing, especially given our country’s high levels of gender-based violence. The story may reflect a deeper societal fear of sexual assault in public restrooms. It is a very popular myth and has also been turned into a film.
For more details on this spooky legend, check out: The Legend of Pinky Pinky
7. The Highway Sheila
Another eerie tale is the one of Highway Sheila, a man who dresses as a woman at night to lure children into danger. This legend is often told to warn children about the dangers of being out too late. It is said that Highway Sheila would entice children walking alone at night, only to capture them and take them to a horrible fate. Some versions suggest that she is an omen of bad luck or death. This story serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of staying safe at night. It might also be linked to transphobia. There is a film featuring this story but I have not watch it.
8. The Kammappa: The Swallowing Beast
In Sotho folklore, the Kammappa is a monstrous creature that swallows everything in its path. As it consumes more, it grows larger. This terrifying beast is often described as a force of nature, unstoppable and voracious. Some versions of the legend suggest that the Kammappa may even devour entire villages, growing more and more powerful with every creature it consumes.
For more about this creature, you can read more here: Kammappa – The Swallowing Beast
To read the folklore story click here.
9. Mantjiesfontein: The Haunted Hotel
I had a personal encounter with one of South Africa’s reputedly haunted locations—the Lord Milner Hotel, located in Mantjiesfontein. While staying there, I had a strange experience that left me wondering whether I had encountered a ghost. My sister and I were walking down the hallway when a door mysteriously opened on its own. Although I didn’t see or hear anything unusual, the door clearly opened by itself, and we both stood there in stunned silence. It’s said that Mantjiesfontein is haunted because of its history; many soldiers died there, possibly adding to the ghostly atmosphere. The hotel’s long history of battles and loss seems to have created an eerie energy that still lingers to this day. However I highly recommend visiting the Lord Milner Hotel it serves delicious foods and has a cute bar. The staff is extremely friendly and I went by train which added to the whole experience.
10. Sakabula: The Monster Under the Bed
Sakabula is a terrifying creature from South African folklore that hides under children’s beds at night. It is said to devour children while they sleep, with some stories describing its grotesque appearance, including having testicles on its chin. Parents have long used the legend of Sakabula to scare their children into behaving and staying in their beds at night.
11. Trunko: The Sea Monster of Margate
Trunko is a legendary sea creature that was reportedly spotted in Margate, South Africa in 1924. Described as a massive, unidentified lump of flesh or a “globster,” Trunko was said to be a sea creature of unknown origin. Its discovery caused quite a stir in the local community, and many speculated whether it was a new species of whale or a previously unknown marine animal. To learn more about this bizarre creature, check out the full story: Trunko – The Margate Monster
12. Charlie Charlie/ Glassie Glassie Challenge
If you think the creepy tales of ghosts and mythical creatures are limited to older folklore, think again. A recent game called the Charlie Charlie Challenge has sent chills through schools, especially in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where teenagers are attempting to summon a demon named Charlie.
The game, similar to the old Glassie Glassie game, involves balancing two pencils on top of each other on a piece of paper with “Yes” and “No” written on it. Players ask the spirit of “Charlie” if it is present, and the pencils allegedly move in response, suggesting a supernatural force is at play. This is something I never even tried to play. I am not summoning anything whether it is just a silly game or not I refused to push my luck.
13. The Ghostly Crew of The Flying Dutchman
Off the coast of South Africa, particularly near the treacherous waters around the Cape of Good Hope, sailors speak in hushed tones about the ghostly sightings of the Flying Dutchman, a legendary ghost ship cursed to sail the seas for eternity. According to maritime folklore, the ship and its cursed crew are doomed to forever try and round the Cape, no matter how many years pass. The tale began in the 17th century when Captain Hendrick van der Decken, a Dutch sea captain, made a reckless vow to round the Cape of Good Hope, no matter the stormy conditions. He famously declared, “I’ll round this Cape or die in the attempt!” This arrogant challenge was met with disaster—van der Decken’s ship and crew were cursed, and now, sightings of the Flying Dutchman appear in the stormiest of waters. Sailors claim to see the eerie ship sailing just ahead of them, always out of reach, as though mocking their every attempt to escape its spectral presence. The ship’s appearance is said to signal impending doom, with sailors who glimpse the phantom vessel often meeting an untimely end. So, next time you’re sailing near the Cape, keep a wary eye on the horizon—who knows what may be lurking out there.
14. The Burgher and His Deal with the Devil
Another chilling South African legend tells of a burgher—one of the early Dutch settlers—who struck a dangerous bargain with the devil himself. Desiring fame, fortune, and power, this burgher made a deal: he would challenge the devil to a smoking contest, claiming that he could outsmoke him. The devil, eager to claim another soul, agreed. The two men sat down in a secluded area, each with a pipe in hand, puffing away furiously. As the smoke billowed around them, the devil’s form began to distort and writhe with increasing intensity, while the burgher remained calm, his resolve unwavering. However, despite the burgher’s determination, the contest grew increasingly sinister. The more smoke the burgher inhaled, the more the air grew heavy, thick with malice. In the end, the devil could not be outdone, and as the burgher took one final puff, the ground beneath him opened up, and he was dragged into the fiery abyss, forever bound by the terms of his foolish wager. To this day, the legend serves as a grim reminder of the price one might pay when tempting fate—and the devil himself.
15. Oupa groentjie
Oupa Groentjie is a legend often told to misbehaving children to encourage them to eat their vegetables and go to bed on time. According to the story, if you didn’t finish your dinner or stayed up too late, Oupa Groentjie would come and take you away in the night. I remember being told this tale as a child, and it certainly made me think twice about skipping dinner!
16. Tokoloshe
In South Africa, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature believed to haunt individuals at night, often associated with witchcraft and black magic. Described as a small, hairy, goblin-like figure, it is said to cause psychological, physical, and sexual harm to its victims while they sleep. The tokoloshe has also become a subject of pop culture, with several films, including the most recent Tokoloshe listed on IMDb. Interestingly, you can even purchase “tokoloshe banishing salts” from online stores like Cosmetic Connection, a beauty product retailer. This shows how deeply embedded the tokoloshe myth is in both local culture and modern commerce.
References:
- The Lightning Bird – Auden Johnson
- Heidelberg Jail Ghosts – YouTube
- The Howick Falls Monster – Howick Village
- The Collector – 7 Fascinating South African Myths
- Kammappa – Wikipedia
- Trunko – Wikipedia
- Glassie glassie-News 24
- Zimkhitha Sibam-Twalo and Yaseen Ally-“I will not Lie to You. The Tokoloshe Exists”: Mythical Creatures and Their Influence on Mental Health Amongst A Sample of Amaxhosa in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- IOL-Shelia still haunts “hell”highway
- EWN-Podcast: Haunted
Ghost tours:
Ghost tours and dinning events: https://www.mysteryghostproductions.co.za/
Prince Albert Ghost Tour: https://www.storyweaver.co.za/
Haunted spots to visit:
As a South African, I’m constantly amazed by how our country’s folklore mirrors the rich diversity of its people. The myths and legends that weave through our communities offer a glimpse into the unique cultures, beliefs, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. From eerie ghostly apparitions to terrifying creatures lurking in the shadows, and even mystical beings said to control the weather, South African stories are as captivating as they are chilling. This Halloween, they might just send a shiver down your spine, and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the mysteries that shape our land.
Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment. I’d love to hear from you.
Nikkidiscovers 