Human rights abuse by some self styled spiritual leaders within the “Nyaope religion” in South Africa

Abstract

This Master’s thesis investigates how self appointed spiritual leaders in South Africa manipulate religious belief to exploit and control followers. It documents cases where spiritual authority is used to violate dignity, autonomy, and basic human rights.

The study shows how vulnerable individuals can be drawn into abusive religious systems and calls for stronger accountability, public education, and theological literacy to prevent spiritual abuse.