Traditional healers raise concerns over new regulations
Traditional healers say questions remain on the government’s plans to integrate the sector into the formal healthcare system.
Authorities argue that the new system will enhance the quality of care and accountability within the sector.
The director of the African National Healers Association (ANHA), Dr Mpho Masondo, told Jacaranda FM News that there are still many concerns.
“The initiation process is unrealistic. They want a traditional healer to have initiated for 12 months to qualify. What if you only initiate for three or six months?”
Masondo said the regulation lacks a spiritual aspect because most of their requirements are heavily based on scientific measurements.
“How can you measure the effectiveness of spirituality and African practices?”
The regulation will require traditional healers in South Africa to register with the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council.
However, some healers have raised concerns about high registration fees and the potential dominance of Western methods over their traditional practices.
“The registration fees are expensive for some healers. In 2005 it was R500 and now is approximately R2000. This will make other healers not register,” Masondo said. “More traditional healers will operate illegally due to the non-inclusive requirements.”
Research indicates that around 70% of South Africans, primarily in rural areas, consult traditional healers first before seeking a medical doctor or may not visit a health clinic at all.
Masondo also cited concerns over the possible exploitation of intellectual property.
“We have engaged with big pharmaceuticals before. They come to us pretending to do research but then they steal and package our ideas as their own,” she said.
“These are remedies that have been given to us by our ancestors.”
She further highlighted the issue of land, saying that the lack and privatisation of land limits the ability to plant and grow medicines.
“We are so limited; we do not have access to land for use to produce and practice our calling that is guided by our gift,” Masondo added.
The Department of Health’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said this week that the process to finalise the regulations is ongoing, and they will be implemented upon proclamation, although the exact timeline remains uncertain.
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