New rules for traditional healers

Durban — Traditional surgeons who perform circumcisions must undergo at least two years of training before they can register and legally practise. The stipulation is contained in a new set of regulations for traditional healers which were released by the National Department of Health.

It sets out the age and minimum educational requirements for various traditional health practitioners and details the minimum period of training required, as well as the modalities that should be included in their studies.

According to the Government Communication and Information System report: “The growing number of traditional health practitioners, the high number of people depending on them for primary health needs, and the proliferation of bogus practitioners makes the regulation of the sector a matter of critical significance for government.”

It says South Africa has an estimated 300 000 trained traditional health practitioners, and research studies show that approximately 70% of the country’s population consult traditional health practitioners for their health needs.

The Traditional Health Practitioners Regulations 2024, was signed off by former health minister Joe Phaahla in June and interested persons have until the end of September to make submissions on the proposed regulations.

Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale says the new laws are generally not retrospective. “When the law is passed, those who have been in the system are exempted, but I don't know to what extent,” he said.

According to the regulations, students who take up traditional surgeon (circumcision) practice have the longest period of study, while those who take up divination, herbalism and traditional birth attendants have a minimum study or training period of 12 months before they can practise.

Students of divination must be taught diagnosis, the preparation of herbs and how to conduct a traditional consultation. Following their training, those who want to pursue a career in herbalism must learn to identify, collect and harvest herbs. They must also know how to prepare herbs, harvest them sustainably, dispense them, store them safely and conduct traditional consultations. According to the proposed regulations, traditional birth attendants must be trained in human reproduction, pregnancy, delivery of babies as well as pre-and postnatal care.

“The student practitioners for divination and herbalism must be at least 18 years, and traditional surgeons and traditional birth attendants must be 25 years old to qualify for examination for a certificate entitling the holder thereof to registration in terms of this Act,” the regulations state.

In addition, student practitioners must also have attained the Level 1 Adult Education and Training (AET) or equivalent and have demonstrable experience.

The regulations state that no one will be able to register as a student practitioner without the AET level 1 or equivalent and a letter of admission indicating the course to be undertaken from an accredited tutor or institution.

At the end of their training, student practitioners must submit a logbook that details the observations and procedures undergone during their training. The logbook must be signed by the institution or tutor as proof of the fulfilment of the requirements for the qualification.

All students and practitioners must register with the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa, the professional council responsible for the regulation of traditional health practitioners in South Africa.

Sunday Tribune