Healers’ new executive

The colourful events were held at the OR Tambo Hall in Modimolle.

Lephalale-based traditional healer and clergyman, Jonas Seepe, emerged the chairperson, with Karel Kgabo of Bela-Bela as his deputy.

Modimolle-based traditional practitioner, Elsie Hlongwane, was elected secretary, while Jeanette Baloyi of Mogalakwena was elected deputy-secretary.

The portfolio of treasurer went to Minah Tlhabadira of Thabazimbi.

A total of 10 additional members were also elected into the 15-member executive committee.

Acting Waterberg District Executive Mayor Freddy Hlungwane said the relevance of the event was that it was hosted at a time the broader continent and the Diaspora were commemorating Africa Day.

He further encouraged traditional practitioners to work hand-in-glove with health authorities, more so on specialised fields such as HIV-AIDS.

Hlungwane said the authorities wished to applaud traditional practitioners for conducting responsible initiation schools with zero casualties.

“As we celebrate this achievement and to the newly-elected leadership, we say you must be able to deal with bogus traditional practitioners within the district, who cause death and undermine the true practice of our heritage,” he said.

Hlungwane surprised many of the delegates when he led them in the singing of a traditional ritual song.

In his acceptance speech, Seepe said traditional healers needed to be patient and respectful towards one another, so as to realise the objectives of THP.

He pleaded with the health authorities to continue to provide workshops for THP members to empower them with more knowledge.

Waterberg District health department district manager, Grace Bulanga, said formalizing their structures would make it easy for government to engage with traditional health practitioners.

– The Beat