Traditional healers should register
JOBURG – The National Department of Health is calling on the public to comment on the proposed Traditional Health Practitioners Regulation, which promotes the registration of sangomas.
The recent Government Gazette Notice, which advises traditional healers to register, has been welcomed by the Traditional Healer’s Organisation.
According to Gazette Notices 39358 published on 3 November, the public is invited to comment on the proposed regulations.
Phethisile Maseko, national media coordinator of the Traditional Healer’s Organisation, based in Doornfontein, said they welcome government’s decision and it has been a long time coming.
“As traditional healers we appreciate this step as it will help us to be fully recognised. We want all our members to be registered so that they can enjoy the dignity and respect that they deserve. Registration will help us to be regulated properly and protect our members from being ridiculed by the media and the public,” explained Maseko.
The Gazette Notice is calling upon the public to submit their views in writing on the proposed Traditional Health Practitioners Regulations 2015.
According to section 2(1) of the Registration of Traditional Health Practitioners Regulation, “Any person wishing to be registered as a traditional health practitioner must apply on the FORM THPA1, to the Registrar to be registered and practise as practitioner as contemplated in Section 21 of the Act.
Maseko added that registration will also help to separate the real healers and fake ones.
According to her, they have 11 000 members in Gauteng including Cosmo City and Randburg areas while there are 69 000 nationally.
“The regulation will affect both South African and non-South African healers who are trained in Nguni and Ndawe spirituality. Our clients will be able to get medical aids and they won’t have to pay from their own pockets. But what is most important is that our clients will be able to get sick leave from the healers,” Maseko said.
She added that they are consulting with the Traditional Council and they will submit their comments once they have finished consultation.
Details: Phethisile Maseko of Traditional Healers Organisation 082 687 6290; 011 337 2589.
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