tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43386989066032059872024-03-13T14:47:24.149-07:00Traditional HealersTraditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-75747413705172369912013-05-07T11:01:00.000-07:002013-05-07T11:17:13.380-07:00Witnessing a South African healer at work<div class="introduction" id="story_continues_1" style="color: black;">
She lets out a piercing
cry, her body starts shaking violently, her hands are clapping to the
rhythm of large African drums - she is calling out to her ancestors.
Thabiso Siswana is a traditional healer, known in South Africa as a
sangoma.</div>
<div class="introduction" id="story_continues_1" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
The 24 year old is not your typical sangoma though - she is
also a corporate administrator at Bidvest Bank, one of South Africa's
best known and most prestigious institutions and has dreams of becoming a
successful businesswoman.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Inside a high-rise office looking out into the Johannesburg
business district, Ms Siswana dresses in smart tailored clothes, has
manicured nails and long sleek hair extensions - nothing about her
appearance says she has three ancestors inhabiting her.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="story-feature narrow" style="color: black;">
<a class="hidden" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22306869#story_continues_2">Continue reading the main story</a> <br />
<h2 class="quote">
“Start Quote</h2>
<blockquote>
<div class="first-child">
A sangoma is not a witch - a sangoma is pure and does good”</div>
</blockquote>
<span class="endquote">End Quote</span>
<span class="quote-credit">Makhosazana Moloi</span>
<span class="quote-credit-title">Thabiso Siswana's mother</span>
</div>
<div id="story_continues_2" style="color: black;">
"When I tell people that I am a
sangoma they always react with shock. They say: 'How? You don't even
look like one'. There are still many misconceptions about how we should
look," she says with a broad smile. </div>
<div id="story_continues_2" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Ms Siswana is one of thousands of young men and women who are
balancing the demands of a career with the calling to be a messenger
for deceased ancestors, or "amadlozi".</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Sangomas have played a central role in many African cultures
dating back many years; they were seen as custodians of their
communities and were consulted by villagers to heal the sick,
communicate with the gods on their behalf and to protect villages from
harm.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
They are essentially diviners - a channel between the physical world and the afterlife.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="story-feature wide " style="color: black;">
<a class="hidden" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22306869#story_continues_3">Continue reading the main story</a> <br />
<h2>
What do South Africans believe?</h2>
<ul>
<li> About 80% of black South Africans consult traditional healers,
who are believed to be a link between the worlds of the living and the
dead</li>
<li> Many of these people consider themselves Christian </li>
<li> About 79% of South Africans are Christians</li>
<li> Largest denomination with 9% of the population is Zion Christian Church (ZCC), founded by Engenas Lekganyane</li>
<li> Shembe Church: 6% - combines Zulu tradition and Christianity</li>
<li> Catholic Church: 4.5%</li>
<li> Dutch Reformed Church: 4.5%</li>
<li> Methodist Church: 4.5%</li>
<li> Muslims: 1.45% - mainly concentrated in the Western Cape</li>
<li> Hindus: 1.22% - mainly in KwaZulu-Natal, where there is a large Asian community</li>
</ul>
<i>Statistics SA, 2011</i></div>
<div id="story_continues_3" style="color: black;">
They believe that through a
special "calling" known in Zulu as ubizo, they are able to access advice
and guidance through possession by an ancestor, throwing bones or by
interpreting dreams.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
In today's South Africa, sangomas are often seen as unsophisticated, uneducated and backwards.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Despite this, they remain the first point of contact for
physical and psychological ailments for about 80% of black South
Africans according to authorities.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
The trade in traditional medicines is a large and growing industry. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
Sangomas are legally recognised, under the Traditional Health
Practitioners Act of 2007 alongside herbalists, traditional birth
attendants, and traditional surgeons. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
At Ms Siswana's home in Soweto, a township outside Johannesburg, a small group of sangomas has gathered to share a meal.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
It is a moody Sunday afternoon but the group is in high
spirits - this will be their chance to summon deceased loved ones and
possibly receive a message from them. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
Ms Siswana says her "gift" is interpreting other people's dreams, as well as dreams that predict the future.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="cross-head">Chilling eyes</span>
</div>
<div class="story-feature narrow" style="color: black;">
<a class="hidden" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22306869#story_continues_4">Continue reading the main story</a> <br />
<h2 class="quote">
“Start Quote</h2>
<blockquote>
<div class="first-child">
We are Christians at home and we go to church like everyone else”</div>
</blockquote>
<span class="endquote">End Quote</span>
<span class="quote-credit">Thabiso Siswana</span>
<span class="quote-credit-title">Sangoma</span>
</div>
<div id="story_continues_4" style="color: black;">
On the weekend of her initiation
last year, she was given a herb that put her into a trance, a state in
which she needed to go looking for her sacrificial goat, which the
elders had hidden from her within the surroundings of her home along
with other objects. She was able to find them and this was seen as proof
of her ability "see" beyond the physical world. </div>
<div id="story_continues_4" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
"The ancestors guided me to where the items were, you do not
graduate until you are able to 'see' through them. This skill is
important when we consult with patients," she explains. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
Inside the indumba, a sacred room where sangomas communicate
with the ancestors, Ms Siswana asks the amadlozi to allow the BBC crew
to spend the day with her and also invites them to join in the day's
festivities - it is rare access into this mystical and often secretive
world.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Ms Siswana begins to dance vigorously, her face grimaces with
pain and she struggles to catch her breath, the intensity in her eyes
is chilling.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="caption">
Thabiso Siswana and a fellow sangoma calls out to their ancestors through dance</div>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
"My great-aunt, -uncle and grandfather
live in me. When they take over I lose all control of my body, I'm aware
of my surroundings but I have no control over what I say or do. They
completely consume you and in that moment I am their messenger," she
later tells me. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
The bang of the drums fills the air, drowning out the chatter
of curious neighbours peering over their fences and the hoots cars
driving past.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Along with her deep roots in tradition and African culture, Ms Siswana is also a Christian.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="caption body-narrow-width" style="color: black;">
<img alt="Thabiso Siswana" height="171" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/67252000/jpg/_67252158_dsc_0034.jpg" width="304" />
<span style="width: 304px;"> </span></div>
<div class="caption body-narrow-width" style="color: black;">
</div>
<div class="caption body-narrow-width" style="color: black;">
<span style="width: 304px;">Thabiso Siswana is equally at home in the office</span>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
"We are Christians at home and we go to church like everyone
else. We pray to God as the source of everything. I believe that being a
sangoma is simply a gift that God has given me through my ancestors,"
she says.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
This young woman has been around sangomas all her life - her
mother Makhosazana Moloi has been a traditional healer for more than 20
years. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
She runs an initiation school for sangomas in her home and says she always knew her daughter had been chosen.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
"As a child, Thabiso would often have vivid dreams. She
would get warnings or messages from animals [which signify ancestors]
about what was going to happen or was happening in our lives," says her
mother.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span class="cross-head">Stick it on the insurance</span>
Traditional healers say they are often accused of being witch doctors. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
Originally, witch doctors were consulted to drive out evil
spirits believed to have been cast over someone by witches, but since
colonial times the word has assumed a derogatory meaning and is used to
refer to the people who cast spells for evil purposes and create deadly
potions.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
"The problem is the misinterpretation of what a sangoma is. A
sangoma is not a witch - a sangoma is pure and does good. People due to
their lack of knowledge think witch doctors, witches and sangomas are
all the same thing and they are not," says Ms Moloi.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="caption full-width" style="color: black;">
<img alt="Thabiso Siswana a young sangoma in her home in Soweto, a Johannesburg township" height="351" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/67251000/jpg/_67251335_dsc_0067.jpg" width="624" /> </div>
<div class="caption full-width" style="color: black;">
</div>
<div class="caption full-width" style="color: black;">
<span style="width: 624px;">Thabiso Siswana describes the sensation of channelling ancestors as "extremely painful" </span>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
The other distinction is that traditional healers use herbs,
plants and some animal skin in the muthi (medicines), whereas witch
doctors are said to also use human body parts, meaning they are
sometimes implicated in murders.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Sangomas believe that a persistent physical ailment is often a
manifestation of a spiritual upset and they first need to address that,
then they are guided by the ancestors on what the physical sickness is
and how best to treat it, using traditional medicine.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
But you also have people who specialise purely in the physical illnesses, known as a herbalist, inyanga in Zulu.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Part of the confusion about sangomas and inyanga stems from
the many quack healers operating throughout the country, who advertise
cures for all manner of diseases, potions to increase penis size, ensure
success in love or business or sometimes to ensure your enemy's
downfall.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Despite its many years of existence, this industry remains
unregulated and no single body oversees the estimated 200,000
practitioners - compared to the 38,236 medical doctors.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
This is part of the problem, according to the Medical
Research Council, which recently established the Indigenous Knowledge
Systems Unit to help write policies that would benefit those in this
sector. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
Organisations such as the Traditional Healers Organisation
have for years been trying to legitimise the practice and have it held
in the same regard as Western medicine. Some even want their services to
be paid for by medical insurance.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
They say the government needs to set up a national register
of credible and certified sangomas, with documents verifying their
qualifications and outlining their areas of expertise.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
The Department of Health says there is a great deal of work
to be done but say it hopes its recently established Traditional Healers
Council, whose role will include how Western doctors and traditional
practitioners can work together, will help bridge the gap between the
two worlds.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
Some may think this is impossible but many South Africans, such as Ms Siswana, are already equally at home in both.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22306869" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22306869 </a></div>
Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-39218783249398494112012-11-24T04:10:00.001-08:002012-11-24T04:10:14.126-08:00Traditional healers say no to integration<div id="article_body" style="color: black;">
Leader of the Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) Nhlavana
Maseko says members of his organisation do not want to be integrated
into the ministry of <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD6">health</span>.<br />He
said traditional medicine existed long before western medication was
introduced in the country. He revealed that since the 1970s he had been
involved in extensive research and study and travelled to Europe where
his medicine was proven authentic.<br />
<br />“We don’t want to be integrated into the ministry, instead we want to <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD1">work in</span> collaboration with it but independently,” said Maseko.<br />At St. Phillip’s traditional health practitioners have joined hands with Cabrini Ministries, which provides medical care to over 3 000 <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD10">HIV patients</span>. Traditional health
practitioners in this area now refer their patients to this clinic when
not responding to treatment. Information gathered, however, was that
those traditional health practitioners known to be under THO were not part of the partnership.<br />
<br />Meanwhile,
Maseko boasted that THO has six traditional hospitals countrywide and
that they were equally effective. “We also treat HIV/AIDS <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD7">symptoms</span>,” he said, adding that most of their traditional medicine was tested <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD11">in Germany</span>, which has some of the world’s best <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD8">pharmacies</span> and laboratories.<br />“Why then don’t we want to recognise these in the country?” he asked. <br />He
further boasted that local hospitals also referred their patients to
traditional doctors, especially when they struggled to understand what
was going on with the patient.<br />Maseko said not only do hospitals
refer patients but even spiritual leaders refer their congregants to him
if they did not get better after prayer. “Even well- known men of God
now come to us,” he said.<br />Maseko further said under the Southern
African Development Community (SADC) protocol, traditional healers were
recognised. He added that several foreign patients flocked into the
country from as far as Nigeria yet locals did not want to recognise the
traditional healers’ organisation.<br />Adding, Maseko said his doctors were trained to cure many illnesses including malaria and diarrhoea.<br />
<br />
<strong>‘No light for traditional consultation rooms’</strong><br />
TRADITIONAL healer Nhlavana Maseko says their consultation rooms will not be lit up.<br />This
follows a suggestion made by medical practitioners that consultation
rooms used by traditional doctors should be cleaned and lit up.<br /> Concerns were raised that this was important, especially for patients who were suffering from <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5">tuberculosis</span> (TB) as they needed well ventilated and clean places for treatment to be effective.<br />Maseko said the first thing his doctors were taught was cleanliness. <br />“We have a module on cleanliness alone,” he said, adding however that they would never put up <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD4">windows</span> in the consultation rooms as this was against their principles.<br />“Have you ever seen any traditional healer’s consultation room with a <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9">window</span>?” he asked rhetorically. <br />Maseko
emphasised that there would not be any lighting in their consultation
rooms despite concerns raised during a debate between medical
practitioners from Cabrini Ministries and traditional health practitioners at St Phillip’s near Siphofaneni last week.<br />
<br />
<strong>Healers soon to have ambulance</strong><br />
Maseko has hinted that traditional healers could soon have ambulances.<br />“Give us six months and just watch what happens,” said Maseko. He decried that currently, the ministry of health
does not help them with ambulances even though this should be the
case. Maseko said he also received emergency cases which need the <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD2">services</span>
of an ambulance. He said the number of patients in traditional
hospitals was increasing, adding that more people were deserting
conventional hospitals.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=45544" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stories by Joseph Zulu</span></a> </div>
</div>
Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-83615547972792172592012-11-14T02:08:00.005-08:002012-11-14T02:08:54.598-08:00Traditional healers: what you need to know<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Cape Town - Would you like to rekindle an old
romance, win the Lotto or improve your sexual prowess? If pamphlets from
many traditional healers are to be believed, the solution is easy and
only a phone call or quick appointment away. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
At some point, most people have
walked along a main road in Cape Town and had such pamphlets shoved into
their hands. The healers offer an array of services, including
abortions and penis enlargements. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
But most of these healers, says
Phepisile Maseko, national co-ordinator of the Traditional Healers
Organisation (THO), are only out to make a quick buck, selling “good
luck” and “love” muti. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
“A true healer is someone who has been through
initiation, inducted by an expert in the field, who has undergone
rigorous training and completed external healing courses,” says Maseko. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Like mainstream medicine, there
are specialists in traditional medicine’s various fields, she says.
These include herbalists, medicine men, diagnosticians, and counsellors. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
The THO issues practitioners with a
certificate of competence, which assures every patient that the
practitioner has completed training and is capable of healing patients
in an ethical, efficient, safe and hygienic manner. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Practice
is only allowed after at least two years of training and mentorship,
and part-time guidance and support must be continued for three more
years. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
All medicines are plant and
animal-based, says Maseko. And healers are not allowed to use human
parts in their medicine. According to their code of ethics, muti
killings and body parts trafficking is forbidden, along with any sexual
contact with patients, the non-referral of patients when necessary, or
deliberately misrepresenting their abilities. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
“The ethical responsibility is the
greatest demand placed on each traditional healer,” reads the code. Any
breaches are treated as professional misconduct, and are punishable by
the THO disciplinary committee. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Unfortunately, most of the complaints are against “quack” doctors who are not affiliated to any association. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Dr Motlalepula Matsabisa, director
of the Medical Research Council’s Indigenous Knowledge Unit, says there
appears to be many of them around. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
But because of the lack of regulation, the bogus doctors work unchecked. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
“Many
of these quack healers always claim to be foreigners from East and West
Africa. These are the people who are tainting the profession,” says
Matsabisa. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
He points out that if anyone can
bring about good luck and predict Lotto numbers, they wouldn’t be poor
themselves. “Yes, medicinal plants have healing properties, this is not
disputable. But our people should not be gullible,” he says. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Matsabisa says there are a number
of myths relating to traditional medicine. The most common, he says, is
that it is safe and devoid of side-effects. Traditional medicine, like
any other, can be very toxic if not used properly. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Another myth, he says, is that traditional medicines interact negatively with prescription medicines. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Some interactions, in fact, can be
beneficial, says Matsabisa. These have been proven in drug-resistant
malaria, hypertension, diabetes and cancer treatments. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
According to a study titled
Economics of the Traditional Medicine Trade in SA, the trade in
traditional medicines in SA is estimated to be worth R2.9 billion
annually and 771 species of plants are used. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Maseko
says that if a patient complains of headaches, they will be given plants
with painkilling properties. But the healer will also try to establish
the root cause of the headaches, and treat that too. This may mean the
healer will provide counselling to the patient. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Treatment is usually holistic, and
a once-off ointment will generally not do the trick. Many clients come
for help with their relationships or marriages. Maseko explains that a
potion may be given to open the communication channels between couples,
so that they can speak about their problems. Counselling will also be on
offer, but there is no quick-fix solution, she says. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
She says healers who claim they
can enlarge penises are misrepresenting their services. These
unrealistic claims go against the code of ethics members of the THO are
bound by. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
The THO, which has 29 000 members
in SA, has a complaints forum, and most complaints received are about
unscrupulous healers. “Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about those
who are not members. And it is these people who give our industry a bad
name,” she says. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
The biggest challenge is the lack
of regulation. According to the Traditional Healers Act of 2007, a
Traditional Healers’ Council was supposed to have been set up within 12
months to serve a regulatory function, similar to that of the Health
Professions Council. But, Maseko says, a lack of commitment has resulted
in this not happening. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Matsabisa agrees that the lack of regulation of traditional medicine has been completely neglected. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
“There
is a need to institutionalise traditional medicines in SA for the safety
and benefit of all its consumers. We need the speedy establishment of
the Traditional Health Practitioners Statutory Council, we need serious
and urgent reorganisation of the Medicines Control Council and all acts
pertaining to the use, sale beneficiation and production of traditional
medicines,” he says. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Matsabisa, who specialises in
traditional medicine, says the denialist attitudes of doctors, medicines
regulators and authorities, and the market-entry barriers from the
multinational pharmaceutical industry, all unjustifiably aim to block
and damage the reputation of traditional medicines. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
“People will continue to use
traditional medicines and the best that we could do is to scientifically
evaluate these products before we outright reject them for no good
scientific reasons,” he says. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Matsabisa says instead of making
use of, and developing the knowledge of traditional medicines, people
look down on this health system. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
“South Africa behaves as though it
is a First World country, but is also not aware that in developed
countries the majority of people now increasingly use traditional
medicines. We are in denial of our own self, in denial of our roots and
system of health.” </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<strong>Professor who sells his own natural Viagra</strong> </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Nature
holds a cure for most common ailments, whether it’s pain, emotional
distress or sexual dysfunction, says spiritual and holistic healer
Professor Ismail. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Ismail, like many others based in
the CBD, employs people to hand out pamphlets that detail the services
he offers. These include bringing back lost lovers, penis enlargement,
protection for those with dangerous jobs and career success. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Ismail, 46, was born in Kenya and
has been in Cape Town for six years. He says healing is a trade that was
passed on to him by his father, a healer in Kenya. He doesn’t have a
medical degree, but underwent strict training. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
“When I was 10, he started
teaching me everything he knew,” says Ismail. His father taught him
which herbs and plants to pick and how to prepare them. Most of his
ingredients still come from the highlands of Kenya. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Ismail says all his medicine is 100 percent natural, made from plant material. He doesn’t use animals in any of his products. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
When I ask about the penis
enlargement and how this is done, he says it’s very simple. While the
pamphlet promises an enlargement, Ismail says he deals only with
erectile dysfunction. The herbs he dispenses are natural Viagra. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
“When
our ancestors had these problems, they had to use natural products. They
didn’t have access to Western medicine,” says Ismail. The herb must be
boiled in water, then be allowed to draw before the mixture is drunk.
Ismail warns that no sugar should be added. The treatment, which costs
R600, is among the more expensive. The plants used not available
locally, are from Kenya. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
There are also those who ask him
to bring bad luck or even death on other people. Ismail says that when
he is asked to do this, he provides counselling to the person,
encouraging them to resolve the conflict amicably, or to let it go. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
While he does offer “protection”
medicine for people who have dangerous jobs – such as security guards,
policemen and people who work in banks – there are limits to this, too.
</div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Ismail claims that when clients
take his medicine, which costs R200, their intended assailant will opt
out of targeting them, and instead go for someone else or give up on the
idea altogether. The treatment, however, does not make them invincible
to bullets or any other fatal threats. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
The most popular treatment, he
says, is bringing back a lost lover. These herbs are not to be consumed,
he says. This treatment costs between R100 and R200, and the client is
instructed to go home, burn the herbs, and call the person’s name. By
burning the herbs, you speak to the ancestors, who assist in returning
your love to you, he says. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
Ismail
assures me that even if my lost lover now hates me, the medicine will
work. “All my medicines must work, otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting
here,” he says. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<strong>When consulting a traditional healer: </strong> </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* Look at their track record in the community, whether they are known and recommended. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* Is the healer accredited with a traditional healers’ organisation? </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* Can they refer you to other healers in your area? </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* Ensure that they have attended workshops on basic primary health care. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* They need to be knowledgeable about current health issues. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* If you need a specialist, ensure
your healer is not a general practitioner of traditional medicine. Ask
for evidence of their expertise. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<strong>According to the MRC’s Indigenous Knowledge Unit:</strong> </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* Medical doctors have accepted that traditional practitioners are very good with psychiatric conditions. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* Traditional medicines have contributed to development of up to 30 percent of prescription drugs. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* 80 percent of all cancer medicines are derived from plants. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* All antibiotics are derived from natural resources. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* Drugs derived from traditional medicines treat 90 percent of human diseases. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* 75 percent of the prescription
medicines derived from plants have been derived through knowledge from
traditional health practitioners. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* More than 80 percent of people use and rely on traditional medicines. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
According to Professor Salim
Karim, president of the MRC, there are between 350 000 and 400 000
traditional health practitioners in SA. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
According to the Economics of the Traditional Medicine Trade in SA study: </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* The trade in traditional medicines in SA is estimated to be worth R2.9 billion annually. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* There are an estimated 27 million consumers. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* There are at least 133 000 people employed in the trade, mostly rural women. </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
* It’s estimated that 128 million
courses of traditional medicine treatments are prescribed yearly, using
about 20 000 tons of indigenous plant material. - Cape Argus </div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<img alt="" src="http://www.iol.co.za/logger/p.gif?a=1.1422478&d=/2.225/2.227" />
</div>
<div style="color: #666666; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">November 13 2012 at 01:07pm </span><br />
</div>
<div class="byline" style="color: #666666; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
By Esther Lewis </span></div>
<div class="arcticle_text" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="byline" style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-24141135786095352552012-10-03T02:08:00.001-07:002012-10-03T02:11:45.992-07:00South Africa’s Traditional Medical Trade<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">South Africa's multi-million rand traditional medicines industry is
being driven by high population growth, rapid urbanization,
unemployment, and the high cultural value of traditional medicines. This
increased demand has highlighted a complex resource management issue
for conservation agencies, healthcare professionals and resource users.
</span><br />
<br style="color: black;" />
<span style="color: black;">
ABN’s Candice Cupido, discusses this and more.</span> <br />
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<div class="article_metadata" style="text-align: right;">
<span class="metadata_time">25 August, 2012 11:56:00 </span>
<a href="http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=42362" target="_blank"> Stories by Faith Vilakati </a></div>
<div class="article_metadata">
</div>
<div class="article_metadata">
<div id="article_body">
Local top and well known pastors regularly consult traditional healers when sick and need special help in some of their ‘projects’. <br />Interestingly, they prefer to go for the <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD1">consultations</span> under cover of <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD10">the night</span> and shun away doing so during daylight because they might be exposed, well known traditional healer Nhlavana Maseko revealed. <br />
<br />However, he refused to divulge the nature of the pastors’
requests in their quest for extra divine assistance claiming that the
work ethic of raditional healers did not allow them to disclose the
identities and concerns of customers.<br />
<br />Maseko said what worried him was that while traditional healers attended to pastors and made sure their visits were kept a top secrete they, pastors, sometimes make fun of them (traditional healers) when preaching in their churches. <br />
<br />“We do not interfere with their work as pastors such that never at any given time would you find an Inyanga mocking them in the presence of patients while pastors do so when preaching. We expect them to allow us to do our work without being judged as is the case with them. <br />
<br />We are also God’s creation and the difference with us is that we use trees to heal the sick people, the pastors’ included. We do not expect pastors
and ordinary people who we sometimes help to tease us. It is true that
we receive a lot of them but I will not name them because we protect our
clients, we are professionals and know what is wrong,” he said. <br />
<br />Maseko further stated that while some pastors
consulted local traditional healers a lot more prefer those based
outside the country and they got shocked when they meet at that foreign
healer’s home. <br />He stated that they did not have problems with the pastors consulting foreigners but what worries them most is when they (pastors) start making false statements about traditional healers. <br />“Members of the public must know that we have very <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD7">good relationship</span> with the church and never at any time do we want to fight with them,” he said. <br />
<br />Maseko further revealed that apart from pastors they were also visited by ministers and top government officials who seek help and ask to be connected with their ancestors.<br />
<br />
<strong>Tinyanga decry media ban</strong><br />
Traditional healers are not pleased with government banning foreign and local traditional healers from <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD2">advertising</span> their services in the local media. <br />
<br />Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) President Nhlavana Maseko said the ministry of <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD3">health</span> was supposed to consult his organisation before deciding to invoke a law banning certain adverts. <br />He
explained that they appreciated government’s action only because most
of the traditional healers who advertised in the media now come to his
office to declare the different sicknesses they treat. <br />“When they
come here, whether they are foreigners or Swazis, I listen to their
submissions and tell them to bring the medication they have and I test
it. We have a number of medicines we are yet to test and then brief its
owners what we found,” he said. Maseko stated that he wishes all
traditional healers could follow the requirements before announcing that
they can heal certain diseases. <br />
<br />Reached for comments Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health
Dr Stephen Shongwe acknowledged that they did not consult THO about the
changes and that was because they did not see the need to. <br />
<br />“We were following a law that dates back to the 1950’s which clearly states it is illegal for <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD11">a person</span> to place an advertisement that he can heal certain diseases. <br />The
banning of these people came about after we noted that they were so
many on the print media claiming to have the power to cure diseases yet
they were not trained. <br />Consulting the THO before banning the people
would have been a by the way thing not that we were supposed to tell
them,” he said. <br />
<br />Shongwe said as a ministry they were happy that no
adverts were ran on the print media after the banning stressing that
they appreciated the cooperation they received from the media <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9">houses</span> and their clients.<br />
<br />
<strong>We don’t kill for ritual purposes - THO members</strong><br />
Members
of the Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) have dissociated
themselves from traditional healers who kill for ritual purposes. <br />
<br />They say these people are not traditional healers bust murders who tarnish their work as an organization. <br />
<br />One
of the traditional healers affiliated to THO Busisiswe Makhabane said
traditional healers do not go anywhere near a dead person because they
always communicate with the dead. <br />“The people living in each of us do not allow us to be with corpse and have <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5">human body</span> parts in our possession so it is not true that Tinyanga kill for ritual purposes.<br />We have nothing to do with those people and members of the public must know that we are there to help not kill them,” she said. <br />
<br />THO
President Nhlavana Maseko added that they had specialists in a number
of sicknesses whom they refer to as Traditional Professional Specialists
revealing that they have people who deal with tooth aches, ulcers, fits
and back <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD6">pains</span> (lukhalo). <br />
<br />specialist<br />“I
am not trying to pat my shoulders I am a specialist in Ematatawane and
no one can defeat me on this, I know I am the best. People often come to
us for help and we have six hospitals across the country where are
referred. I personally am against people who kill others because that is
ungodly and still wonder who deceived them into believing that
murdering another human being would give them more healing powers. This
is not what is expected of traditional healers and it becomes very bad
when we hear of such,” he said. <br />
<br />The president further stated that traditional healers, pastors and murderers were created by God and He was the only one who knew why they practiced murder. <br />He also stated that in most cases murderers were in the church <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD12">masquerading</span> as pastors
and devoted Christians but kill people for ritual purposes and return
to church but traditional healers are smeared with the blame. <br />
<br />Maseko
also stated that they were also concerned about the number of reported
cases whereby people would disappear for a few days and found dead later
with no <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD8">body parts</span> taken. <br />He said in the olden days Swazis were not known to be killers and was wondering where the bad habit came from. <br />
<br />In conclusion, Maseko stated that they had a good relationship with pastors.<br />
</div>
</div>
Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-10582780904656825102012-05-01T11:38:00.001-07:002012-08-26T09:53:53.019-07:00Cleansing rituals of traditional healers, South Africa<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/00BKQPSxYuY?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-19560990836052193982011-12-20T02:03:00.000-08:002011-12-20T02:04:13.527-08:00More young people going for tinyanga<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
MORE young people are now seeking the assistance of traditional healers and using traditional <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD6">medicine</span> (timbita) for treatment.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />
This was revealed by Traditional Healers <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD4">Organisation</span> (THO) <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5">Public Relations</span> Officer Nokuthula Dlamini who was speaking during their commemoration of World AIDS Day on Friday in Siteki.<br />
“Unlike
in the past, more people are beginning to believe in us, seeking
assistance when they are sick and we treat them,” she said, <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD11">adding</span> that it was unfortunate though that the ministry of health has still not recognised them fully.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Dlamini
said although they have worked with health officials in some
departments, it was not the case with some. She noted that doctors still
did not recognise traditional healers for their <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD12">work and</span> added that this was making their work difficult.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />
The
PRO noted that patients who cannot be treated by traditional healers
were usually referred to government hospitals but decried the fact that
this was not reciprocated. “When they fail to treat certain patients,
they do not refer them to us,” she complained.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />
The traditional healers further complained that officials from the ministry also did not show up when invited to <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9">meetings</span> and gatherings like the World AIDS Day commemoration. Meanwhile, Dlamini commended <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD10">the National</span> <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD8">Emergency</span> <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD2">Response</span> Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA).<br />
She said THO boasts of two traditional hospitals which the organisation was still trying to secure recognition for its doctors, known as TDr.<br />
Also <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD1">present</span> during the event was the town’s Mayor Norman Sigwane. However, the organisation’s leader Nhlavana Maseko was not present on the day where a goat was slaughtered and burning of incense marking the end of the year for the organisation.
Scores of traditional healers attended, some coming from as far as
Mozambique. Each of them performed rituals and chants in deep voices as
they communicated with their ancestors.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Mdabula Vilakati, who spoke on behalf of Maseko, commended NERCHA for helping the organisation
throughout the year. He said even though traditional healers were
unable to treat HIV they could treat the opportunistic infections.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;">By Joseph Zulu <a href="http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=33510" target="_blank">www.observer.org.sz</a></span></span></div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-48416555648163576962011-10-19T00:02:00.000-07:002011-10-19T00:02:21.882-07:00WHO taps traditional medicineThe World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday stressed the need to tap the potential of traditional medicine as part of national health systems among countries in the Western Pacific Region.
Indigenous healing practices, though abundant in the region, faced poor regulatory standards and questions about their efficacy, the WHO noted as it concluded its annual regional meeting in Manila on Friday.
Consisting of 37 countries—including China, Japan and the Philippines—the region has a rich history of traditional medicine ranging from herbal treatment, hilot (massage) therapies to acupuncture.
Millions of people consult with traditional healers and use alternative medicines, according to the WHO. But “lack of coordination between traditional medicine and the Western health system” still continued, it added.
The insufficiency of financial and human resources, if traditional medicine were to effectively contribute in improving health in the region, was among the challenges needed to be addressed, it pointed out.Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-40304015996851792772011-09-11T06:45:00.000-07:002011-09-11T06:59:28.447-07:00Traditional Medicine Month Advocacy Project<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhealth.org.za/downloads/THP_Act_advocacy_projekt_2011.pdf">Traditional Medicine Month Advocacy Project</a></span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Click with your Right mouse button on the link and select "Save Link As." Then follow prompts to save the file to your location.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.traditionalhealth.org.za/t/ct/c_form.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Please let us know what you think </span></b></span></a><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="http://www.traditionalhealth.org.za/downloads/THO_Brief_to_health_professionals_sept_2011.pdf"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THO Brief to health professionals <br />WHO Policy on TM/CAM</b></span></a></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Click with your Right mouse button on the link and select "Save Link As." Then follow prompts to save the file to your location.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<b><a href="http://www.traditionalhealth.org.za/t/ct/c_form.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Please let us know what you think </span></b></span></a></b></div>
<br />Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-8228929038239125082011-09-11T06:38:00.000-07:002011-09-11T06:39:20.317-07:00Swazi rural women prefer giving birth at home<div style="color: black;">
Many rural Swazi women are still not satisfied with the
treatment they receive in hospitals while giving birth, which explains
why a lot of them still prefer giving birth at home, a new research
conducted in the northern Hhohho region suggests. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
The study was
presented at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) triennial
congress held in Durban recently and it drew the attention of
participants who were eager to know why Swazi women living in rural
areas still prefer giving birth at home. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
The research was conducted by University of Swaziland (UNISWA) faculty of health sciences lecturer S’phiwe Thwala. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
The research paper has been published in leading journals of international acclaim.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Key
findings show that rural Swazi women are still fond of traditional
antidotes, and that when pregnant, the practice of using traditional
herbs alongside western style medicine is common amongst pregnant women.
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
“Rural Swazi women utilise biomedical maternity services whilst
still strongly adhering to traditional practices and beliefs during
labour,” it was established. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
The main purpose of conducting the
study was to explore and describe beliefs, values and practices of rural
Swazi women during labour of which a midwifery perspective can be
drawn. One of a few studies to be conducted on midwifery practice and
tendencies of pregnant Swazi women, the study shows that rural Swazi
women mostly do not use a single health belief system but tend to use
dual health belief systems, and that their birth practices are therefore
influenced by both belief systems rather than one.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Thwala
acknowledged that further research needs to be done to investigate the
specific traditional medicines and rituals used during childbirth to
establish whether they promote the wellbeing of both the mother and the
baby from a biomedical perspective.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Another shocking finding is the
fact that a large proportion of pregnant women deliberately opt to give
birth at home because they find hospitals to be very uncomfortable.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Also,
apart from the general disliking of hospitals, rural Swazi women
continue to be faced with challenges such as uneasy access to transport,
long distances to the nearest care centres from villages and high cost
of public transport factors discovered to discourage women from using
health services in childbirth.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
Thwala highlighted a finding in the
study that pregnant women tend to understand traditional healers more
than nurses in hospitals. “There currently exists a communication
breakdown between health care professionals in Swaziland who are trained
to the biomedical model of childbirth and care and the women in the
village who identify more with the traditional medicine model of care
and are the intended recipients of the care.”</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div id="article_body" style="color: black;">
<b>Implications of home births in Swaziland</b><br />
Giving
birth at home without skilled birth attendants definitely comes with
its own implications felt by rural Swazi women with a general dislike of
hospitals because of the unsatisfactory treatment midwives subject them
to. <br />
<br />
Apart from the risk of complications and even death that women
face when giving birth on their own at home, the study conducted by
University of Swaziland lecturer S’phiwe Thwala shows home births often
result in non-repair of perinea sensitive tissues, delayed clamping of
the umbilical cord which can result in infections, and the non-use of
routine vaginal examinations during labour. <br />
Researcher Thwala pointed out the need for strengthening community midwifery care to Swazi women. <br />
<br />
“The
study also points to a need to strengthen community midwifery in order
to bring professional midwifery care to Swazi women thereby facilitating
access in the face of inadequate infrastructure and inadequate
resources,” one of the conclusions reads.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
By Hlengiwe Ndlovu
<br />
<a href="http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=27699">www.observer.org.sz</a></div>
</div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-44260495296215355492011-09-11T06:34:00.001-07:002011-09-11T06:34:57.137-07:00Traditional medicines must be preserved<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="ctl00_StoryLeftContentPlaceHolder_BodyLabel">Scientists
and traditional healers are meeting in Pretoria this week to discuss
means of preserving indigenous medicines and exploiting its benefits.<br />
The workshop will look at ways to protect the intellectual property rights of traditional knowledge through legislation.<br />
<br />
Science and Technology Deputy Director-General Molapo Qhobela said
traditional medicine has the potential to significantly improve the
lives of South Africans.<br />
However, this indigenous knowledge must be nurtured and preserved.<br />
“Evidence is overwhelming that... African traditional medicine [has] potent medicinal properties that heal people,” he said.<br />
<br />
The Traditional Healers Association’s Phepsile Maseko said most
people recognise the value of indigenous medicine, but government must
"...ensure that traditional medicine is profiled, preserved and
promoted.”<br />
<br />
The workshop will also look at conserving the country’s biodiversity.<br />
(Edited by Lindiwe Mlandu)</span></div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-32489602882901870362011-09-11T06:33:00.000-07:002011-09-11T06:33:41.664-07:00SA 'should embrace' traditional medicine<div class="clr_left" style="text-align: justify;">
Pretoria - Traditional medicine needs to be embraced
so that it finds expression through combating diseases, the department
of science and technology said on Thursday.<br /><br />"If it is to play a
strategic role in combating the heavy burden of disease, it will need to
be mainstreamed so that it can benefit from advances in the other
sciences," said director general <a class="tips" href="http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/molapo-qhobela-2264" rel="/Handlers/WhosWhoTooltip.ashx?url=http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/hover.php?uid=2264" title="">Molapo Qhobela</a>.<br /><br />He was speaking at an African traditional medicine and intellectual property workshop held in Pretoria.<br /><br />Qhobela
said SA should learn from China and India, which had effectively
integrated traditional medicine into their health systems.<br /><br />He further emphasised the need to preserve African medicine.<br /><br />"One
way of securing the future of indigenous knowledge and research on
traditional medicine is the advancement and refinement of regulatory
regimes," he said.<br /><br />The drafting of ethical guidelines for researchers and research institutions had already been completed.<br /><br />The
department planned to conduct research on medicinal plants, a move
which the Traditional Healers Organisation wanted to involve traditional
healers themselves.<br /><br />Its spokesperson Phephisile Maseko said
while the organisation was not objecting to research, healers believed
that leaving government to do research on its own, and excluding them,
would undermine their own work done so far.<br /><br />She highlighted that
72% of South Africans made use of traditional medicines, adding that
Christianity and the media were the ones who had demonised traditional
medicines.<br /><br />Of the known plant species in the country, 3 000 of them have medicinal potential.<br /><br />Maseko said it pained her that traditional medicines had for a number of years been exploited by big conglomerates.<br /><br />She said healers were interacting with government to ensure that never happened again.<br /><br />"Traditional healers should benefit," she said.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="_htmlAccreditationName" style="text-align: justify;">
- SAPA</div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-81124558253011228902011-06-23T10:48:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:48:10.360-07:00Faith-based healers urged to observe Traditional Medicine Practice Act<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Weija (GAR), June 21, GNA - Traditional healers and prayer camp
operators have been asked to observe the Traditional Medicine Practice
Act, which enjoins them to seek approval from the Traditional Medicine
Practice Council before practicing.<br />
<br />
This is to enable the Council appropriately monitor and evaluate their
facilities and camps where they operate to avoid human rights abuses. Mr
Robert Donkor, Programmes Manager, Faith Complimentary and Alternative
Healthcare, Ghana (FCHAG), on Tuesday urged members to continuously
upgrade their knowledge for better performances. FCHAG is made up of
traditional healers and prayer camp operators in the country, who are
involved in faith-based health care delivery. Mr Donkor lauded the
Ministry of Health for incorporating Complimentar= y and Alternative
healthcare into the main stream health delivery system as the practice
was widespread in the country and involved about 20,000 practitioners.<br />
<br />
Mr Donkor asked members to avoid any practice that would compromise
their service and put the lives of their clients at risk. He appealed to
members to observe the Patient Charter, which stipulate= s the rights
and responsibilities of patients and care givers. Mr Donkor said: 93I
will urge you to join associations and organisati= ons which have the
objective for the advancement of the profession and make contributions
to the advancement of your profession."<br />
<br />
He appealed to members not to hesitate in sending patients to the
hospital for orthodox medicine treatment when necessary because delays
coul= d result in the deaths of such patients and expose members to bad
practices. Mr Donkor called on members to maintain high standards of
integrity an= d confidentiality of patients' medical status and other
information. Dr Gorden Donnir, Psychiatrist and Clinical Lecturer, Komfo
Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, asked members to avoid the use of
titles such as 93professor" and 93doctor" if they do not have the
credentials. He noted that Ghana needed about 22,000 psychiatrists to
properly take care of mentally ill people as against the current figure
of 15 psychiatrists.<br />
<br />
Dr Donnir called for the passage of the Mental Health Bill in order to
safeguard the activities of mental health care givers, and asked
government to be more concerned about the plight of mental health
patients in the country.<br />
<br />
"It's sad to note that currently, the Mental Health Bill is still at the
Ministry of Health. It has not even gone to Parliament," he said. Nana
Oye Lithur, Executive Director, Human Rights Advocacy Centre, who
organised the programme, urged C&A caregivers to desist from human
rights abuses such as flogging, starvation, sand bathing and isolation
when treating patients.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/regional/artikel.php?ID=211767"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">source... </span></span></a></div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-40489292259078396292011-05-19T12:09:00.000-07:002011-05-19T12:09:20.061-07:00Use of traditional medicine rising<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<span class="content_bodytext_para">Conventional medicine has many limitations. One of those is its failure to incorporate or understand the spiritual.
</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqOXElI-ZYk/TdVqwa9qCrI/AAAAAAAAAjk/2hgIkrI6hwc/s1600/php164.tmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqOXElI-ZYk/TdVqwa9qCrI/AAAAAAAAAjk/2hgIkrI6hwc/s1600/php164.tmp.jpg" /></a>And
in comes traditional medicine. Traditional medicine refers to health
practices, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant medicines and
spiritual therapies to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses. Not only
is it considered cheap it is also easily available and does not need
prescriptions. And taking traditional medicine is becoming a fad. Where
in the past it was only those in the lower strata of the economy who
would visit a healer for his or her herbs, the profession now boasts a
moneyed and educated customer . And there is no secrecy anymore about
its consumption. Take this scene from the Gaborone Taxi Station:
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<span class="content_bodytext">A man in his late 30s arrives and asks the herbalist if he can get
his medicine. He could be buying aspirin from his demeanour, there is no
discomfort despite the fact that four other people, one of whom is a
photographer stand at the 'shop' He adds for added clarity 'ke batla
tlhamalala le mojakabomo'. At this point the old woman produces a bag
full of herbs and gives three packages to the man.<br />
The packages contain lucky portions, according to the herbalist
Elizabeth Madeluka from Senete. They will help one find a job and
straighten things when things are not going right in your life, she
says. The man is only one of about 50 people who will visit Madeluka's
store today. To the left of Madeluka stands another "herbal shop' at
which a middle-aged man takes a swig of monepenepe- a popular
all-rounder and painkiller. He pays as he wipes his lips and leaves.<br />
People from all walks of life frequent these herbal stalls. None
looks over his or her shoulder to see if someone is following them. In
their eagerness to get their packages they are almost oblivious to the
usual station melee.<br />
<br />
"Traditional medicine has always been an integral part of African
life, healing the spiritual and physical ailments of the people," says
Madeluka. She is a veteran in herbal medicine, having started her trade
in the 1970s. The spiritual efficacy of traditional medicine is evident
when they are used to ward off evil spirits, remove impending danger,
accidents, bad omen or misfortune, and to protect one's family. In
addition, these 'doctors' provide medicines to improve peoples'
probability of success in commerce, industry and public service, and to
enhance the ability of couples to have many children. Traditional
healers also provide herbs for use in marriage and funeral ceremonies."<br />
But there is often no scientific data to vouch for the efficacy of
the herbs. That they also can operate on a spiritual plane is at best
laughable to medical science. Thus European missionaries and Western
medicine maligned traditional medicine, associated with evil and managed
to turn many from using it. Those who used it would visit a traditional
doctor under the cover of darkness and solicit for whatever charm he or
she wanted. "We used it before the coming of modern medicine and it
worked. What people need to know is that the medicine we sell is
extracted from plants, " says 54-year old Madeluka, who is a member of
the healers club - Dingaka tsa Setso Association.<br />While she says that
stigma associated with taking herbal medicine is fading, Madeluka has a
warning for those who still want to keep the fact that they take the
medicine a secret. Madeluka says the secretive use of traditional
medicine is dangerous as some people could end up overdosing because of
the fear of openly consulting the 'experts'.<br />
<br />
Another traditional medicine vendor, Gaefele Tsele who has been in
the trade for 28 says she has observed that in recent years young people
are not ashamed to seek her services compared to 10 years back when her
clientele was made up of largely old people. Tsele says she introduced
ready made concoctions about 10 years back and people have always felt
free to buy and consume it where she operates-in public. The greatest
gratification to any herbalist, she says is to see one's patients
getting healed. In that case they do not have to frequent her store
complaining about the same ailment.<br />
Tsele says that because traditional medicine has not been subjected
to lab tests, it would be moot to talk about a middle ground for
traditional and modern medicine, "But people should know that there are
instances where either of them can work best," he says.<br />
<br />
Professor Ishmael Mosesane, from the Chemistry department at the
University of Botswana, concurs that in the past people kept their use
of herbal medicine secretive, but that the trend is changing. Professor
Mosesane who is studying the molecular nature and efficacy of
traditional medicine says that less secrecy means lower incidents of
overdose. Furthermore these incidents will become much fewer as his
department works with traditional doctors in his research.<br />
<br />
"This could help us extract active components in the plants and see which of them play a vital role, " he says.<br />
Mosesane who has been doing research in this field since 1992, says
the open use of the products also means that researchers now have access
to information and they conduct research having better relationships
with both the healers and consumers.<br />
<br />
With Mosesane's work, the partnership with traditional doctors and
the willingness of patients amazing results can be achieved. Perhaps one
day, we will have our own Viagra from the traditional 'moporota' tuber
whose potency many a man swears by. Already we hear that there is a
growing demand for traditional medicines throughout the developed world;
Over 50 percent of Europeans and North Americans have used traditional
medicines and 90% of Germans use herbal medicines. Millions more use
traditional medicine in the Americas and Asia. Translate those numbers
into monetary value and we could soon be raking in billions of Pula in
exported traditional medicine.</span></div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-6150656494703445982011-05-15T07:49:00.000-07:002011-05-15T07:49:20.076-07:00MEMORANDUM OF DEMANDS TO PRESIDENT JACOB GEDLEYIHLEKISA ZUMA By TRADITIONAL HEALERS & PATIENTS<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oY8_dypHX4/Tc_nohFp3yI/AAAAAAAAAjg/4KM24rek8IQ/s1600/Memo+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oY8_dypHX4/Tc_nohFp3yI/AAAAAAAAAjg/4KM24rek8IQ/s640/Memo+2011.jpg" width="448" /> </a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d77etv35Iu4/Tc_nlvO04BI/AAAAAAAAAjc/oqd2IW2Ifq0/s1600/Memo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d77etv35Iu4/Tc_nlvO04BI/AAAAAAAAAjc/oqd2IW2Ifq0/s1600/Memo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d77etv35Iu4/Tc_nlvO04BI/AAAAAAAAAjc/oqd2IW2Ifq0/s640/Memo.jpg" width="459" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-22132760145810717922011-05-12T04:35:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:42:47.311-07:00Traditional Healers march to the Union Building in Pretoria to force government to IMPLEMENT Traditional Healers rights<div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;">
We, the
traditional healers of this country representing the following
associations : Traditional Healers Organisation, Tshwane Healers Forum,
Dingaka Healers Association, Nyangazezizwe Traditional Healers
Organisation, African Traditional Health Practitioners’ Union in
partnership with Patients from around the country formally register our
dissatisfaction and unhappiness in the manner in which the government
and in particular, the Ministry of Health under the leadership of the
Honourable Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi treat traditional healers. </div>
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Our move has been motivated by lack of response from government to
address our concerns as traditional healers. The attitude and behaviour
we have received from government since our attempt to engage with them
is left us no choice but to take this action.</div>
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Today, we demand answers. We have resorted to this action after
numerous attempts to engage the Department of Health and other
structures fell on deaf ears.<br />
We want to know when traditional healers and patients will see and feel
being part of a democratic South Africa which we all fought hard for and
defended. We demand that government start taking issues pertaining to
traditional healing seriously and consult with us on a regular basis. We
demand to see this commitment in simple written language 14 days after
this action.</div>
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Issues</b><br />
We believe the government should be supportive and demonstrate respect
for all health professions including traditional health care. Minister
of health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi and his department has shown little if
not total disrespect for healers and the more than 70% of people who
utilise traditional medicine. </div>
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Programmes on traditional and complimentary medicine seem not to enjoy
equal pride of space within the Ministry and this has been our main
concern for a long time. We resolved at our National Conference held in
Johannesburg in February this year that there was a need to put
pressure on government in order for her to review her position in this
matter. Healers feel humiliated, let down and insulted by the Health
Ministry’s approach to our needs.</div>
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;">
<br />
This behaviour perpetuates the stereotype that healers are equal to
witches and therefore not deserving respect and cannot be treated with
dignity. <br />
<br />
We would like to draw your attention to the following demands from
healers from all the nine provinces:
</div>
<ul style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;">
<li>We want Government to implement the THP Act regulations.
This
include the formation of the Council, recognition of sick-notes from
traditional health practitioners, medical aid pay out to traditional
healers ,formal registration of healers in the country, funding and
protection of research on traditional medicines </li>
<li>Establishment
of a Ministry and Department of Traditional and
Complimentary medicine</li>
<li>Review of the Witchcraft Suppression Act
of 1957 which
categorises every “spiritual person as “satanic or practising
witchcraft”</li>
<li>Inclusion of Traditional Medicine into the National
Health
Insurance</li>
<li>To accredit traditional healers as formal
co-researchers to
prevent exploitation by western researchers hence we call for the
promulgation of the Draft African Traditional Medicine policy </li>
<li>Institutionalise
Traditional Medicine at all levels of
government</li>
<li>Government to act on corrupt officials who use budget
allocated
for traditional healers training and developmental programmes for
personal gain </li>
<li>We demand participation in genuine democratic
processes of
consultation and citizenship</li>
<li>Open access to comprehensive
information on all forms of
treatment</li>
<li>Major healers associations should be well supported
and
consulted by relevant departments and government before major health
decisions are taken</li>
<li>Government to develop policies and laws that
promote partnership
in traditional medicine research and development with the private
sector as part of its BEE strategy (Pharmaceutical industry)</li>
<li>Improvement
of traditional health care standards through
training and development</li>
<li>Traditional Medicine should be
mainstreamed in all government
departments including the office of the Presidency</li>
<li>Develop
relevant policies and laws that promote and protect
traditional medicines </li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #990000;">Press Release, Thursday, May 12</span>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-68430607881396402172011-05-08T12:08:00.000-07:002011-05-08T12:08:29.401-07:00Africa’s health examined<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDv_N4QMzEg/Tcbp-XH_v9I/AAAAAAAAAjY/oe6-hDI-U2I/s1600/health_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDv_N4QMzEg/Tcbp-XH_v9I/AAAAAAAAAjY/oe6-hDI-U2I/s1600/health_top.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="blurb" style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blurb" style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blurb" style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
The first Africa Health will bring together all manner
of stakeholders in the medical field, including medical and
complementary healthcare professionals, and equipment manufacturers.</div>
<div class="blurb" style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<span class="dropcap">H</span>EALTH and wellness and the unique
health concerns of Africa, will be the focus of the first Africa Health
exhibition and congress, running from 9 to 11 May at the MTN Expo Centre
in Nasrec.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="jce_caption" style="color: black; display: inline-block; float: right; margin: 5px; text-align: justify; width: 250px;">
<img alt="Health practitioners" height="350" src="http://www.joburg.org.za/images/stories/2011/May/health_side.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" />
<div style="clear: both;">
More than 250 international exhibitors are expected at Africa Health</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">
Organisers say the expo is not only for medical specialists but also for those who have an interest in the field.
</span></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
A range of topics and sectors will be exhibited, in the Western and
complementary medicine fields, such as infectious diseases and
childbirth. There will be a complementary medicine programme, with
high-profile speakers on alternative medicine such as tibb, homeopathy,
indigenous and traditional.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
The conference will cover general principles for implementing
complementary medicine, including global trends and the impact of
traditional and complementary medicine and skin disease in the
developing world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
It will also look at the proper use of traditional, complementary and
alternative medicines and the importance of patient awareness in
developing regions. Research and development regarding the eradication
of infectious diseases such as TB and HIV/Aids on the African continent
will also be addressed.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
“The most important and compelling reason for attending the
conference is to highlight the importance and impact that infectious
diseases have in Africa,” said Dr Mana Kasongo, the co-ordinator of the
South African HIV Clinicians’ Society and the chair of the conference.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<span class="H2">Women’s health</span><br />Pregnancy and childbirth
will also have a high profile in bid to improve the standards and
quality of women’s healthcare on the continent. Every year, nearly
200 000 women in sub-Saharan Africa – or 500 a day – die from
pregnancy-related causes such as haemorrhage, hypertension and
obstructed labour. Aids and malaria are also critical in this group.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
“Three-quarters die from conditions which can be prevented or treated
with well-known interventions and through skilled care. Making this
care accessible to women will reduce the burden of maternal deaths,”
says Dr Stephen Munjanja, the senior lecturer in the department of
obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Zimbabwe.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
More than 250 international exhibitors will be at the exhibition,
coming from countries such as China, Germany, Taiwan, France, Italy,
United States, United Kingdom and India. Exhibitors include those in the
nursing sector through to senior healthcare professionals,
manufacturers, suppliers, policy makers, traditional healers and
alternative healthcare practitioners.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="jce_caption" style="color: black; display: inline-block; float: right; margin: 5px; text-align: justify; width: 250px;">
<img alt="A product demonstration" height="350" src="http://www.joburg.org.za/images/stories/2011/May/health_side1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" />
<div style="clear: both;">
A product demonstration</div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
It will be attended by medical industry professionals; dealers and
distributors looking to source and research pioneering technology and
equipment; suppliers, manufacturers, agents and buyers of products;
policy makers from government authorities; private sector healthcare
organisations; institutions; academics; and healthcare professionals. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
“This will be a unique experience for all in the healthcare sector to
learn, educate, network and focus on issues that are important and
relevant to them,” says Kerry Oliver, the event’s publicist.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
In all, there will be over 5 000m2 of products and services on
display. Siemens, Karl Storz, Fuji, Maquet and Terumo will be some of
the exhibitors on the floor.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<span class="H2">Hospital</span><br />Anne-Mie Tack, the marketing
manager of Agfa HealthCare, says Africa has shown significant
improvement in the sector thanks to the increase in quality hospitals
and qualified doctors. The continent has taken measures to modernise and
structure its healthcare system and is moving towards increased
efficiencies and cost-effectiveness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
“Due to this reason, there exists an immense opportunity for the need
to supply a wide range of medical equipment and disposables to meet the
demand for quality healthcare services in African regions,” she
explains.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
The expo is an extension of Arab Health, the largest exhibition and
conference of its kind in the Middle East, held to enhance global
healthcare. For the African instalment, the latest technology in live
surgery link-ups, professional case studies and presentations will keep
senior healthcare professionals informed on diagnosis and increased
opportunities for the supply of hospital equipment, instrumentation,
machinery and other products and services.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
“Africa Health 2011 is a timely event since the world’s healthcare
development and funding is currently focused towards African countries,
and the significant improvements made in the standard of healthcare over
the years in South Africa, makes it an ideal location to host this
event,” says Ken Takagi, the chief executive and senior general manager
of Terumo Corporation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
The congress and exhibition is endorsed by the South African Medical
Association and is jointly organised by IIR South Africa BV and IIR
Holdings Dubai. It is supported by the departments of Health and Social
Development, and Gauteng Province.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Doors will be open from 9am until 5pm; entry to the exhibition is free. For more information, visit the expo <a href="http://www.africahealthexhibition.com/Site-Root/Overview/About-Africa-Health/" target="_blank">website</a>.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-30174413557286601792011-04-03T11:26:00.000-07:002011-04-03T11:27:13.093-07:00Exclusive Books launches A Sangoma's Story<br />
<div class="divRelatedStories" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="Exclusive Books launches <i>A Sangoma’s Story</i>" class="storyPic" src="http://mediaupdate.co.za/temp/35876_25078_200_0.jpg" title="Exclusive Books launches <i>A Sangoma’s Story</i>" /></span></div>
Melanie Reeder and Elliot Ndlovu were surrounded by interested parties at the launch of Reeder’s book, A Sangoma’s Story, which tells the story of Ndlovu’s journey to follow his ancestors’ call to become a traditional healer. But what makes a young white woman like Reeder write a book about a sangoma? <br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Reeder,
who spent three years working on the project, says Ndlovu made a huge
impression on her, teaching her the African principle of </span><i style="color: black;">uBuntu</i><span style="color: black;">.
“To give his voice a platform is something I had to do.” Ndlovu, in
turn, said that he felt he needed to share his journey as a traditional
healer – </span><i style="color: black;">isangoma</i><span style="color: black;">, and herbalist – </span><i style="color: black;">inyanga</i><span style="color: black;">.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Guests
at the launch, hosted by Exclusive Books, Hyde Park on 29 March. Both
Reeder and Ndlovu were involved in the mingling that took place in the
foyer before the official launch and signing took place.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Jon
Bates was well-suited to introduce Ndlovu to the captivated crowd as he
had known him for years. Ndlovu is quite a character and stands out for
his ability to marry the traditional with the modern – he practices both
in his room in the rural village of Thendela as well as at the luxury
Fordoun Hotel Spa - both in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Ndlovu is also
actively involved in preserving indigenous plants that are under threat
due to the booming traditional medicine industry, which Bates said is at
an estimated R2.9-billion annually. Many indigenous plants are being
plundered by inyangas, or at least, those pretending to be. For this
reason, Ndlovu - in partnership with Bates, the owner of Fordoun Hotel
Spa – grows his own herbs sustainably.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">When he took to the podium
to address the guests, Ndlovu stressed the importance of herbs as a
source of healing, making it clear that it upsets him that some false
practitioners use animal and human body parts. He said that the
opportunity to set the record straight was one of the main reasons he
decided to collaborate with Reeder in writing the book. Ndlovu,
affectionately known as Maluleka, which means ‘one who counsels and
advises others’, says there is a lot of misconception about what a
sangoma does and that the practice is often mistaken for witchcraft. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Because
traditional healing and the calling is often a closely guarded secret
amongst the practitioners, we asked him whether he received any backlash
for revealing secrets about the tradition. Ndlovu says none of his
fellow traditional healers have said anything bad or negative to him
about going into the territory in which traditionally people would not
be allowed the opportunity to understand the workings. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Ndlovu
wanted to dismiss the myth that anybody can become a sangoma. He says
only people with the calling and who answer the calling can become
traditional healers. Making it clear that he is no ‘tourist attraction’
and his story is not ‘fiction’, Ndlovu told the audience that he went
through a lot before he became the respected traditional healer he is
today. Reading snippets from the book, Ndlovu told us of how he spent
five hours under water as one of the rituals before qualifying as a
sangoma.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">He spoke with passion about his profession and the value
it adds to people’s lives and how he sees it growing to impact and
benefit more people in the future. Having met the Queen of England and
thrown bones for the 2007 Oscar nominees, no-one can challenge Ndlovu
when he says that he is a ‘top’ </span><i style="color: black;">isangoma</i><span style="color: black;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"></span>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-47097915950989900492011-03-19T02:59:00.000-07:002011-03-19T02:59:18.656-07:00Traditional medicine clinic doing very well<div id="article_body" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Swazi people just love their muti, and tinyanga (traditional
healers) are still as popular as ever even in this era of western modern
style medicine. <br />Tinyanga know exactly that people of Swaziland have
a weakness when it comes to traditional herbs, medicines and treatment
although they say many of their clients are still shy to come out in the
open. <br />The Emvembili Traditional Clinic, whose overseer is Busisiwe
Makhabane, is one institution with a huge traffic of patients with all
sorts of illnesses, ranging from skin lesions to TB and HIV related
infections visit on a daily basis.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />In view of this, Makhabane
implored government and its development partners to assist in further
scientific research of traditional medicine. The World Health
Organisation (WHO), in its traditional medicine strategy, advocates for
the proper use of traditional medicine and integrating this into
national health systems. <br />But has this strategy which was printed in
2002 trickled down to the Swaziland setting a country, where many people
still strongly believe in indigenous herbs? Makhabane and other
tinyanga (traditional healers) strongly feel there is still a lot that
needs to be done in this regard to implement the strategy.<br />fledged<br />Emvembili
is a small rural community situated in the northern Hhohho region of
Swaziland, about 50km away from the Matsamo Border Post separating
Swaziland and South Africa. Makhabane, a fully fledged inyanga and
member of Traditional Healers Organisation (THO), whose president is
well known Nhlavana Maseko, attested to the strong belief that local
Swazi people have in traditional medicine. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />In a country ravaged by
AIDS and Tuberculosis - the two major causes of death in Swaziland, it
still remains a little wonder that many people would rather have their
sicknesses, even those related to HIV, attended to by traditional
healers. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />But despite the evident popularity of traditional medicine,
there is still a deep lack of integration between western style
hospitals and the traditional ones in Swaziland. <br />“You probably will
not believe this, but a huge fraction of our patients come to consult
with us even after receiving medical attention from modern day clinics,”
Makhabane said.<br />confidence</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />She observed that Swazi people still
have unwavering confidence in tinyanga “which shows the important role
played by traditional medicine in local health systems even in modern
day society”. But Swazi tinyanga are worried that their work has not
gained much needed recognition from government, and through their
umbrella body - the Traditional Healers Organisation (THO), they are
calling for serious recognition from government and the United Nations
(UN).<br />It emerged during the interview with traditional healers at the
Emvembili clinic that it is not just rural folk who consult tinyanga,
but even sophisticated individuals with lucrative incomes in the urban
setting still have strong belief in traditional herbs. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />“I will not
disclose my clients and those of other traditional healers I work
closely with, but I am proud to tell you that I often attend to high
ranking individuals in society,” she said.<br />Traditional healers
affiliating to THO, an organisation whose membership exceeds 8 000,
sometimes work with the ministry of health. The ministry made an attempt
to integrate traditional and western health systems by ensuring
tinyanga received basic training in primary health care, although they
feel this is not enough. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />The cadre of healers affiliating to THO
allude to that traditional medicine cannot operate in isolation of the
modern health system. <br />illnesses</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />“As traditional healers, we admit
that there are ailments we cannot handle, like those that involve HIV,
TB and AIDS related illnesses. We always advise our clients with
symptoms similar to the ones people develop when they are HIV positive
to check their HIV status,” another inyanga, who is an aide to Makhabane
said. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />In addition, he said: “There was a huge mistake traditional
healers committed in the past and that was claiming they could heal
AIDS. Many people died in the hands of such tinyanga. People who would
have survived if they had been initiated on Anti Retroviral Treatment
(ART)”. <br />When sought for comment, Minister of Education Benedict Xaba
admitted that government had not yet come up with a full strategy to
deal with traditional healers. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />“Even though we occasionally hold meetings with tinyanga, but there is no full strategy in place yet”.<br /> Xaba pointed out that his ministry recognises traditional healers, especially those who are members of THO.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<strong>What some had to say about traditional medicine</strong></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Nyangamfana Thwala:</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
“When
my grandson was two years old, he fell seriously ill. He suffered from a
strange disease and was in extreme pain as he had swollen feet and a
swollen tummy. <br />“At some point, we thought he would never survive
this illness and my family was distraught as his mother had also died
when he was a baby. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />“I personally took him to many hospitals, but
doctors failed to diagnose him with any sickness, they simply did not
know what was wrong with him despite the several medical tests they
conducted. <br />“In one of the modern hospitals, a doctor told me in the
face that our family should brace itself for the worst because chances
of my grandson’s recovery were slim. In those days, I had a strange
dream whereby I was instructed to take him to the Emvembili Traditional
Clinic. <br />“In the dream, I was told to specifically speak to Busisiwe
Makhabane, the overseer and I was informed that she would have a
solution to my grandson’s illness. <br />“Strangely, when I arrived at the
clinic Makhabane told me she was expecting me as the ancestral spirits
had informed her of my son’s illness. <br />“She quickly prepared a
cocktail of herbs. I do not know to this day what the herbs she used
were, but my grandson recovered from that day.”</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Mamiza Masilela:</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
“For
many years I was seriously sick, and the lower part of my body was all
swollen. I also had painful blisters all over my body. <br />“I was so
sick that I could hardly walk or do any physical activity. I went to
modern hospitals and clinics, but no medication they gave me ever
helped. <br />“The Emvembili Traditional Clinic really helped me a lot when I came seeking for help. <br />“I was given traditional herbs to drink and they really helped me.”</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<strong>Brief tour of the Emvembili Traditional Clinic</strong></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
The Emvembili Traditional Clinic is not your average Inyanga’s (traditional healer’s) house. <br />One
would expect the infrastructure to be the typical thatched mud and
grass huts popularly known as indumba (traditional healer’s consultation
room) strongly favoured by Swazi muti men, but instead the clinic is
made of a four-roomed house. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />Although there are no stethoscopes or
medical equipment in any of the clinic’s four rooms, it has its own
level of sophistication reminiscent of an average western style clinic. <br />The
four rooms are clearly demarcated, and each has a specific function.
The first room serves as a reception, whilst the one adjacent is used as
a dispensary. <br />The inner room is used as a consultation room. All
forms of concoctions can be found in the dispensary, and they are kept
in uniform clearly labelled containers. Busisiwe Makhabane, the clinic’s
overseer, explained that she does not throw the bones inside the
clinic, which is why it is a modern facility.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<strong>Healers treating patients with no money</strong></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Contrary
to popular belief that traditional healers do not attend to patients
with no money because their ancestral spirits do not accept such, the
Emvembili Traditional Clinic accepts such patients. <br />“Because we are
based in a rural setting, most of our clients are extremely poor people
who often do not have money, but we never turn them away. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />“The
president of our Traditional Healers Organisation Nhlavana Maseko often
strongly speaks against turning away patients with no money. <br />“He believes that no life should be lost because there was no money to pay at the clinic,” said the overseer Busisiwe Makhabane.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br />In
fact two of the interviewed patients Nyangamfana Thwala and Mamiza
Masilela did not have money when they were treated, but they later sent
tokens of appreciation to the inyanga for giving them herbs that healed
them.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=22541"> By Hlengiwe Ndlovu </a> </div>
</div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-51114795218214304272011-03-19T02:52:00.001-07:002011-03-19T02:52:53.163-07:00Natural compounds: the future of anti-malarial treatment<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
n the run up to World Malaria Day on the 25th April 2011, BioMed Central's open access journal <i>Malaria Journal</i> takes a long hard look at the development of natural compounds for use in the fight against malaria.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
There are over 200 million cases of malaria each year with 85% of
all cases being children under five years old and, according to the
World Health Organisation, in 2009 malaria was responsible for 781,000
deaths worldwide. Low cost treatment is available, 100 million children a
year are treated with Artemisinin combination therapy at a cost of
about 30 cents per child, but resistance of the parasite to this
treatment is increasing. In the face of this resistance, researchers are
turning to traditional medicine to provide a starting point for the
development of new drugs. </div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Traditional remedies are widely used especially in areas of poverty
or where there is no access to medical treatment. The combination of
artemisinin, flavanoids, and other compounds which occur naturally in
the leaves of Artemisia annua, increases the effectiveness of the
treatment and decreases metabolism of the active ingredient. Circumin
(from turmeric) has anti-malarial properties and is being tested for use
against cerebral malaria. Adding piperine (from black pepper seeds) to
circumin increases the effectiveness of circumin 2000 times. Plant
extracts such as lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and neem oil also have
use as insect repellents but are not as yet recommended for use by the
Environmental Protection Agency.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Researchers suggest following the Research Initiative on Traditional
Anti-Malarial Methods (RITAM), which shows a consensus of observational
and laboratory results with clinical clearance of parasites. They also
advocate the inclusion of native healers for the review of disease
surveillance, ethnobotanical treatments, and changes in health care
policy to increase the validity of these traditional medicines.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
However, there is currently no concerted research into the
effectiveness of natural compounds as anti-malarials or as malaria
prophylaxis. Consequently, there is a need for partnership
organisations, such as African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics
Innovation (ANDi), to promote standardisation in observing traditional
remedies and the subsequent pharmacological purification and testing of
compounds and combinations in the clinic.
</div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-5733650273183323772011-03-14T13:19:00.000-07:002011-03-14T13:19:18.272-07:00Prepaid healthcare launched in South Africa<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Yarona Care recently launched prepaid healthcare. Watch this space
because nine amazing offerings are systematically being rolled out in
South Africa over the next 12 months.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
These include prepaid
vouchers, which allow patients to see participating doctors or dentists
and even traditional healers, who will then redeem the cellphone voucher
and provide the necessary healthcare services; products such as Impilo
Go, which offer a visit to the doctor, plus seven days worth of medicine
for just R230; Impilo One, which offers the user medicine for as little
as R100; and Eyona Go, which covers dental consultations and either one
extraction or filling, or alternatively scaling and polishing at an
affordable R330.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div id="embedded-ad" style="color: black; float: left; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://adsrv.itweb.co.za/adclick.php?bannerid=23561&zoneid=0&source=&dest=http%3A%2F%2Fconnection.neotel.co.za%2Fvoice" target="_new"><br /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
What
could be simpler than prepaid? The principle of prepaid is already
widely accepted in South Africa and Africa as a whole. The process is
also simple and easy. A purchaser dials a code on his cellphone to
redeem services purchased when needed. The patient thus cashes out
his/her voucher at the doctor or dentist's office by providing a unique
code. Yarona Care then pays the provider for services rendered.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Purchasers
can manage their own healthcare by purchasing vouchers for each of
their family members for a specific period. With Yarona Care, it is also
easy to send vouchers to family members and loved ones in case of
emergencies. In a country where the majority of citizens do not have
medical cover – this solution is truly overdue. Medical aid members can
also benefit by using Yarona when savings plans have been depleted.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
For
Yarona Care, the key to success has been excellent relationships with
doctors, dentists and other healthcare providers throughout South
Africa. Yarona Care is a privately owned business with a proud
track-record of innovative product design and sustainable business
relationships. Yarona Care believes in investing in clients, staff,
communities and supporting technologies. Based on extensive knowledge
and expertise within the healthcare market - the focus is on
affordability, quality, accessibility and efficiency of healthcare
delivery.</div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-30364995474989433932011-03-14T13:12:00.000-07:002011-03-14T13:12:39.403-07:00South Africa commits to herbal research<h4 class="introduction" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b>
The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
is teaming up with local supplier, Afriplex, to investigate and market
local botanicals with an initial focus on the plant<i> Elephantorrhiza elephantina</i>.
</b><br />
</h4>
<div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<i>“The roots of this plant are commonly used by indigenous people for a
wide range of ailments including diarrhoea and dysentery, stomach
disorders, haemorrhoids and perforated ulcers and as emetics,”</i> CSIR said. <i>“It is also popular for the treatment of skin diseases and acne.”</i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Indications such as colds and flu, allergies, male pattern baldness,
hair loss and erectile dysfunction will be studied, with cosmecuetical
applications highlighted.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<i>“The CSIR has done groundbreaking research and we are proud to be the
partner that will take this research from Source to Shelf,”</i> said Afriplex chief executive officer, Danie Nel.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
CSIR noted only few of the estimated 24,000 plants in South Africa have
botanical medicine registrations, while 70 per cent of South Africans
consult 200,000 traditional healers.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<i>“This partnership demonstrates that South African organisations can
boast registered herbal medicine derived from the botanical specimens
available in this country, instead of these products being imported from
overseas,”</i> CSIR said.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
<i>“By adding value locally and through the application of South African
know-how and technology, a solid platform is created to present
products typical of Africa in the international arena.” </i>
</div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-13333344730230725902011-03-05T10:19:00.000-08:002011-03-05T10:19:12.977-08:00Response to the statement<div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
It is interesting to read about the contradictions that was going on in this case. the other thing that nags me is the fact that police and the judiciary are forcing a criminal to look or think he was a healer even though the perpetrator constantly denied it. from this case you can pick up the amount of challenges that the THO as an organization fighting for the rights of healers and patients are faced. every wrong doing is associated to our profession and yet, we do not see any political will from either a Minister or President that is wanting to assist us clean up or bring back our respect and dignity by implementing both Chapter 2 and 3 of the Traditional Health Practitioner's Act No. 22 of 2007.<br /><br />Sickening behavior of the state and its judiciary system.</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: right;">
by Phephsile Maseko<br />THO, National Coordinator<br />082 687 6290</div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-55782344023269995342011-03-05T10:15:00.000-08:002011-03-05T10:15:32.218-08:00Pain relief: devil's claw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UNLojgocZdY/TXJ9n5PsCYI/AAAAAAAAAiw/5eSkfP9plh8/s1600/DevilsClawr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UNLojgocZdY/TXJ9n5PsCYI/AAAAAAAAAiw/5eSkfP9plh8/s320/DevilsClawr.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div id="manchet" style="color: black; text-align: justify;">
Devil's claw
(Harpagophytum procumbens) is an African plant whose fruit looks like a
giant claw. The plant grows in an arid climate and is found in Namibia,
Madagascar, the Kalahari Desert, and other areas on the African
continent. </div>
<br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">
The tuberous roots are used in traditional medicine. The root is
collected when the rainy season ends. The root is chopped and dried in
the sun for three days. Devil's claw is also known as grapple plant and
wood spider.</span><br style="color: black;" />
<br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">
Traditional healers have used devil's claw to treat inflammatory
conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and lower back pain. Current
uses for devil's claw are much the same as they were centuries ago. The
herb is still a remedy for arthritis and other types of joint pain, such
as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout (a painful joint
inflammation disease). Devil's claw is also used for soft tissue
conditions with inflammation, like tendinitis and bursitis.</span>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4338698906603205987.post-33234396954249361262011-03-04T10:35:00.000-08:002011-03-05T10:35:54.526-08:00Plea to include traditional medicine in health plan (www.sowetanlive.co.za)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">TRADITIONAL medicine should be included in the national health strategic plan, the fifth annual HIV-Aids conference under way in Durban heard yesterday.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> South African Indigenous Healthcare Research chairperson Nceba Gqaleni told the conference the plan should inculcate cultural values in support of efforts to prevent HIV and reduce the impact of Aids in the province and nationally.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="color: black;">Gqaleni said more research needed to be done around traditional medicines and their contribution to helping those who do not qualify for treatment at private health institutions.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">"The biggest issue is that the Health Department does not provide funding for any medical research in the province but the Department of Science and Technology has been the major source of research funding in South Africa," Gqaleni said.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">He said the reason behind the Health Department not funding any medical research is "the current administration comes from an era traditional when medicine was associated with Aids denialism</span>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2010/10/28/plea-to-include-traditional-medicine-in-health-plan">www.sowetanlive.co.za/news</a></div>Traditional Healers Organizationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06558397179933144381noreply@blogger.com0