November 12,2024

New Regulations to Register Traditional Healers in South Africa by 2025

In Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, Gogo Selby Mawelele brings life to weddings by spinning Shangaan disco tunes. Back at his homestead in New Forest village, he uses his skills as a traditional healer, preparing herbal remedies for various ailments, including psychiatric disorders, diabetes, and constipation, as well as solutions to dispel evil spirits and rekindle love in estranged couples.

Approximately 70% of South Africans, primarily in rural areas, seek care from traditional healers like Mawelele before visiting a doctor—or sometimes never visit a clinic at all.

However, new regulations expected to take effect in early 2025 will require traditional healers to register with the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council. According to Sheila Mbhele, spokesperson and chairperson of the council’s registration, education, and accreditation committee, this step aims to formalize the practice and align it with regulated healthcare standards.

The council will oversee the operations of traditional healers similarly to how the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Nursing Council regulate health workers like doctors, nurses, and dietitians. Draft regulations, published in June and closed for public comment on 21 September, outline standards for training and practice. Registered healers will need to pay annual registration fees and provide proof of proper training.

Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale recently confirmed that the finalization process for these regulations is still underway, with implementation expected upon official proclamation, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.