Traditional healers graduate from organisation’s programme
Traditional healers graduate from Traditional Primary Health Care workshop.
Forty-five traditional healers were presented with certificates of completion at a traditional healers’ workshop on October 20.
The Traditional Primary Health Care workshop ran from October 16 until October 20.
The participating healers were sensitised to the issues of health, HIV/Aids and related diseases.
The programme was organised by Gogo Taueatswala at 304 Tsepo Section under the banner of the Traditional Healers Organisation (THO).
Gogo Taueatswala said the reason why traditional healers should be certified is for them to be formally recognised and prove their credibility through the licensing of Abalaphi Bendabuko (traditional healers).
She added that licensing will help to prevent bogus healers from defrauding unsuspecting community members and control traditional practitioners who operate in the traditional-healing industry.
“The workshop dealt with different types of diseases and the conduct of traditional healers within society.
“After completing the programme we awarded certificates to the healers. This will restore dignity and give credibility to the traditional-healing industry,” said Gogo Taueatswala.
She said the Traditional Primary Health Care workshops have been existence for 22 years and participants join the programme on their own accord.
“They learn about the profession. They then get a certificate and a Book-7, which is a traditional healer’s identification. It is recognised by the South African health industry. This enables the healers to refer their patients to hospitals for medical attention if the situation calls for that. Book-7 is proof of registration of the traditional healer.”
Gogo Taueatswala said she wanted to thank the community of Tembisa for their support of traditional healers.
She encouraged people to recognise traditional healers whose role within their communities is to heal.
“THO was established in 1970 and it was registered as a non-governmental organisation in 1989. We therefore have a close working relationship with certain government institutions. The next workshop will be conducted next year,” said Gogo Taueatswala.
For more information on future workshops call 078 050 8400 or 078 162 1439.
