LIMPOPO – Tributes are pouring in for Dr Sylvester Mbayimbayi Hlati, a respected traditional healer and community leader, following his recent passing after a brief illness.

Hlati spent more than four decades advancing, promoting ethical practice, and preserving African traditional medicine.

He founded the Mhlabuhlangene School of African Medicine and the SADC Unified Ancestors Traditional Practitioners Association, establishing himself as a pioneering figure whose influence reached far beyond South Africa.

He operated traditional healing practices across Limpopo, including Malamulele, Tzaneen and Polokwane, as well as parts of Mpumalanga.

Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba extended her condolences to the Hlati family, describing him as a giant of African traditional medicine whose legacy is “firmly etched in the history of our province and our country”.

Xitsonga radio station Munghana Lonene FM also honoured him. Hlati was a contributor to the programme Ripfumelo ra Ndhavuko.