African traditional medicine in South Africa: History of the practice and current developments in its regulation

7^th International Conference & Exhibition on Traditional & Alternative Medicine

October 24-26, 2017 | Dubai, UAE

Conrad Tsiane and Nceba Gqaleni

Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council, South Africa

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Altern Integr Med

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: The practice of African traditional medicine (ATM) in South Africa (SA) is as old as the cradle of human kind. It is possibly the oldest medical system in the world. However, it has suffered the longest from colonial and apartheid laws which are being modified in accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines. This paper will articulate the history of African traditional medicine in South Africa, the various categories of practitioners, and the steps taken in the country for its development. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This is based on an Afrocentric and decolonization approach. Findings: The Constitution of SA, the Health Act, and the Traditional Health Practitioners (THP) Act form the basis for the transformation of ATM. The Interim THP Council of SA is leading the process of regulating THPs Conclusion & Significance: ATM will never be the same again in SA