Abstract
BackgroundBapedi traditional healers play a vital role in the primary health care of rural inhabitants in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. However, literature profiling their social and demographic variables, as well as their traditional healing practices is lacking.MethodsConvenience sampling were used to identify and select two traditional healers from 17 municipalities (resulting in 34 healers being used in this pilot survey) of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. Information on the social and demographic variables, and traditional healing practices of these healers was gathered from January 2013 to July 2013, using a semi-structured questionnaire, supplemented by field surveys for plant identification and collection used in the preparation of remedies.ResultsMales constituted nearly two-thirds of the participants. Forty eight percent of them became healers through the mentoring of another healer, while 38% acquired their traditional healing knowledge from parents and 14% from grandparents. In contrast to this, 62% of the females obtained theirs from their parents, 30% from fellow traditional healers, and 8% from grandparents. A total of 154 plant species were indicated as used by healers in the treatment of 52 health-related problems. A vast majority (89%) of these practitioners reported that prepared herbal remedies do expire, which is a temperature-dependent process. Determinations of the efficacy of remedies by most healers (67%) were via consultation with ancestors (90%). This study also found that none of the interviewees had any knowledge of provincial or national environmental legislation.ConclusionsThe current study has shown that Bapedi traditional healers could play a leading role in both the preservation of indigenous knowledge and the primary health care sector. However, of concern is the traditional methods (via consulting ancestors) employed by most of these healers in determining efficacy of remedies, thus indicating a need for a scientific investigations to establish their safety and effectiveness. Equally, there is a need to educate traditional practitioners’ regarding the significance of various conservation legislations in their traditional healing. By addressing these, the national and provincial legislators, medical fraternity as well as environmental agencies will be able to better integrate them in primary health care systems and environmental management.
Highlights
Bapedi traditional healers play a vital role in the primary health care of rural inhabitants in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
The current study further indicated that 154 plant species are being used by questioned healers to treat 52 health-related problems, which to some extent reflect the strength of Bapedi traditional medicine as it presents alternatives for the treatment of aliments
This study revealed that none of the interviewed traditional healers had any knowledge of Limpopo Environmental Management Act (LEMA) [73]
Summary
Bapedi traditional healers play a vital role in the primary health care of rural inhabitants in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Hoareau and DaSilva [2] stated that traditional medicine in several developing countries, incorporating local traditions and beliefs, is still the mainstay of primary health care; where modern health care facilities are either sparsely located or non-existent [3] It is well-documented [4,5], that in the rural areas of South Africa, traditional healers operate in close proximity [6], and association [7], with the community members to treat various diseases and ailments. Van Rensburg et al [9], expand on this definition by stating that a traditional healer as someone who is recognized by the community in which he/she lives as competent to provide primary health care These authors further stated that such a person utilise plants, animals and mineral substances together with methods based on the social, cultural and religious background, as well as prevailing knowledge, attitudes and beliefs for the physical, mental and social well-being of the community. Traditional healers are generally divided into two categories: Those that serve the role of diviner-diagnostician (or divinermediums), and those who are healers or herbalists [10]
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