Techniques in Preserving Traditional Medicinal Knowledge in uMhlathuze in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examined the techniques used in preserving traditional medicinal knowledge in UMhlathuze in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Four research objectives guided the study: to determine the types of traditional medicinal knowledge owners in uMhlathuze area; to determine techniques used by traditional medicinal knowledge owners in preserving their traditional medicinal knowledge; to establish the effectiveness of the techniques used by traditional medicinal knowledge owners in preserving their traditional medicinal knowledge and to identify the challenges associated with the preservation of traditional medicinal knowledge. The study adopted qualitative research approach underpinned by the interpretivism research paradigm, in order to understand the techniques or strategies used to preserve traditional medicinal knowledge, guided by Nonaka's knowledge creation model. Qualitative data was collected through interviews (primarily through open-ended questions incorporated in semi-structured interviews with traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners) and content analysis was used for qualitative data obtained from lliterature review and document analysis. The study interviewed fifteen (15) traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, included diviners (Izangoma), herbalists (Izinyanga), and faith healers/prophets (Abathandazi). The study identified the abundance, accessibility, and usage of traditional medicinal knowledge for the benefit of both owners and users of this knowledge. The findings reveal that the traditional medicinal practitioners employed various strategies, such as notebooks and diaries to record and preserve their knowledge. Traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners also passed on their therapeutic experiences to their loved ones. Even though most traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners used a written form of preservation, several obstacles were recognised when conserving knowledge. The lack of education, skills and ability to use technological gadgets to their full potential made conserving traditional medicinal knowledge challenging. The study recommends that traditional medicinal knowledge should be captured, stored, retrieved, and disseminated via technological devices.