New regulations aim to formalise traditional practices in SA

FOR many years traditional healers have operated in an effective legal grey area, with the legitimacy of medical certificates they produce tested by employers.

- ZELDA VENTER

But legislation earlier published for comment, the Traditional Health Professional Regulations, 2024 - marked a significant step forward in terms of formalising the practice of traditional healing in South Africa.

Employment law experts at commercial law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, in commenting on same, said that the regulations aim to formalise and professionalise traditional healthcare practices in South Africa.

The regulations are set to be implemented under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 22 of 2007 (THPA) to ensure that traditional health practices are standardised and practised safely across the country.

“Once registered with the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa, practitioners will be officially recognised as traditional health practitioners. While the THPA has been in existence since 2007, the regulations are key to bringing the act into full operation. Emphasis will be on establishing clear guidelines for those seeking to practice traditional health,” the legal experts said.