National Non-Statutory Professional Body for South African Traditional Health Practitioners
National Non-Statutory Professional Body for South African Traditional Health Practitioners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 17 June 2026 The Traditional Health Practice Association of Southern Africa (THPASA NPC) has noted media reports concerning the arrest of an individual described as a traditional healer in connection with the discovery of a deceased…
Indigenous Health Sciences represent a structured and evolving body of knowledge grounded in Indigenous Health Knowledge Systems and Traditional Health Practice. This article argues for their formal recognition as an essential pillar of South Africa’s future health system, grounded in epistemic justice, professional accountability, and community-centred healthcare.
Oral cancer is one of the few cancers that can present visible early warning signs in the mouth—yet it is frequently missed or diagnosed late. This article highlights key symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early screening.
As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, thousands of young Traditional Health Practitioners remain largely invisible within mainstream education, skills development, and employment frameworks. This opinion piece explores how Traditional Health Practice can contribute to youth development, occupational qualifications, entrepreneurship, community health, and economic participation while challenging policymakers to move beyond recognition towards meaningful inclusion.
As practitioners from across South Africa gathered under the banner of the National Traditional Healers Lekgotla 2026, moments of fellowship, unity, and shared purpose reflected the spirit of a sector determined to shape its own future. The Lekgotla provided a platform for Abelaphi Bendabuko to engage on issues of identity, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, professional recognition, legislative reform, economic empowerment, and collective representation. Through dialogue and collaboration, practitioners reaffirmed their commitment to advancing traditional healing while preserving the cultural and spiritual foundations upon which it stands.
The appointment of Dr Christie van Zyl as Spiritual Support Practitioner at the University of the Free State (UFS) is being viewed by many within the Indigenous Health Knowledge Systems (IHKS) sector as a significant development in the evolving relationship…
A national membership campaign launched by THPASA seeks to unite Traditional Health Practitioners across South Africa while building provincial, district and local structures that support professional recognition, Indigenous Health Knowledge Systems, practitioner development and sector representation.
The Traditional Health Practice Association of Southern Africa NPC (THPASA) is pleased to provide an update regarding the continued development and expansion of our official digital platform. Over the past several months, significant progress has been made in transforming the…