\n\t\tOnly traditional healers properly registered with the council can issue legally valid medical certificates.\n\t<\/p>\n
For many years, traditional healers have operated in an effective legal grey area. One area of contention is the legitimacy of medical leave certificates provided by traditional healers and whether employers should accept them.<\/p>\n
Employment Law experts at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr say legislation published for comment earlier this year\u2014 the Traditional Health Professional Regulations, 2024 (Regulations) \u2014marked a significant step forward in formalising the practice of traditional healing in South Africa.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ: 61% of South Africans ready to quit over work stress and lack of support<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Traditional Health Act<\/p>\n \u201cRegulations aim to formalise and professionalise traditional health practices in South Africa and are set to be implemented under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 22 of 2007 (THPA) to ensure that traditional health practices are standardised and practiced safely across the country,\u201d says Phetheni Nkuna from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.<\/p>\n The Traditional Health Practitioners Act<\/a> 22 of 2007 in South Africa aims to establish a regulatory framework for traditional health care services, ensuring their efficacy, safety, and quality while managing traditional health practitioners\u2019 registration, training, and conduct.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nkuna adds that once registered with the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa (Council), practitioners will be officially recognised as traditional health practitioners.<\/p>\n Regulations of the Traditional Health Act<\/p>\n Thato Makoaba says that while the THPA has been in existence since 2007, the regulations are the key to bringing the act into full operation, with an emphasis on establishing clear guidelines for those seeking to practice traditional health.<\/p>\n To practice legally, individuals must register with the Council: \u201cTraditional healers must complete an application form and pay the required fees to register with the Council.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly officially registered people will be recognised as traditional health practitioners under the law.\u201d<\/p>\n Makoaba also says traditional healers will be required to undergo training to ensure that practitioners possess the necessary knowledge and experience to provide safe and effective care.<\/p>\n