The majority of black South Africans utilize the services of indigenous healers and the new National Health Plan for South Africa makes provision for cooperation between the healers and formal health practitioners. The purpose of this study was to determine the role played by indigenous African healers in the prevention of diseases and the promotion of health, and to design a model which will provide guidelines for cooperation between indigenous healers and formal health workers. This study was ethno-medical, contextual, exploratory and qualitative. It was designed to look into the health care of a specific cultural group to explore in depth the experiences of indigenous healers in providing health care within their cultural context. Data was collected by individual free-type interviews from indigenous African healers, users of formal health services and by observation. It was found that there is dual utilization of both formal and indigenous health service systems by clients. A specific culbrral terminology relating to health was found to be used. Such terminology could result in communication gaps and breakdowns if not known to or used by formal health workers. The findings show that cultural beliefs are still strongly adhered to. These were found to influence the life-styles and health maintenance behaviour of a cultural group. The fmdings show that divination fonns the core of health assessment and health-problem diagnosis. It was found that no health problem could be attended to without first going through a divination session. The findings also show involvement of indigenous healers in primary health care workers at first contact levels of prevention in the field of paediatric preventive care. Diarrhoea and vomiting in children was found to be the preventable disease in which healers specialize. Infertility and impotence were found to be conditions taken to healers for treatment. Other sexually transmitted diseases as well as culture-bound syndromes treated by indigenous healers were found in this study. The use of rituals and rites of passage and the involvement of ancestors were found to form part ofholistic health care. The fmdings show the willingness of healers to collaborate with formal health workers. A model is designed to guide the process of collaboration. / Health Studies / D. Lit. et Phil. (Advanced Nursing Sciences)

In contemporary multicultural societies, health is emerging as a fundamental right alongside education and welfare: a frame of reference endorsed by the Government of National Unity in South Africa. Health workers are confronting issues far beyond the more traditional modes of health education. The initial thrust of this research was to investigate the most relevant social, health and education knowledge bases and issues relative to health education in cross cultural encounters in order to formulate universal guidelines applicable to the national situation. Differences inherent in allopathic and traditional health systems are explored in historical time, in conjunction with concepts of social change, communality in diversity and the co-existence of multiple realities. An understanding of common denominators across all human and group experience emerges and, with it, insight into problems that occur when universalistic conceptions of human behaviour are linked to communicocentric hegemony. The parameters within which cross cultural health education are viewed are extended through an analytical, empirical evaluation of the andragogic consequences of a broader conceptualisation of culture and the patterned relationships existing between elements within society. The ontic fact that similar variables may have widely different meanings and be differently construed by people whose life experiences differ is affirmed. Culture shock becomes a potential personal reality for all engaged in cross cultural encounters. Radical reflection on human nature and the eidos of man constitutes the foundation upon which the aims and various theories of health education are systematically and progressively evaluated. Evidence surfaces that the original intent of the research was rooted in the Western medical tendency towards standardisation, specialisation and the creation of scientifically validated routines for professional practice and that gaps exist between the theory and practice of health education and the everyday experiences of people. On the basis of scientifically based insights, guidelines have been formulated to narrow the divide between the factual, linearly based procedural aspects of health education and the human experience of learning. The guidelines embody the notion that the health educator's role in cross cultural encounters is one of facilitating meaningful, appropriate and informed choices on the part of adult learners. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Philosophy of Education)

This study takes the concept of ubuntu, which means humanness and applies it to healthcare issues in general, and women's health, in particular. Ubuntu is based on the reality of interdependence and relatedness. It is a philosophy or way of life that finds its roots and meaning in humanity. The values espoused in ubuntu emphasize caring, sharing, reciprocity, co-operation, compassion and empathy in recognition that for human beings to develop, flourish and reach their full potential, they need to conduct their relationships in a manner that promotes the well-being of others. The values championed in ubuntu are what inform and shape African cultural, social, political and ethical thought and action. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

Euclea undulata Thunb. var myrtina is a widely distributed shrub in South Africa. The roots are used by traditional healers for the treatment of diabetes. Research indicates that roots contain epicatechin, lupeol as well α-amyrin-3O-β-(5-hydroxy) ferulic acid. It was found that α-amyrin-3O-β-(5-hydroxy) ferulic acid inhibits α-glucosidase while epicatechin lowers glucose levels in the blood. Existing literature also indicates the presence of the naphthoquinone 7-methyl-juglone in the roots, although it was not detected in all cases. Due to its cytotoxic nature, 7-methyl-juglone poses a potential threat when E. undulata is used as medicinal treatment. In order to assist the effective and safe use of this plant as a treatment for diabetes, this project aims to determine whether the presence of these metabolites is seasonal. It further aims to contribute to more sustainable harvesting methods by investigating stems and leaves in addition to the roots for the presence of these metabolites. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is in danger of being obliterated due to a number of factors, such as the lack of interest from younger generations, low life expectancy where people die before transferring it to the next generation and it not being documented. This is due to the fact that IK, by its very nature, is generally known to have been passed on from generation to generation through oral tradition. This qualitative study utilised the organisational knowledge conversion theory to investigate the acquisition, transfer and preservation of IK by traditional healers in the Limpopo Province of South Africa with the view to develop a framework to provide understanding on how IK is acquired, transferred and preserved by traditional healers. The study adopted hermeneutic phenomenology research method and utilised snowball sampling technique to determine the population of this study which consisted of indigenous healers from the Limpopo Province. Data were collected through interviews with traditional healers, observations, as well as document analysis. Data were analysed and interpreted thematically according to the objectives of the study. The study revealed that knowledge of traditional healing is mainly acquired through observations, imitations, following orders and performing tasks practically. In addition to that, collaboration was highlighted as one of the driving forces behind effective transfer and acquisition of knowledge among healers. The major finding to this study was that ancestors are believed to be the ones preserving this knowledge of traditional healing and they pass it down to the chosen ones through dreams, visions and so on. The study concludes that traditional healers also preserved their knowledge orally and commonly shared and acquire knowledge during interactions with other healers. Furthermore, traditional healing is marginalised and not properly regulated in South Africa. It is recommended that key stakeholders should play an active role in ensuring that traditional healing is incorporated into the country’s healthcare system. This way traditional healing can help reduce a heavy burden on public health sector in terms of treating patients. A further study on integrating traditional healing into mainstream healthcare system in South Africa is recommended. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

Since the 1950s modernization theory predicted within the Third World a trajectory for social evolution and development mirroring perceived social and developmental evolution in Western societies since the 17th Century. Despite this theory being much discredited in both Western societies and the developing world; this theory still forms the basis for much analysis and policy formulation within post-1990 South Africa. This thesis looks at various aspects of urban black South Africans' existence and concludes that African tradition has found a place within an urban existence due to it's flexibility in dealing with peoples' daily challenges. An urban existence can thus no-longer be thought of as supplanting tradition in favour of western influences, but rather as bringing about a mixture of western and traditional influences - with positive and negative theoretical and practical developmental consequences / Development Studies / M.A.

The traditional health care system as it prevails in South Africa is part of African culture and intricately linked with the African world view. It embraces traditional norms and values that have survived to this day. In this sense it is more than a constituent part of medical pluralism which has become a global phenomenon. The role of the traditional healer is far more extensive than that of the modern medical doctor. He advises on all aspects of life, including physical, psychological, spiritual, moral and legal matters. He shares the client's world view. He understands the significance of ancestral spirits, the belief in supernatural forces and the reality of witches. It is in this context that modern scientific medicine has not been able to replace traditional medicine, and arguably never will. Traditional medicine is faced with enormous challenges at present. Firstly, the traditional social order is fast disappearing, making way for the state and the individual whose rights as contained in the Bill of Rights of the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa may seriously clash with traditional norms. Secondly, especially in an urban environment, the healer may encounter stiff competition from more progressive colleagues and modern physicians. Thirdly, scientific medicine basically regards traditional activities as unscientific, unregulated, often harmful and sometimes fatal. Fourthly, anti-witchcraft legislation hinders the traditional practitioner to deal with witches in the culturally appropriate manner. Traditional medicine will not go away. It is therefore necessary to find ways and means to see it practised in a safe and competent manner. As healers agitate for official recognition, it will be regarded as their corresponding duty to professionalise the traditional sector, create a traditional medical council and establish a register of bona fide healers who possess stipulated qualifications and are subject to rules of conduct and discipline. The modern and traditional sectors are essentially complementary and should be accommodated within a legal framework of official health care that protects healers and healed alike. The legal implications of this strategy are discussed in a global as well as regional African context. / Jurisprudence / LL.D.

The majority of black South Africans utilize the services of indigenous healers and the new National Health Plan for South Africa makes provision for cooperation between the healers and formal health practitioners. The purpose of this study was to determine the role played by indigenous African healers in the prevention of diseases and the promotion of health, and to design a model which will provide guidelines for cooperation between indigenous healers and formal health workers. This study was ethno-medical, contextual, exploratory and qualitative. It was designed to look into the health care of a specific cultural group to explore in depth the experiences of indigenous healers in providing health care within their cultural context. Data was collected by individual free-type interviews from indigenous African healers, users of formal health services and by observation. It was found that there is dual utilization of both formal and indigenous health service systems by clients. A specific culbrral terminology relating to health was found to be used. Such terminology could result in communication gaps and breakdowns if not known to or used by formal health workers. The findings show that cultural beliefs are still strongly adhered to. These were found to influence the life-styles and health maintenance behaviour of a cultural group. The fmdings show that divination fonns the core of health assessment and health-problem diagnosis. It was found that no health problem could be attended to without first going through a divination session. The findings also show involvement of indigenous healers in primary health care workers at first contact levels of prevention in the field of paediatric preventive care. Diarrhoea and vomiting in children was found to be the preventable disease in which healers specialize. Infertility and impotence were found to be conditions taken to healers for treatment. Other sexually transmitted diseases as well as culture-bound syndromes treated by indigenous healers were found in this study. The use of rituals and rites of passage and the involvement of ancestors were found to form part ofholistic health care. The fmdings show the willingness of healers to collaborate with formal health workers. A model is designed to guide the process of collaboration. / Health Studies / D. Lit. et Phil. (Advanced Nursing Sciences)

In contemporary multicultural societies, health is emerging as a fundamental right alongside education and welfare: a frame of reference endorsed by the Government of National Unity in South Africa. Health workers are confronting issues far beyond the more traditional modes of health education. The initial thrust of this research was to investigate the most relevant social, health and education knowledge bases and issues relative to health education in cross cultural encounters in order to formulate universal guidelines applicable to the national situation. Differences inherent in allopathic and traditional health systems are explored in historical time, in conjunction with concepts of social change, communality in diversity and the co-existence of multiple realities. An understanding of common denominators across all human and group experience emerges and, with it, insight into problems that occur when universalistic conceptions of human behaviour are linked to communicocentric hegemony. The parameters within which cross cultural health education are viewed are extended through an analytical, empirical evaluation of the andragogic consequences of a broader conceptualisation of culture and the patterned relationships existing between elements within society. The ontic fact that similar variables may have widely different meanings and be differently construed by people whose life experiences differ is affirmed. Culture shock becomes a potential personal reality for all engaged in cross cultural encounters. Radical reflection on human nature and the eidos of man constitutes the foundation upon which the aims and various theories of health education are systematically and progressively evaluated. Evidence surfaces that the original intent of the research was rooted in the Western medical tendency towards standardisation, specialisation and the creation of scientifically validated routines for professional practice and that gaps exist between the theory and practice of health education and the everyday experiences of people. On the basis of scientifically based insights, guidelines have been formulated to narrow the divide between the factual, linearly based procedural aspects of health education and the human experience of learning. The guidelines embody the notion that the health educator's role in cross cultural encounters is one of facilitating meaningful, appropriate and informed choices on the part of adult learners. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Philosophy of Education)

This qualitative study explored traditional healers’ perceptions on collaborating with bio medical professionals. Purposive sampling was used to select study participants, and individual in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Thematic data analysis was conducted. The main findings of the study were that healers are very popular and highly respected amongst African communities. Traditional healers experienced mistrust and disrespect by biomedical health professionals who demonstrated ignorance on traditional medicine. Lack of motivation, incentives and financial support to conduct collaboration activities was another key finding including lack of clear policies and management structures for collaboration. Due to concern for their patients, healers resorted to practising covert collaboration such as not using official referral slips. Positively, healers experienced transformation in terms of knowledge gained from the training on basic HIV-TB epidemiology. There was clear evidence of high ethical practices amongst healers where they put their patients’ welfare ahead of their business interests / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)