MEC Lehari to Lead African Traditional Medicine Day Commemoration in Maboloka

The North West Department of Health is set to commemorate African Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day on 18 September 2024 in Maboloka, Madibeng Local Municipality, Bojanala district. The event will be led by Health MEC Sello Lehari, who will engage with Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) to emphasize the importance of traditional medicine in South Africa’s healthcare system.

Traditional African medicine, which combines indigenous herbalism with elements of African spirituality, continues to play a critical role in providing healthcare to millions of South Africans, particularly in rural communities. This year’s commemoration is themed “The Provision of Quality and Safe Traditional Medicine through Appropriate Regulatory Mechanism,” highlighting the need for quality and safety standards in the practice of traditional medicine.

The North West Department of Health recognizes the significant contribution of THPs in supporting the healthcare needs of communities across the province. These practitioners offer a culturally rooted alternative to conventional medicine, making healthcare accessible to populations in underserved areas.

The event details are as follows:

Date: 18 September 2024

Time: 10:00

Venue: Maboloka Community Hall, Madibeng Local Municipality

MEC Lehari will underscore the value of regulating traditional medicine to ensure it is safely integrated into the broader healthcare system. The North West Department of Health is calling for greater cooperation between modern health professionals and THPs to provide holistic care and better serve the health needs of communities.

This year’s African Traditional Medicine Day aims to celebrate the rich cultural and medicinal heritage of the African continent while reinforcing the necessity of proper regulation for the benefit of all who rely on these practices.