Traditional Health Practitioners’ Perspectives on the Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine Within South Africa’s Legal Framework

Abstract

Traditional health practitioners are a diverse group of healthcare providers with a wide range of skills and experience in the field of medicine, including mental health. This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives of Traditional health practitioners regarding the current legal policy and regulatory framework that governs their practice in South Africa, particularly in relation to mental healthcare. A sample of thirty-seven Traditional Health Practitioners aged 25–80 with a minimum of five years’ experience specialising in mental illness and reside in six villages in Waterberg District Municipality were selected as participants of the study using purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview guide and subjected to thematic content analysis. The study findings have been distilled into three overarching themes that encapsulate the multifaceted perspectives of Traditional health practitioners regarding existing national legislation and policy. The integration of traditional and Western health practices offered a great advantage; Traditional health practitioners had unique experiences to offer, particularly in mental healthcare, whilst collaborative initiatives pointed to key challenges. In conclusion, the study highlighted that educating Western health practitioners about the significance of Traditional health practitioners’ policies within the South African context, especially in the area of mental health could add value to the dynamics in the national health system.