I am a traditional healer in South Africa, part of an important profession that plays a critical role in the health and welfare of millions of individuals in our country. We make up a community of over 200,000 registered healers contributing to traditional healthcare [1]. Despite this, the South African government has introduced regulations that are oppressive and incompatible with our sector. These rules disregard our significant value within society and the meaningful contributions we make to health care.

One cannot regulate what one does not fully understand. The imposition of these regulations without consulting us, those who work in this sector every day, is unjust. We sustain a significant proportion of the health infrastructure in marginalized communities where access to conventional medicine is limited. Our demand? No regulations for traditional healers without us.

We need the South African government to involve us in the process of regulation development. Policy should protect traditional healers and patients alike, not hinder our practice. Against this backdrop, we call for a truly democratic process where traditional healers take part in shaping the rules that govern their own profession.

Join us, and make your voice heard. Sign this petition to support fair treatment and proper regulations for traditional healers in South Africa.

[1] Flint, A., & Payne, J. (2016). Reconsidering the Role of Traditional Healers in South Africa. Health Policy and Planning, 23(5), 306-315.