By Sitha Maliwa
In a significant step toward cultural inclusivity, the City of Tshwane has introduced a pioneering policy that grants employees special leave to undergo ukuthwasa – the intensive training required to become a traditional healer. This move has sparked widespread discussion and garnered mixed reactions, with supporters hailing it as a necessary recognition of indigenous knowledge while critics question its potential impact on the public service sector.
The policy’s announcement has been met with enthusiasm, particularly from the Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) and individuals like Mfundo Lee Marasi, a traditional healer and human rights activist. Marasi, who shared his own personal experience, described the difficulty of balancing a full-time job with the demanding training process required to become an isangoma (traditional healer). “It was exhausting,” Marasi shared, recalling how he had to work during the day and attend ukuthwasa training at night. For many South Africans undergoing this training, the struggle to meet the expectations of both their professional and spiritual commitments can be overwhelming. The introduction of special leave is seen as a much-needed solution to this issue.
Marasi said ukuthwasa, which is deeply rooted in South African culture, requires not only physical endurance but also spiritual and emotional dedication. “The training often takes months, sometimes years, and involves long hours of study, rituals, and personal growth. For those undergoing this training while holding down a job, it can be incredibly draining and, in some cases, can result in the abandonment of one’s healing journey due to the strain,” he said.
The City of Tshwane’s decision to grant paid special leave for employees undergoing ukuthwasa is a step toward addressing the challenges that amathwasa (those in training) face. This policy allows individuals to dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual calling without the fear of losing their livelihood. It is also seen as a recognition of the importance of traditional healing within the broader healthcare landscape.
Marasi and others in the traditional healing community believe this policy will have far-reaching effects. “This is a huge relief for many amathwasa,” Marasi said. “It will allow them to focus on their training without worrying about their jobs. I believe this policy can change lives and should be adopted by other organisations as well.” The THO also voiced its support, urging other government entities and private companies to implement similar initiatives. According to the THO, such policies are critical to promoting cultural inclusivity and ensuring that the diverse spiritual and cultural practices that form the foundation of South African society are respected and supported.
However, the policy has not been universally embraced. Some critics have raised concerns about potential abuses of the special leave provisions, fearing that employees might take advantage of the time off without a genuine intention to complete ukuthwasa training. There are also questions surrounding the efficacy of traditional healing compared to modern medical practices, with some health professionals emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches to healthcare.
Critics also worry about the resources required to implement and monitor this new policy. While they acknowledge the cultural significance of traditional healing, they caution that the policy should not detract from the importance of scientifically-proven medical treatments. There is a delicate balance between honouring cultural practices and ensuring that healthcare systems are effective, accessible, and reliable.
Despite the criticisms, the policy represents a significant cultural shift in South Africa’s approach to healthcare and workplace inclusivity. It acknowledges that traditional healing, long marginalised in the shadow of Western medicine, is an integral part of the country’s diverse heritage. By allowing individuals to pursue ukuthwasa training while maintaining their employment, Tshwane is taking a bold step toward integrating these practices into the modern world without forcing individuals to choose between their cultural traditions and their professional lives.
For traditional healers like Marasi, this policy represents not just a personal victory but a broader acknowledgment of the role that indigenous knowledge plays in shaping South Africa’s future. – @NewsSA_Online