As the leader of the "No Regulations for Healers Without Healers" campaign, Hamese is advocating for the rights of African healers, demanding a place in policy discussions that affect their practices.

Hamese’s campaign comes amidst growing concerns about government-imposed regulations that fail to recognise the significance of indigenous knowledge systems. Healers like Hamese believe that these regulations undermine the cultural autonomy and rights of African healing traditions.

In a recent interview, Hamese shared her concerns about the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa. She pointed out the issue with its composition, where traditional healers represent only a small fraction of the council. “Why is it that traditional health practitioners must be governed by non-traditional healers? This shows a lack of trust and respect for our practices,” she said.

The campaign has also been vocal about the need to abolish the outdated Traditional Health Practitioners Act of 2007. Hamese and her colleagues are calling for a new framework that reflects the unique nature of traditional healing, developed with the input of those within the practice. They stress that traditional healers, many of whom are highly educated, should have a leading role in regulating their profession.

Moreover, Hamese pointed out the global movement supporting their cause. She pointed to countries like China and India, where traditional and modern medicine coexist harmoniously, as models for SA. She argued that traditional healers should be recognised for their contributions to healing, not just in the medical field, but also as integral figures in preserving African culture and community life.

With SA navigating the tension between traditional healing and modern medicine, the voice of healers like Khumi Hamese is growing louder, advocating for a more inclusive and respectful approach to the future of African healing practices.

--ChannelAfrica--