Traditional medicines a fast growing industry

Selling African traditional medicines has become one of the fastest growing industries in South Africa with an annual turnover of about R250 million. The market has also emerged as a major employer. It is estimated that there are some 200 000 traditional healers in the country and that 80% of South Africans prefer to take their ailments to these healers.

Mountain plants are just some of the medicines used by traditional healers. They are sold to the public in liquid or powder form for prices ranging between R5 and R30. Ruby Sentsho says she prepares medicines from herbs and other wild plants. She had to employ seven people to keep up with the growing demand. "I think government should give us land where we can plant these indigenous herbs, and the land should be regulated, to preserve these plants," she said.

Unlike orthodox drugs, the Medical Control Council does not intend regulating African traditional medicine. The Traditional Medicines System's Organisation (Tramso) says this is a step in the right direction.

Nathaniel Mataboge, a committee member of Tramso, said: "We have long been oppressed as traditional healers, there are medicines that need to be fetched from far places, and if so, we are so lucky because we need time to research on more medicines to help our people."

The use of traditional medicines dates back across the centuries. Its new found popularity has been ascribed to diseases like HIV/Aids. However, while the market is growing, there are fears that, if left unchecked, untold harm could be done to both nature and the health of consumers.

A bill on traditional health practitioners has been drawn up and is to be presented in parliament. The bill provides for the registration of traditional healers and their compliance with ethics and standards.