Traditional healers in North West, under the leadership of the North West Dingaka Association, gathered at the Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng to celebrate the International African Traditional Medicine Day.

The International African Traditional Medicine Day is celebrated annually to honour the vital role of traditional medicine in providing accessible healthcare, especially in rural areas.

President of the North West Dinkgaka Association Anna Rabotapi says while strides have been made in the province in recognition of traditional medicine and sick notes issued by traditional healers, this has not been extended to all traditional healers.

“We are trying to make sure our pride as traditional healers is not lost but restored through every celebration. We believe having our medicines available will keep our tradition alive. There are challenges around sick notes among some traditional healers, and we’d be happy if all traditional healers in South Africa’s sick notes are recognised, because ours, as the North West Dikgaka Association, are issued and submitted across the different companies our patients work in. Why can’t other traditional healers have the same arrangement for their sick notes?

[WATCH]
African Traditional Medicine Day is celebrated every year on 31 August across the continent. Joining the conversation about the regulations in the practice is Bruce Mbedzi, Director of the Traditional Medicine Unit. pic.twitter.com/beBwNbEoj4

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 30, 2025