'By word of mouth' registration for traditional healers may clash with NHA

The interesting aspects of the regulations are those dealing with registration. A prospective applicant, as any one of a diviner, herbalist, traditional birth attendant or tradition surgeon, must complete training period and register "on the basis of the documentary proof he or she may produce to the Registrar, or on the basis that the community regarded him or her to [be] a Diviner, Herbalist, Traditional Birth Attendant or Traditional Surgeon."

This is a quite a startling process for the registration of a health professional - "by word of mouth and hearsay."

In addition, there is minimum age for Diviners and Herbalists of 18 and 25 for a Traditional Birth Attendant and Traditional Surgeon.

In light of recent controversies concerning traditional circumcision ceremonies, the approach that has been taken is surprising and may bring this regulation into conflict with the provisions of National Health Act No. 61 of 2003, dealing with the powers of the Minister of Health to create regulations dealing with health services obtainable at non-health establishments such as an initiation schools.