Staff Reporter
The Professional Association for African Traditional Health Practitioners of South Africa(PAATHPSA) is concerned about the initiation into traditional healing of children under the age of 16.
Founded by Benny Bathobakae Collins, PAATHPSA’s objective is to promote and advocate for good traditional healing practices; therefore, it condemns the initiation of underage children as it creates a platform for abuse of power, rape and overcharging of training fees by the trainers known as (Gobelas).
Gobelas are urged to plead with ancestors through invocation ceremonies and practices that prolong the initiation process, allowing the child to grow and complete their academic studies.
Collins highlighted the distraction when a learner returns to school after graduating from training (uku thwasa). “It might be alarming to others when a learner suddenly rocks up in school draped in beads and traditional clothes,” remarked Collins.
“Can we please allow children to go to school and allow them to take this journey in an informed and mature state mind, for them to make responsible decisions,” he continued.
“It is also wrong for Gobelas to charge trainees an exorbitant amount of money, buy a lot of alcohol and expect lavish gifts. These are all unethical practices,” lashed Collins.
According to Collins, PAATHPSA consulted with Traditional and Spiritual Healers on issues affecting their dignity. He said the top concern was the high rate of sexual intercourse between patients and trainees under the pretense of being healed or cleansed. I was contacted by the police and the court of law on several occasions to verify the membership of such bogus practitioners.”
Collins advice to Traditional Healers is to encourage chronic patients to take their Western medicine.
“Let us not practice witchcraft but practice healing,” he concluded.
He said they will continue to reach out to the government and engage with them as stakeholders and help highlight the relevance of PAATHPSA in the Health care.
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