Izangoma taught to avoid spreading diseases

PATIENTS go to traditional healers for a cure, not to become more sick through the negligence of the healers.

These were strong words from a senior sangoma, MaMwandla Maseko during the graduation ceremony of izangoma held at Biyela Tribal Court last Friday.

Scores of trainee sangomas from Ndlangubo and surrounding areas underwent extra training where they were taught about the importance of cleanliness and working hand in hand with local clinics and hospitals to ensure that they avoid the spread of chronic illnesses such as HIV/Aids, TB and others.

Gobela Maseko, whose responsibility it is to train young and upcoming sangomas, told the graduates to ensure that their consultation rooms are clean at all times.

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‘We need to work according to standard expectation. We can’t allow people to operate and treat patients in a filthy consultation room, because that will spread sickness.

‘People come to us to be cured, not to be infected with other unnecessary illnesses. For example, a razor blade can only be used on one patient, that is the rule.

‘Every sangoma needs to have a certificate and work from his house. We should refrain from selling our medications on the streets.

‘Before treating very sick patients, please advise them to visit a clinic first, to obtain their health records,’ said Maseko.

This was applauded by local Ward 24 councillor, Agrippa Dlamini, who said working together with traditional healers would help to improve the working standards and conditions of Izinyanga and izangoma.

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