​A new era for traditional medicine in Gauteng has begun with the official launch of the Traditional Health Practitioners' (THP) structure, a milestone aimed at formalising leadership, governance, and collaboration among traditional healers across the province.
The structure, unveiled during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of THPs in Mogale City on Friday, 05 September 2025, brought together practitioners from all five districts of Gauteng. It marks a significant step toward recognising and integrating traditional medicine into the broader healthcare system, while promoting research, evidence-based practice, and knowledge sharing.
The newly launched THP structure is designed to empower traditional healers to advocate for their rights, enhance the credibility of their practices, and contribute meaningfully to public health initiatives. It also aims to foster partnerships with academic institutions to build a robust evidence base for traditional healing methods.
"This is a significant milestone that reflects your commitment to leadership and governance within your community. It will empower you to advocate for your rights and the rights of those you serve," said MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, addressing the THPs. 
The launch comes shortly after South Africa celebrated African Traditional Medicine Day, with the 2025 theme calling for strengthened evidence to support traditional medicine. The THP structure aligns with this vision, encouraging practitioners to work collectively and scientifically to validate their practices.
Traditional medicine remains a vital part of healthcare for many South Africans, especially in underserved communities. The new structure seeks to bridge the gap between traditional and Western medicine, ensuring both systems work together to improve health outcomes.
"We must produce evidence-based research insights to guide us as a country for better integration of traditional medicine with the westernised medical field," the MEC added.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has already begun supporting THPs through various capacity-building initiatives, including First Responders Training, Conflict Management, Leadership Skills, Financial Literacy, and health education on chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and mental health.
The GDoH has also acknowledged the role of Gauteng emergency services during Traditional Initiation seasons, in line with the Customary Initiation Act, further demonstrating the province's commitment to supporting traditional health practices.
While the sector still operates under a draft policy and faces legislative hurdles, the establishment of the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa (ITHPCSA) and the endorsement of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 signal growing recognition of traditional medicine's role in global health.
In addition to structural and policy advancements, the meeting addressed pressing public health concerns, including Gauteng's current measles outbreak. THPs were urged to use their influence to promote immunisation and dispel misinformation in their communities.
"Your voices can help reassure parents and caregivers that immunising their children is a crucial step in safeguarding their health," said the MEC.
The launch of the THP structure is a bold step toward a more inclusive and collaborative healthcare system, one that values the wisdom of traditional healing while embracing the rigour of scientific research.