The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, says traditional healers are not killers, but important people in the community who cure diseases.

This was during the launching of the Maila Conservation of Medicinal Plants Project at Ha-Maila village outside Elim last Tuesday. Mabudafhasi presented a cheque of R20 million for the implementation of the project during the event.

She said traditional medicine was important in people´s lives. "This project has been set to draw attention to the need for development, promotion and protection of natural resources and their associated indigenous knowledge. These medicinal plants are used to treat ailments such as coughs, headaches, urinary disorders, throat problems, ulcers, fever, constipation, and high blood pressure," she said.

Mabudafhasi acknowledged that traditional medicinal practitioners were among the most knowledgeable people about medicinal plants in the communities. “They have much to offer in identifying the local conservation issues and the development of improved systems for managing medicinal plants,” she said.

She further outlined that the project will positively impact on the economy of the country as the medicinal plants will be exported to other countries. Traditional healers expressed their joy by singing traditional Venda songs as a way of showing their appreciation. They said the ancestors would be happy about the initiative.

According to Mabudafhasi, the project entails the establishment of a nursery, laboratory, guard house, medicinal plant garden, research centre, and fencing of the whole facility.

In South Africa, traditional medicine is the preferred primary health care choice for about 70% of the overall population, and it has been an essential resource of human health from ancient times. Mabudafhasi urged community members during the event to refrain from destroying trees as they are important to the environment.

The chairperson for the Vhembe Traditionel Practitioners Association, Dr Mbilivhili Neluvhola, said that traditional healers appreciated the support shown by government.