My life as a traditional healer in the 21st Century | Amanda Gcabashe | TEDxJohannesburg

Summary

In this poignant narrative, the speaker recounts their journey as a traditional healer, exploring the intersections of their Christian upbringing and African cultural identity. They reflect on the historical significance of traditional medicine, emphasizing its recognition by the World Health Organization and the evolving role of *sangomas* in modern society. The speaker shares personal experiences of their mother’s illness and the cultural rituals that shaped their path. As they navigate corporate challenges and regulatory complexities, they confront the dilemma of preserving ancient practices in a contemporary context, ultimately celebrating resilience and the enduring significance of their heritage.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The World Health Organization called for the inclusion of traditional medicine in primary health care systems in 1978.
• 🇿🇦 In 1981, parts of the practice of traditional healing were legalized in South Africa.
• 🏥 African traditional medicine sees more usage in Africa than traditional Chinese medicine does in China.
• 🌿 The journey to becoming a sangoma (traditional healer) is lifelong, beginning before birth and continuing throughout life.
• 🕊️ Cultural identity plays a significant role in the journey of becoming a sangoma, often intertwined with family and personal history.
• 🙏 Traditional healers are often sought when all other medical options have been exhausted.
• 💬 The experience of consulting a sangoma can challenge preconceived notions about healing and spirituality.
• 🔮 Knowledge in traditional healing is often received through dreams and visions, which may not be easily explained in conventional terms.
• ⚖️ The conflict between traditional healing practices and modern regulatory frameworks raises questions about the preservation of ancient practices.
• 🌌 The speaker grapples with the challenge of balancing traditional roles and the expectations of modern society, reflecting on the significance of cultural survival.

Q & A

What role did traditional medicine play in the speaker's childhood?

The speaker grew up in an environment where traditional medicine was part of their cultural identity, influenced by their mother and community. However, their family dynamics created a complex relationship with these traditions.

What is the significance of the year 1978 mentioned in the transcript?

In 1978, the World Health Organization called on member states to include traditional medicine in primary healthcare systems, highlighting the growing recognition of traditional healing practices.

How did the speaker’s mother’s illness impact their journey into traditional healing?

The speaker's mother became gravely ill during the speaker's university years, which prompted the speaker to explore traditional healing methods after conventional medicine failed to provide answers.

What is 'ooked Raza,' and why is it important to the speaker?

'ooked Raza' refers to the process of becoming a sangoma, or traditional healer. It signifies a lifelong commitment that the speaker undertook, emphasizing their cultural and spiritual journey.

How does the speaker reconcile their Christian background with their role as a sangoma?

The speaker navigates their Christian upbringing and the practice of traditional healing, reflecting on the contrasts and connections between the two belief systems throughout their journey.

What lesson did the speaker learn from their first experience with a sangoma?

During their first consultation, the speaker learned that traditional healing can involve spiritual guidance and prayer, challenging their preconceived notions about the relationship between healing and faith.

What challenges does the speaker face in a modern corporate environment?

The speaker grapples with the conflict between ancient practices and modern healthcare expectations, questioning the future role of sangomas in a society increasingly reliant on conventional medicine.

What does the speaker mean by saying their body acts as a 'reflective mirror'?

The speaker describes their sensitivity to others' ailments, suggesting that they experience physical sensations related to their clients' illnesses, a concept rooted in traditional healing practices.

How does the speaker perceive the development of regulations for traditional medicine?

The speaker expresses concern that while developing regulations for traditional medicine is essential, it risks altering the essence of ancient practices and raises questions about their legitimacy.

What is the significance of acknowledging the lineage in traditional healing?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of honoring those who came before them in the practice of traditional healing, recognizing that the knowledge and gifts they possess do not solely belong to them.