Aspects of clinical practice and traditional organization of indigenous healers in South Africa

Abstract

Significant differences in medical practice may be noted between Western-trained and indigenous healers in South African society, particularly in terms of the doctor-patient relationship, the preparation of case histories, diagnosis, and referral to other types of practitioners. A further distinction may be noted, within indigenous medicine, between the inyanga who is usually male and uses African medicines in a non-clairvoyant manner, and the isangoma who is female and uses medicines and techniques in a clairvoyant manner. The former observes and examines patients directly and ministers to the whole patient; the latter usually consults with a patient's family and relies on spiritual insights to interpret the causes and consequences of suffering. The networks of isangoma, spanning the Nguni-speaking societies of eastern South Africa, in particular among the Zulu, are given special attention here because of their role as ‘morality custodians’, maintaining a meaningful world view in a society beset with rapid changes and deep contradictions.