Traditional healers, under the auspices of the newly founded Vhembe District Traditional Health Practitioners, were warned against the use of human tissue in curing their patients. Instead, they were advised to rely on their ancestral herbs and potions.
This was during a ceremony held to perform rituals for a safer festive season, which also doubled as a year-end function. The event, attended by many traditional healers from Vhembe and beyond, was characterised by rituals and chanting. It took place at the Thohoyandou Arts and Culture Centre last Thursday (12th).
The president of the newly formed organisation, Vho Maine Mashonelo Netshiavha, said that as a new organisation, they felt it was important to come together to close the year. "This is a very hectic time, with a lot of traffic and so many accidents happening. We felt it opportune to come together and call on the ancestors to keep us safe during this festive season. As healers, we are concerned about the accidents happening in our area, and we are here to appease the gods, so they can have mercy on us and protect us from harm. We trust that when we speak with one strong voice, they will hear us," he said.
Netshiavha further emphasised that as a new organisation, they strongly opposed the use of human body parts to cure ailments. His warning follows ongoing allegations of ritual murders in the Tswera area.
"This is the time when our members will be very busy assisting patients. We know some are duped into believing that human body parts can be used for healing. This is a myth that is far-fetched. Our ancestors have equipped us to heal people, not to harm them. I am warning everyone today that anyone involved in such practices is not one of us. Let us treat our patients correctly, and the gods will be pleased," Netshiavha said.