Indigenous healing in South Africa: looking for a tree of truth in the forest of illusions

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the indigenous healing space in South Africa, by zooming in on the confusions that are faced by young people in the country. These muddles are a result of the country’s colonial and apartheid history which left the population divided between the Western and African philosophies when it comes to health among other things. The recent technological developments which are embraced by some of the healers exposed the space to exploitation by criminal elements.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used content analysis and interviews to gather data.

Findings

The results suggest that the indigenous healing space in South Africa is poorly regulated and a fertile breeding ground for criminals. As a result, it is not easy to distinguish between genuine healers and bogus ones. The technological advancement, especially social media, has exposed the space to further exploitation by criminal elements.

Originality/value

This study paints a picture of the indigenous healing space in the age of technology in South Africa. This study further explains challenges faced by South Africans in navigating philosophical challenges influenced by their colonial past.

Citation

Maluleka, J.R. and Nkwe, M. (2023), "Indigenous healing in South Africa: looking for a tree of truth in the forest of illusions", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. 72 No. 8/9, pp. 779-796. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-12-2021-0202