AFRICAN DINGAKA ASSOCIATION
Annual Conference
5th October 2024
Introduction
The Annual Conference began on the 4th of October, the market place was filled with various African medicines on display.
On the 5th of October, the day kicked off with such a lively vibe. The Traditional market was buzzing, overflowing with medicines from all over Africa.
It all began by honoring the ancestors who guide this incredible organization. The elders gathered, pouring African beer to the ground, taking a sip, and then spraying it around to please the ancestors.
After that, a band struck up, filling the air with smooth, harmonious rhythms, leading everyone to the hall.
Part 2: Registration & Market Place
The marketplace was alive with traditional healers from all over, eager to learn and snag some new traditional medicines.
Gobelas were there too, signing up their initiation schools with the AFRICAN DINGAKA ASSOCIATION.
Part 3: Hall
The harmonic brass band played a captivating melody, leading everyone into the hall and getting them dancing all the way to their seats.
Visitors were then treated to a sweet, melodic sound that was pure soul-soothing magic.
Wiky and Ken hosted the ceremony. Four candles were lit before the opening prayer, and a soft hymn was sung. Moruti led the opening prayer.
Honored guests got a warm welcome from Mr. Teffo Somo. The first speaker, Mrs. Shalane, spoke on issues with some Gobelas prioritizing money over lives. She addressed the mistreatment of initiates and patients, sharing an example of a traditional healer demanding R11 000.00 before treating a patient, who sadly passed away a week later. She also emphasized the problem of initiates disrespecting Gobelas.
Gogo Matjela, the second speaker, backed up what Mrs. Shalane said. She spoke against Gobelas letting their kids treat initiates like maids or house boys, making them do their laundry and clean up. Gogo Matjela stressed the need for Gobelas to work with local councils to handle issues more effectively.
Mrs. Skhosana, the third speaker, highlighted the fight to change the title from "witch doctor" to "Traditional Healer." She spoke about the blessings of royal blood and how nothing can stop a blessed person. She discussed three types of initiation:
1. To get healed
2. To heal others
3. To become a source of wealth for the family
She also called out fake Gobelas using evil methods to attract initiates, saying it needs to stop immediately. Mrs. Skhosana asked everyone if initiates should register with the council.
The key message to Gobelas was that they should wait for their ancestors to send them initiates.
Another problem for initiates is the demands from Gobelas.
A question was raised about initiating children under 16. The council said that initiation should start at 18.
One traditional healer talked about patients wanting free healing or medicine. The council advised that healers should work with patients and explain their procedures before starting any treatment.
Mr. Mahlamezulu emphasized the need for branch members to wear their uniforms and for secretaries to be on their game when serving honored guests and visitors. He also reminded traditional healers to have a stamp on sick notes to prove they're legit.
A question came up about the stamp. A healer moved but still has the old address on the stamp. The council said they should keep using it until it's time to renew.
Traditional healers who aren't registered with the AFRICAN DINGAKA ASSOCIATION or the national council are in serious trouble with the law.
Another question was about using snakes to get rich. The council was firm: any healer using snakes to make money is a fake and won't be recognized by the AFRICAN DINGAKA ASSOCIATION.
Our host got visitors singing and dancing, and everyone loved it.
Mrs. Puleng Njono from the Department of Health talked about looking after kids and overseeing 23 clinics in Bojanala. She emphasized that traditional healers should pay an annual registration fee, just like professional nurses. She also highlighted that traditional healers shouldn't give first-time pregnant women any pain medicine because it can harm the womb and the baby.
A rep from the Department of Water discussed caring for animals while practicing. She warned against using sewage water for healing patients. Foam on water means it’s from the sewerage system. Traditional healers should inspect rivers before using them, as some are sites of criminal activity. She also mentioned that traditional healers should use gloves, napkins, and sanitizers.
President A.M. Somo couldn't be there in person, so he joined via a call and apologized for his absence. He talked about opening 21 branches across the province and thanked all the honored guests for coming. He also mentioned the annual registration fee.
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