Original Articles

South African Educators' Voice on the Potential Role of Traditional Healers (THs) in Education Support Services

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 19 , issue 4 , 2009 , pages: 583–589

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2009.10820333

Author(s): Johanna L. Geldenhuys Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa

Keywords: asset-based approach , eco-systemic framework , education support service , indigenous healers , indigenous knowledge , traditional healers

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Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research was to explore and describe perceptions of the potential role of traditional healers in education support services. Participants were 42 teachers (males = 13, females = 29) from a school district in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Interview and questionnaire data were collected and analysed, using a phenomenological method. Two main themes emerged from the analysis for the role of THs as education support providers: as 1) representatives of African culture and 2) contributors towards harmonising diversity in schools. The recommendations made were in line with the findings.

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