UKZN Pioneers On Campus Indigenous Healthcare

By Nqobile Buthelezi (FJP Reporter)

Changing mindset about indigenous knowledge,  University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) has employed the services of a traditional healer to complement its student counseling centre. The healer’s presence brings holistic balance to the tranquil campus of Howard College.

Makhosi Mkhize works at UKZN as a student and staff indigenous consultant. This is through the university’s three year pilot study to provide a holistic health care system, one that embraces both western counseling and the seemingly misconceptualised and underrated traditional healing system.

Dean of Students, Dr Bheki Ngcobo, who facilitated the services of a healer says  “It is not a matter of being pioneers in this regard, but that of witnessing probable solutions to our students’ problems” 

Elaborating on the genesis of the study, Ngcobo explains that while appealing after exclusion, some students reported experiencing poor concentration span, intense migraines, fatigue, panic attacks, insomnia, exhaustion and visions  resulting from demands from ancestors to become sangamas, symptoms which in western terms would have been deemed as anxiety disorders. However, resorting to indigenous methodology, it was discovered that these are sometimes culture-based syndromes, as they have been aptly named, and help could be attained through traditional means. “We care for our students and if it entails them seeing a sangoma, then so be it” says Ngcobo. In doing this, the university believes it is taking care of students who are the integral body that makes the institution what it is.

Makhosi does not only divine and give treatment but also writes report letters to the psychological councilors at Student Counseling in order for both consultants to know the way forward in resolving particular cases. “I am very lucky to be in such a place” says Makhosi. “Although some skepticism of my work may still remain, this course will prove worthy for those who will be touched by such an experience. It will bring holistic fulfillment” Makhosi says.

Being within a university, stress has literally become the people who occupy the space. Therefore Makhosi often works under strenuous conditions as she counsels students with grave emotional, physical and mental problems which weigh much more on her as she also carries the burden on a spiritual level. What is remarkable though is the calmness and clarity she maintains,“induced by the beauty and cleanliness of (her) work place” Makhosi emphasises.

Students and staff have since consulted with the sangoma, results of which have shown an improvement where students’ grades are concerned. “We greatly appreciate Makhosi who restores spiritual balance on campus” says third year student who has seen Makhosi and chose to remain anonymous.

The collaboration of western and traditional or otherwise alternative methods of healing is not meant to hurt but complement each other and provide solutions where the other fails to perform. In doing this, society has bridged the gap of misunderstanding, misinformation and passing judgement. UKZN embarks on a commendable journey to provide workable solutions to lessen its society’s differences!