Managing collaboration between Traditional and Western health practitioners in mental health care, Limpopo province, South Africa

Background: A significant proportion of South Africa’s black population seeks medical attention from both the traditional and Western health care systems. Traditional health practitioners (THPs) are consulted by many black Africans for the treatment of culturally bounded health problems. However, there is a limited understanding of how to manage the coexistence of traditional and Western health care systems in South Africa, despite government efforts to recognise THPs. Aim: This study aimed to understand the traditional health care providers’ perspectives on what could be done to manage cooperation among the health systems of Western health practitioners and THPs. Setting: This study was conducted in six rural villages in Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Waterberg district, Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: Qualitative approach was adopted, and exploratory descriptive design was used. Thirty-seven participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed thematically. Results: Four key themes emerged: (1) the formation of an organisation and formal registration of traditional health providers, (2) mutual understanding, (3) recognition and equal status in collaboration and (4) spirituality in traditional healing practices. Conclusion: Participants noted that effective governance could improve collaboration between health systems. Contribution: Adding to the existing studies, this study may also be of utility to policymakers aiming to improve the integration framework and to psychology practitioners who work with patients navigating both traditional and Western mental health systems. The study aims to inform the Department of Health on implementing workable partnerships.