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

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.

Key words:

• asset-based approach
• eco-systemic framework
• education support service
• indigenous healers
• indigenous knowledge
• traditional healers