Kgolo Ya Dingaka Development Forum (KYDF), an organization of traditional healers, recently held its launch at Selosesha Library in Thaba Nchu.
The event aimed to educate traditional healers on compliance issues, including where to obtain permits for the use of protected plants and adhering to local by-laws.
Invited stakeholders included representatives from the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), the Department of Education (Motheo District), the Thaba Nchu Men’s Forum, Central University of Technology (CUT), and the Deaf Community, as well as representatives from the Barolong Boo Seleka Nation (Chieftaincy).
Leepile Gaarekwe from DESTEA’s Environment Importance and Protection division spoke to the traditional healers about protected plants, how to acquire permits for their use, and the significance of preserving these plants for future generations.
Gaarekwe emphasized the necessity of adhering to by-laws, explaining that such regulations help municipalities enforce guidelines and educate both the public and traditional healers on the proper ways to market their plants, rather than displaying them haphazardly, as seen in the CBD. Ida Maduna, a researcher at CUT, highlighted the importance of understanding correct dosages when preparing medicine, ensuring safety, and compliance with relevant regulations.
She reiterated CUT’s commitment to supporting Kgolo Ya Dingaka Development Forum (KYDF). The Chairperson of KYDF, Oamogetswe Phepeng, expressed the organization’s intent to partner with government departments to improve community welfare and enhance knowledge while assisting members with compliance and regulation matters.
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