GETTING herbs for traditional medicine is starting to become a headache for Gauteng izangoma.
Sangoma Mkhulu Maswanganyi from Kanana in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, said the areas where he used to dig for herbs are occupied by illegal land invaders. "It has been frustrating for us as traditional healers in Gauteng. When we force entry, we get threats and some even have the audacity to say we are trespassing and they will call the police," he said.
Maswanganyi said izangoma needed urgent intervention or they would have to raise prices.
Gogo Annah Mmabokaba from Skampaneng in Hammanskraal said many of the herbs and trees they used were cut down or burnt.
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Collen Mabula of the Mamelodi Traditional Healers Organisation said they received complaints about this issue from across the country but Gauteng was most affected.
He said the organisation was trying to find ways to get the government to assist.
