THE City of Tshwane has introduced a progressive policy to support cultural practices.
The city has approved a policy that grants special leave to employees.
Employees granted special leave
This leave is specifically for those who need to undergo ukuthwasa, which is traditional healer training.
The city encourages other government bodies and private sectors to adopt similar policies.
The Traditional Healers Organisation (THO) has welcomed the decision.
Gogo Janet Mmalai Xaba, known as Molahlegi from THO, said it's difficult to undergo the process with no support.
"It is difficult to practice or undergo the initiation process because we go to a sacred place of healing.
"I'm pleased with the decisions and will make journeys easier."
The municipality acknowledges and values the spirituality of its employees.
This speaks volumes about the organisation, especially as Mzansi celebrates 30 years of democracy.
A personal perspective from a city employee
Previously, people had to decide between keeping their jobs and ignoring the calling, making them fall sick.
They also had to consider resigning from their jobs for the ukuthwasa process.
A city employee and traditional healer, Nkgomo Metsing (37), said this decision would greatly benefit many people.
"When you are going through the ukuthwasa process, you have certain clothes you need to wear, or you can be instructed not to wear shoes.
"So, it becomes hard when an employer doesn't understand this. African spirituality is crucial in the workplace," she said.
Spiritual leave criteria explained
Kholofelo Morodi, Tshwane MMC for Cooperation and Shared Services, announced that spiritual leave will be granted to those who require it.
"We want to accommodate people with a calling. South African laws do recognise traditional healers. There is a body that registers traditional healers, the Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa, so a medical certificate from the traditional healer will be accepted after their leave.
"People are starting to embrace being African, and their spirituality cannot be ignored," she said.
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