History of EPASA
Dr. I. Kekana and associates formed Ethnomedicine Practitioners Association of South Africa in 1987, for the explicit purpose of furthering the cause of traditional methods of healing.
Dr. Isaac Kekana
EPASA Chairperson
For over two decades, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly at establishing educational institutes for the training of Ethnomedicine Practitioners. This pioneering work has established curriculums for many of the faculties of Ethnomedicine available today in South Africa.
The hard work has finally culminated in the accreditation of several institutes that provide the high standards of sustainable education that are required by the profession. The Ethnomedicine Practitioners Association of South Africa (EPASA) has seized the initiative to take the disciplines of Ethnomedicine to the people of South Africa. Leadership, commitment and dedication of appointed committees, has delivered a choice in health care that is accessible and affordable to most citizens of this country.
Our goal is clear. EPASA has established working relationships with various Traditional Healers Organisations. This achieved through mutual understanding and respect for all the disciplines. Traditional methods of healing will not be undermined and Ethnomedicine discipline will maintain the strong interrelationship. Together, these disciplines form an all -encumbering approach to the health and wellbeing of body and mind.
Regards,
Dr. Isaac Kekana
EPASA Chairperson
Mission Statement
The Mission of Ethnomedicine Practitioners Association of South Africa is to provide for a regulatory framework to ensure the efficiency, safety, and quality of traditional health care service, and to provide for the management and control over its members, the registration, training and conduct of practitioners, students, and to provide for matters connected therewith and to protect the public.
Vision
To have the right service quality, designs and standards in traditional health care management.
General Considerations
In order to standardize the practice of Ethnomedicine, a standard training curriculum of authentic African Traditional Medicine was established by the Ethnomedicine Practitioners Association of South Africa, (EPASA), so that all education and training institutes can follow, and so produce suitably qualified practitioners of ethnomedicine.
Policies on academic training
Ethnomedicine Practitioners Association of South Africa (EPASA) is the regulatory body for the Ethnomedicine disciplines in South Africa. These disciplines range from primary healthcare to the profession of Ethnomedicine practitioners.
A primary function of EPASA is to standardize the ethical and educational standards for all Ethnomedicine practitioners.
Evaluation of prospective educational institutes follow strict policies and procedures. Approved educational institutes are reviewed on an annual basis in order to retain their certificate registration.
Additional requirements for educational institutes:
Registration with the Department of Education (DOE)
Registration with council on Higher Education (CHE)
Policies on community services
Students will do practical hours of training under the supervision of qualified Practitioners. This training is community based. The number of practical hours will vary depending on modality. Please refer to modalities as listed.
INTERIM STRUCTURE
Chairman / Founder
Dr I Kekana
Executive Member
Tdr K C Manyama
Executive Member
Tdr Thapelo Mashile
Executive Member
Dr A Lukhuleni
ICT
Ayanda Manyokole
