DIRECTORS

T-Dr. Oupa Mopaki

Chairperson

I am a seasoned Herbalist, Ethno-medicine and Ethno-psychology Practitioner and subscribe to the African healing philosophy, that healing should be approached holistically, the body, mind and spirit should be in alignment for a person to achieve a state of complete wellness.

I also prepare plant-based medicine and herbs for various ailments, these are in the form of capsules, teas, tinctures and creams, this approach is an advancement in African Traditional Medicine.

I run a fully- fledged herbal medicine practice in Lyttelton, Centurion, the healing modality entails identification and analysis of facial signs and symptoms including the use of Iridology (camera and screen) to identify ailing organs, tissue and limb in the body. I am a Director of Moon Rain Medicine Pty Ltd.

I am practicing in terms of Section 51 of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act, 2007.

T-Dr. Nompumelelo Ngwenya

Treasurer

I’m Nompumelelo (Mpumi) Ngwenya, and I want to share my heartfelt journey into the world of herbalism with you.

My story began in a moment of desperation when my daughter started experiencing frequent nosebleeds. After countless doctor visits, the recommendation was surgery. Feeling uneasy about such an invasive option, | sought alternative solutions. It was during this search that | discovered a specific herb that changed everything for us—no surgery was needed, and my daughter’s condition improved dramatically. This transformative experience ignited a passion in me to explore the incredible healing properties of herbs.

Determined to learn more, I embarked on an educational journey that would shape my understanding of herbalism. | studied Family Herbalism at Commonwealth Herbs, where | gained foundational knowledge on using herbs for health and wellness. My curiosity didn’t stop there; I also completed a Herbal Training Course and specialized in Iridology at Translife. These experiences equipped me with a deeper understanding of how herbs interact with our bodies and the various ways they can promote healing.

T-Dr. Johan Vorster

Director: Ethics, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Practice Management, Information Technology (IT), Traditional Medicine Promotion & Awareness, Education & Training.

I am a herbal medicine and ethno-medicine practitioner serving at practices in Pretoria and Polokwane. I focus on treatments and lifestyle changes that address both the causes and symptoms of conditions. Having introduced many interested ones to herbalism I enjoy training and guiding more people into the wonderful world of effective traditional medicine.

T-Dr. Mpetle Mahlanya

Director: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Education, Training, Research & Development.

My journey as an Herbalist and Healer began in 2008 after surviving food poisoning at the company that I used to work for. I was not aware that I have a gift of healing passed on to me by my paternal great Grandfather who was an Herbalist and Warrior during his life time

I resigned from my work and started a western pharmacy and a health shop together with my wife, and that’s when the calling became clear. I started doing research in herbalism courses, enrolled with the College of Natural Medicine for a Naturopathy Course, and two years later, I started practising as Herbalist (and not a Sangoma).

I furthered my studies with Translife Herbs for Ethnomedicine Practitioner Course, and with Enterprise University of Pretoria for Phytomedicine And Natural Products Course, which both helped me expand my herbalism knowledge even further.

At the moment I am running successful Traditional Medical Practice and Health Shop in Germiston and thus far, I have provided healing to myself, and to hundreds of terminally ill patients from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Association’s Objectives (What We Do)

The Traditional Health Practitioners Association was established in 2024 to provide registration and presentation of herbalist to the Traditional Health Practitioners Council in terms of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act and to provide information and guidance in terms of the act. The company is incorporated as a non-profit company to operate as an association, to serve and protect the interests of its members.

The Traditional Health Practitioners’ Association of South Africa (THPASA) aims to achieve the following objectives:

  • To promote and protect the interests and aspirations of the traditional health practitioners (THP’s),
  • To serve as a peer review mechanism for all its members,
  • To represent members in the Department of Health (DOH), the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners’ Council of South Africa (ITHPCSA) or any related government organizations on matters that affect their profession,
  • To create public awareness on the works of traditional health practitioners, safety and efficacy of traditional medicines and the importance of traditional health practice in general,
    To promote training and education of traditional health practitioners (THP’s) through partnerships with relevant training providers in South Africa,
  • To promote continuous research and development in medicinal plants to expand the existing body of knowledge regarding traditional medicine in South Africa.

Whether you are a practitioner, researcher, or someone interested in traditional healing, we welcome you to explore our website and join us in preserving and enhancing this vital aspect of our heritage.

Code Of Ethics