8 March 2006
The Ministry of Health notes the publicity campaign launched by the Democratic Alliance today when its health spokesperson, Dianne Kohler Barnard laid a charge against the producer of a traditional medicine called Ubhejane.
We further note that Kohler-Barnard delayed the launch of her campaign until after the local government elections in order to avoid alienating voters who may be sensitive to the party's arrogant approach to African tradition. (The issue of Ubhejane has been in the media since December 2005)
There is no known cure for HIV and AIDS.
There are a number of traditional medicines that are currently being used by people living with HIV and AIDS to alleviate conditions associated with AIDS. We support the research and development of these medicines. (Ubhejane is being researched at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal)
The Ministry of Health is determined to defend and promote indigenous knowledge system because we believe that traditional medicines and traditional health practitioners have an important role to play in the health system of the country.
Sibani Mngadi (Spokesperson for the Minister of Health) 0827720161