Efficacy of Acquiring and Transferring Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge Among Its Owners and Practitioners in uMhlathuze in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Most of the population in Africa is still dependent on indigenous medicinal knowledge for treating and managing ailments. However, it is still not yet understood how this valuable knowledge is acquired and transferred from one generation to the next. The aim of this chapter was to assess the process of acquiring and transferring indigenous medicinal knowledge among its owners and practitioners. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. The findings revealed that indigenous medicinal knowledge is acquired in many different ways including visions, dreams and vigorous training and it is transferred to specially chosen children and trainees through vigorous training.