uMlalazi Municipality, in partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, recently conducted a meeting with traditional healers at Eshowe Town Hall today, to share information and provide education on indigenous plants and crops used for medicinal purposes.

The session focused on the types of plants that are threatened, sustainable harvesting methods, and ways to preserve and protect these species for future generations. A key outcome of the meeting was to clarify the legal requirements around traditional medicine.

Traditional healers were informed that in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 and the KZN Nature Conservation Ordinance, it is now considered a criminal offence to possess, collect, transport or trade in listed protected medicinal plants without a valid permit issued by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Healers were encouraged to register and apply for the necessary permits to ensure compliance with the law.

Officials also discussed the importance of cultivating medicinal plants and establishing community nurseries as alternatives to wild harvesting, in order to reduce pressure on natural populations. uMlalazi Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to protecting both biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems, and urged traditional healers to work closely with conservation authorities to ensure that cultural practices continue in a legal and sustainable manner.