Zulu people believe in two distinct types of traditional healers, inyanga, who specialises in herbal medicines and potions; and isangoma, who uses divination, mediumship, and what might be termed “psychic healing” to assist their clients.
Traditional Medicine Garden
In South Africa, traditional medicine is recognised but many medical aid societies. There is even a traditional medicine or muthi garden in the Durban Botanic Gardens.
Both inyanga and isangoma must acquire their knowledge through a long apprenticeship. Isangoma however, must have been sacredly called to their profession, and have little choice when called.