UKuvala umkhokha ‘ending the curse’: Unpacking the healing practice steps followed by traditional healers in KwaZulu-Natal when working with rape survivors

Abstract

Background: South Africa is considered as the epicentre of rape. Despite the establishment of hospital-based post-rape centres, uptake remains limited. Within the context of medical pluralism, many individuals utilise both biomedical and traditional healing systems, which are often perceived as culturally congruent and accessible. This study explored post-rape care services provided by traditional health practitioners (THPs) when survivors seek care outside the formal healthcare system.
Aim: The study aimed to demystify traditional healing methods used in post-rape care by describing treatment approaches and formulations.
Setting: The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which is a province with high rates of gender-based violence and rape.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Fifteen THPs, including faith healers, diviners, and herbalists, participated in one-on-one interviews conducted in isiZulu and translated into English. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the healthworlds framework.
Results: Findings indicated that rape was often understood as spiritual contamination affecting both survivors and their bloodline. Healing practices therefore focused on addressing this perceived spiritual transgression.
Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the importance of culture and spirituality in shaping understandings of rape, treatment formulation, and holistic post-rape care.
Contribution: The study demonstrates the significance of traditional healing methods in providing holistic post-rape care.