Traditional medicine, or “muti,” is an important part of Eswatini’s culture. However, an increasing demand for muti has placed some of the southern African kingdom’s animal species at risk of extinction. That’s something conservationists and molecular biologists want to change.

Zamekile Bhembe, a molecular biologist employed at the EWild Laboratory, which is supported by USAID, is actively combatting poaching and pushing for the prosecution of offenders.

She stated that hunting for traditional medicinal use is a major contributor to the decrease in biodiversity, and she desires stricter rules to safeguard wildlife.

According to her, whenever there is a decrease in biodiversity, there is typically some form of illegal hunting involved. We acknowledge that as a nation, we rely on these resources for traditional medicine. However, we must find a way to properly regulate their use.

The citizens of Eswatini have inherited a strong connection to their traditional customs and values. This is evident in the fact that over 80% of the population seek guidance and healing from traditional healers, also known as “witchdoctors.”

These healers use a wide range of plant and animal species to create traditional medicine, drawing on knowledge passed down through generations. However, excessive hunting has endangered the local populations of pangolins, crocodiles, vultures and owls, leading to calls for more sustainable practices.

Makhanya Makhanya, president of the Witchdoctors Association, is a widely renowned traditional healing practitioner in his own right. He said the role of traditional healers needs to be protected.

According to him, these healers have been aiding the people of Eswatini for many generations, offering remedies and assistance to those in need. However, he stated that the current laws do not acknowledge the true nature of their services. He hopes for regulations that recognize the valuable role of traditional healers in society and permit them to carry out their duties.

Patrick Maduna, a South African citizen, said he travels from neighboring South Africa to Eswatini to seek traditional medicinal solutions. His preference for traditional healing shows the complex relationship between modern and traditional medicine in Eswatini.

“I traveled from South Africa to Swaziland specifically for traditional treatment,” he stated. “I have been seeing the same traditional healer since 2006 at this same location. Seeking traditional treatment is like therapy for me. I have never had to go to a hospital.”

According to Maduna, enacting laws in Eswatini to restrict the hunting of animals for traditional medicine could lead to compliance from witchdoctors.