Professor Sylvester Hlathi has passed away

Well-known Limpopo traditional health practitioner, Dr Prof Sylvester Mbaimbai Hlathi, passed away on Wednesday, 26 November, following a short illness.

The 74-year-old passed away at a hospital in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. He was 74. Family spokesperson General Maggy Mathebula has confirmed the news to various publications.

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Hlathi is the founder and CEO of the SADC University of African Medicine [UAM] and the Mhlabuhlangene School of African Medicine, which offers degrees in African traditional medicine.

He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in African Medicine by the US-based School of Theology and Projects and the Mhlabuhlangene School of African Medicine.

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Besides having promotion on various SABC Radio Stations, Hlathi also established the Southern African Development Community Traditional Health Practitioners Association, which has a large membership across several countries.

He is a vocal advocate for the professionalisation and integration of traditional healers into the public healthcare system.

Prof Hlathi is also recognised for his philanthropic work and has trained hundreds of traditional healers and herbalists. Prof Mbaimbai Hlathi is a traditional health practitioner who graduated in 1982.

No details of his memorial and funeral services have been confirmed by the family.