​The integration of traditional medicine into the mainstream of healthcare system has has been instrumental in driving research and innovation, promoting cultural exchanges and as a key economic driver in China.
It is this kind of impact that South Africa wants to see local as it works to mainstream African Traditional Medicine into the healthcare system.
This was at the centre of discussion at a bilateral meeting between the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) led by MEC for Health and Wellness, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko together with a Chinese delegation led by the Vice Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, Yang Xingping, on Friday, 16 May 2025. The engagement provided an opportunity to benchmark on China's successful integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into the mainstream of their healthcare system.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said that the meeting provided the GDoH with valuable lessons as South Africa continues to walk the path of formalizing and integrating African Traditional Medicine and Traditional Health Practitioners (THP) into the healthcare system.
"As the Department of Health, we recognize the importance of traditional medicine. We understand that for many of our communities, especially in rural or under-resourced areas, traditional healing is not just a choice, it is the first and sometimes only point of care.
"We are interested in seeing how the Chinese have been able to preserve Indigenous Knowledge Systems and ensured that TMCs become a key economic driver with potential for growth and development in both domestic and international markets," eagerly said the MEC. 
TCM practitioners use various psychological and physical approaches such as acupuncture as well as herbal products to address health problems. Their herbal products have been studied for many medical problems, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and the common cold. 
In the South African context, THPs and communities have been using various herbal products to cure many diseases. However, the market has been met with resistance and limited support from the healthcare system which only uses western medicine largely due to the fact that many of these remedies or treatments have not undergone scientific examinations. 
With this move, the GDoH aims to integrate traditional and western health approaches to make healthcare in South Africa more accessible, culturally responsive, and comprehensive. This collaboration with China will provide a learning platform particularly about achievements in the development of TCM, innovations, and your training programmes.
"We are especially interested in your insights into disease prevention, rehabilitation, and scientific evidence supporting traditional practice. We are here to listen, share, and explore future cooperation. The work you do in Sichuan can inspire and guide our path in Gauteng and beyond," said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko to the Chinese delegation. 
Vice Governor Xingping, said Gauteng and Sichuan's developing economy, combined with medical expertise offers many opportunities for collaboration. 
"We are working closely to ensure the integration of traditional and conventional medicine in a way that benefits public health. We believe that by working together, particularly in the areas of Chinese medicine and healthcare, we can achieve great outcomes," said Xingping. 
South African has seen progress with the establishment of the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council nationally, which marks an important step in the regulation and professionalisation of the field.