EXPLORING THE ROLE OF AFRICAN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE (IKS) SYSTEMS IN HEALING PRACTICES AND RESILIENCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THOHOYANDOU

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was marked by widespread confusion due to limited therapeutic interventions. Concurrent with escalating infection rates was a pervasive atmosphere of fear and despondency, exacerbated by continually increasing death tolls. In Thohoyandou, a notable proportion of the population turned to traditional healing practices historically employed to alleviate influenza-like symptoms. This shift towards non-hospitalised care was attributed partly to apprehension about hospitalisation, influenced by perceived low recovery rates among those admitted to medical facilities. This study presents a narrative inquiry into the experiences of individuals who survived COVID-19 without requiring hospitalisation, based on in-depth interviews with three respondents. The qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis, revealing diverse traditional remedies utilised by participants. Among the identified practices were inhalation of steam treated with stones and salt, and application of herbal concoctions including Tshiumbeumbe, Musese, Mufula Musudzungwane, Miora, and Mubomo, guava leaves, lemon grass tea, and a mixture comprising onion, ginger, lemon, honey, and garlic. These findings illuminate adaptive strategies individuals employ in response to the pandemic and the importance of traditional healing practices in contemporary health crises. The observed recovery rates show the need for rigorous scientific testing to establish the validity of these findings.