It has been agreed, in terms of subsection 13 that medical certificates issued by traditional healers will also be accepted if certain criteria were met:

The employer and trade union parties agree that they will recognise traditional healers for paid sick leave purposes, in terms of the Main Agreement, provided that an appropriate regulatory body is created by the Government similar to that of the Health Professionals Council.

The Traditional Health Practitioners Act (Act No. 22 of 2007) has now become effective as from 1 May 2014. This in effect means that medical certificates issued by traditional healers registered with the Interim Health Practitioners Council of South Africa are now acceptable for the purposes of paid sick leave, in terms of the Main Agreement. For further information, please contact the SEIFSA Industrial Relations Division on 011 298 9400.

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