Approval of special leave for ukuthwasa by the City of Tshwane signifies a notable transformation in employment law in relation to the recognition of African spirituality.

The City of Tshwane has recently approved a policy that provides special leave for employees who need to undergo ukuthwasa. Ideally, ukuthwasa is a process that involves the spiritual calling of people who were chosen by the ancestors to undergo the initiation process, which results in becoming traditional healers. This is a significant approval in South Africa, especially from a government institution. The announcement is a positive and progressive development from an employment law perspective. It also aligns with the Constitution’s values, recognising African customary law and indigenous practices. It addresses the issues related to the Indigenous practices of African people, particularly concerning the ongoing victimisation of those undergoing spiritual training. In contrast, individuals who pursue Western academic training continue to enjoy a recognised status in the workplace. We must shift our perspective to recognise that while the matter at hand is spiritual, the ukuthwasa journey is centred on learning. Therefore, it is important first to define and clearly understand what a spiritual calling is.

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