South Africa: Law to recognise sangomas approved

South Africa's parliament approved a new law on Thursday to regulate traditional African healers. Millions of South Africans consult more than 200 000 traditional healers, who use rituals and herbal medicines to treat a wide range of illnesses. The Traditional Health Practitioners Bill - which must still be ratified by South Africa's second House - aims to regulate their activities, including barring them from treating fatal diseases such as cancer and Aids. It will also create a council to licence the healers.