Despite the fact that there is presently no formal training in African Traditional Medicines at any of the formal training institutions, Dr Hlati made attempts to collaborate with traditional health practitioners and academic institutions to discuss training needs and curriculum development. One such institution is the University of Venda. Dr Hlati’s surgery in Malamulele also serves as a training centre for traditional health practitioners. Dr Hlati committed to substantially invest in the future of traditional health practice by developing Mangombe Hills Pilgrim Site in Giyane into the Mecca of traditional medicine.
The Mangombe Hill business plan features a training centre dedicated to address the educational needs of the stakeholders, more especially traditional practitioners, to develop a comprehensive health care system to optimise care for patients. Consumers and consumer groups need to be informed about all aspects of traditional medicines. Health professionals also need information on Traditional medicine practitioners, while traditional practitioners themselves need to be assisted and empowered through education and training.
Dr Hlati has donated learning aids and furniture to the Lawrance Hasani School in Limpopo.
He continues to support community development initiatives.
Mangombe Hills Pilgrimage Site is found in Giyani in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province. The Pilgrimage Site was envisaged by Dr S.M Hlati and was conceived through a special divination from his ancestry. Through Mangombe Hill Pilgrimage Site construction, the traditional health sector will inject value in the Limpopo economy and have a dedicated service for HIV and other chronic illnesses under care of traditional health practitioners of Limpopo.
Since the health care of HIV positive clients require a comprehensive approach, there are ample opportunities for personal liberation from disease, stigma and psychological effects.
In his address to the seminar on HIV/Aids at the University of Venda Dr Hlati made a commitment to invest R5 million of my saving into the Mangombe Hill Pilgrimage Project. The Mission of Mangombe Hill Pilgrimage Project is to promote and protect traditional medicine and indigenous science.
Dr Hlati promotes training of traditional health practitioners as part of lifelong learning and integration of technology into the traditional health practice.
