Many factors have contributed to the health and health care systems in our country. Furthermore, we notice how the notion and perceptions of and about health have radically changed. Our country was primarily introduced to allopathic medicine and practices after its colonization by the British in the early 1800s. Through its introduced technologies and concepts, allopathic medicine managed to penetrate a once indigenous healthcare system that depended on traditional medicine as the main healing system (e.g. the earliest Khoi-San clans dating back around 2,000 years). At colonization, we observe how segregationist policies and laws established by the apartheid-led government (before South Africa's democracy in 1994) managed to slow the progression of equal access to primary health care among the masses. Therefore, we must recognize that the gap between health and its accessibility will always be part of the many challenges we face as the Department of Health in South Africa. However, that being said, as a Ministry we will continually strive to optimize healthcare and its availability. Today I would like to give a brief overview of the future of the emerging health systems and traditional medicine that continues in our country. Today I would like to focus on traditional medicine and its possible integration with allopathic medicine. In addition to this, I would like to expand on the important role that culture plays in the healing systems of this country. Although the notion of culture is still contested, we can all, to some extent, agree that culture constitutes a central element in a being's existence. , it is closely linked to their identity, their behavior and man...... middle of paper ......Medicine and allopathic medicine. We have noticed the importance of traditional leaders in the communities and with their encouragement we believe they can help us gain the trust of their patients in considering allopathic medicine. Challenges regarding scientific and cultural approaches to health, but we as the Ministry of Health will use the expertise of the Traditional Health Council Board to make the integration one that will not take away the value and meaning of a nation's culture. There is also much to be learned from both health systems when it comes to eliminating the causes of diseases and possibly discovering new cures for diseases. Modern medicine itself is derived from natural herbs and, in this regard, both systems could use this as a basis to create a new health system that is accepted and functional for all..