Preliminary communication

COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL HEALING: A CASE STUDY OF MAKHUDUTHAMAGA TRADITIONAL HEALERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Makomane Taba orcid.org/0000-0002-8936-0517 ; Department of Financial Management, School of Accountancy, University of Limpopo;
Michael Fakoya orcid.org/0000-0002-8763-0616 ; Department of Financial Management, School of Accountancy, University of Limpopo;

Abstract

The study examines the challenges and potentials of adopting cost accounting practices in African traditional healing. Although cost accounting is more prevalent in the private sector and the public sector, it is unpopular in African traditional healing. This study examines the necessity and benefits of adopting cost accounting practices to improve product and service pricing in African traditional healing. An exploratory case study that utilises focus group interviews of traditional healers at the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality in South Africa was conducted. Findings revealed the need to improve decision-making in traditional healing through the integration of cost accounting principles for appropriate costing of products and services through the provision of accurate cost accounting information. The study recommends the development of a unique cost accounting model for use by traditional healers in South Africa.

Keywords

Cost accounting practices; Traditional healing practices; South Africa; traditional healers; traditional medicines; product costing; Traditional Healers Organisation

Hrčak ID:

162945

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/162945

Publication date:

30.6.2016.

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