There are core health challenges that resource-constrained communities face when
accessing primary healthcare for non-communicable diseases. Such and simultaneous
challenges to the incorporation of complementary, alternative, indigenous and traditional
medicine (CAITM) also exist in certain regions of South Africa. The increasing commitment
towards pursuit of the development of CAITM as an inclusive part of the healthcare sector and
clinical research will be explored. A pertinent platform, whereby a multi-disciplinary critical
investigation is developed for the benefit of practitioners, patients, communities and
policymakers, will be discussed. This platform should advance the potential of CAITM and
practices in public health and primary healthcare in South Africa, and within the African
continent and beyond.