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A politician the tiny southern African kingdom f Swaziland has proposed a hike the tax rate the nation's traditional healers. Majahodvwa Khumalo has urged the government to levy the tax to help solve his country's worsening economic situation. He believes the time is ripe upping the tax the healers, known as 'sangomas'. Mr Khumalo said the sangomas have quadrupled their fees recent years but are still paying very little tax. He told the Swazi parliament the healers needed to pay their fair share the country's economic recovery, saying: "A majority our people consult traditional healers but the money they pay to government falls far too short the money they make."

The sangomas currently pay an annual fee 10 emalangeni ($1.15) to ply their trade. Many Swazis visit the healers, who are a key part the nation's health service. Opponents say raising taxes the sangomas would bring very little revenue. Swaziland is dire financial straits. Its budget deficit has skyrocketed to 15 per cent its GDP. Many say King Mswati III should do more to help his country. He spends a small fortune his many wives, lavish lifestyle, and a bloated military. The sangomas feel they are being singled . They have already spent decades trying to rid themselves a "witch doctor" label given to them Europeans. Western pharmacists are now studying their cures and medicines.