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The African Centre of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (ACCMA), formerly recognised as HENGCHUN HEALTH CENTRE, has been in operation since 2009. It serves as a healthcare institution committed to employing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and other complementary therapies for the treatment of various ailments. All practitioners associated with ACCMA are duly registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.
To maintain a superior level of service, ACCMA practitioners are afforded the opportunity to participate in both national and international conferences, engage in regular case studies, partake in continuous professional development, and foster international collaborations. These avenues enable them to stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field, thereby augmenting their skills and knowledge to ensure the delivery of exceptional healthcare services.
ACCMA actively collaborates with the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa (CMAAA) to advance public health initiatives in South Africa. This collaborative effort aims to foster collaboration among these organisations, leveraging their respective expertise and resources to contribute to the promotion of health and well-being in the region. By engaging with CMAAA and participating in initiatives supported by research and publications, ACCMA seeks to enhance its impact on public health through the dissemination of knowledge, research, and the integration of complementary medicine practices. This collaborative approach underscores ACCMA's commitment to comprehensive and holistic healthcare solutions in South Africa.
PhD, MMed, MB
Prof Zijing Hu is an Associate Professor and researcher in the Department of Complementary Medicine at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, and a registered practitioner of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. He holds a PhD in Education and has multidisciplinary training in traditional Chinese medicine, clinical medicine, and health sciences education, enabling his work to bridge clinical practice and higher education scholarship.
Prof Hu’s research focuses on strengthening the quality of teaching, learning, assessment, and professional practice in complementary medicine education, with particular attention to curriculum innovation, educational leadership, and the integration of technology in health sciences education. He has published widely in academic journals and book chapters and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Complementary Medicine: Education and Research and Chinese Medicine in Africa, as well as a contributor to international editorial and peer review panels.
Beyond academia, Prof Hu plays an active leadership role in professional and policy contexts. He has served as Chief Examiner for national board examinations in Chinese medicine and acupuncture under the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, and has contributed to regulatory and policy documents for the South African Department of Health and the World Health Organization. His work has been recognised through multiple awards for innovative teaching and international contributions, positioning him as an emerging voice in global debates on educational transformation and knowledge leadership.
Dr Darren Carpenter
Mphil, BCM CMA, BSC CHS
Dr Carpenter is a registered Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture doctor. He has been practising Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture since 2017. In 2024, he completed his Master’s study through the University of Johannesburg. He also holds dual qualifications of a Bachelor of Sciences in Complementary Health Science, and Bachelors of Complementary Medicine in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. His research interests cover complementary medicine (Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture), sports injuries and musculoskeletal diseases. He is the Councillor for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) since 2022. He also serves as the vice-chairperson of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa.
Mr Rebaone Monama
BHS Complementary Medicine (UJ)
Rebaone Monama is a graduate of the University of Johannesburg and an accomplished practitioner of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. He currently serves as National Secretary of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa, as well as a Director within the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, contributing to both the Chinese Medicine Health Management Committee and the Committee for the Inheritance of Distinguished Experts.
Rebaone integrates traditional healing wisdom with contemporary clinical approaches to support a wide range of health concerns, including chronic pain, stress-related conditions, fertility challenges, and emotional wellbeing. In 2025, he undertook advanced professional training in Chengdu, China, where he specialised in pestle needle therapy, while further strengthening his expertise in acupuncture and tuina massage.
He is among the first five South African practitioners to receive formal training in pestle needle therapy, a discipline officially recognised as part of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. His practice reflects a commitment to clinical excellence, cultural heritage, and patient-centred care.