Exploration of cultural practices and their psychosocial functions on bereavement across the Vhavenda culture, Thulamela Municipality.

Abstract

Vhavenda people, much like other Africans, have different cultural interventions in place to deal with the agony caused by losing their loved one or a member of the community. When there is little information about cultural interventions during bereavement, community members tend to lose their way and suffer the consequences of not upholding cultural activities. The purpose of the study was to explore the cultural practices and their psychosocial functions on bereavement across the Vhavenda culture in Thulamela Municipality. This study was guided by the theory of social support and cultural grief. The study used the qualitative approach because the researcher aimed to provide an in-depth description. The exploratory-descriptive research design was used to provide an in-depth description. The target population were Vhavenda individuals living in a selected village in Thulamela. Purposeful sampling was used to sample participants. A total number of 14 Tshivenda speaking participants were sampled. The researcher, in conjunction with the interview guide, was responsible for collecting data. In-depth, semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were held at Maungani village at a location agreed on by the researcher and the participants. Ethical considerations were implemented throughout the research. The key findings of the study are that these cultural interventions serve a psychosocial function among the Vhavenda community, that includes providing peace, healing and comforting the bereaved.