Promoting collaborative care of the human body after cessation of life: Ubuntu beyond death

Abstract

Background: South Africa is a diverse country that promises equality, dignity, linguistic and cultural rights to all its citizens. Therefore, understanding the cultural, religious and nursing practices in caring for the deceased body is crucial to ensure meaningful integrated care of the deceased body and collective mourning and support within a community.

Objectives: This study aimed to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing on caring for the human body at all stages of life and beyond death using Ubuntu principles.

Method: A qualitative exploratory-descriptive design was used to understand the meaning of the human body after cessation of life within African, Christian and nursing practice. The study was conducted in three countries in Southern Africa (eSwatini, South Africa and Zimbabwe). Snowball and purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit participants. In-depth telephonic and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The data were analysed thematically.

Results: To provide comprehensive insights, themes from the three population groups were integrated. Four main themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) death as an end to physical life, (2) cleanliness of the deceased body, (3) ritualisation of death and (4) beyond death and burial.

Conclusion: Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration is vital to providing comprehensive care for the body and spirit of the deceased. Understanding cultural and religious rituals helps with collective mourning and support in the community.

Contribution: Reflecting on the meaning of the deceased body and the respect given to it during the process of transition into the spiritual world through ritualisation.