Integration of Traditional and Western Healthcare Systems in South Africa: Strategies from the Ndebele indigenous people

Abstract

The Traditional and Western Healthcare systems are the recognized health systems in South Africa. The two healthcare systems continue to provide healthcare for South African Indigenous communities; therefore, the government’s imbalanced support of the healthcare systems has resulted in Western healthcare receiving extensive support while traditional healthcare receives little to no support despite being regarded as the primary healthcare for most Indigenous communities in the country. In light of this, understanding the strategies for integrating the two healthcare systems may establish an effective and balanced healthcare system that supports the health needs of the indigenous communities. However, there is little research regarding the potential strategies for integration from the indigenous people’s perspective. Therefore, this qualitative study explores strategies for integrating the South African Western and Traditional healthcare systems of the Ndebele indigenous people in the Vezubuhle indigenous community under the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality. The study employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques to sample 17 participants: five traditional health practitioners, 5 elderly Indigenous custodians, and 7 Indigenous community members. The qualitative data was generated using one-on-one semi-structured interviews and analysed using the thematic data analysis technique.

Keywords: {'name': 'Western healthcare'}, {'name': 'Traditional healthcare'}, {'name': 'Primary healthcare'}, {'name': 'Integration'}, {'name': 'Indigenous people'}

Authors & affiliations

Gugu Dolly Skosana
University of Venda

Thizwilondi Madima
University of Venda

Glen Maimela
University of Venda

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