Abstract: Submission #190

Abstract This study explores the cultural expectations placed on young widows and widowers within Zulu society, with a focus on their emotional and social experiences during mourning. Motivated by personal experience and professional social work practice, the researcher aimed to understand how traditional mourning customs affect the well-being of young individuals who have lost their spouses. A qualitative research approach was employed, using purposive and snowball sampling to select participants aged 21 to 40 from the uMgungundlovu District in KwaZulu-Natal.

Findings reveal that young widows, in particular, face significant pressure to comply with strict cultural practices, including wearing black clothing for twelve months, avoiding social gatherings, and maintaining a posture of social withdrawal. These expectations often lead to isolation, identity struggles, and emotional distress. Participants reported experiencing intense grief, trauma, financial hardship, and stigmatization. Widows also faced heightened vulnerability, including being victims of inheritance-related exploitation.

Despite these challenges, support from family, friends, spirituality, and faith emerged as important coping mechanisms. Participants expressed a strong need for professional psychosocial support, including grief counselling, parenting resources, and peer support systems.

The study concludes that young widows and widowers require holistic and culturally sensitive interventions. Recommendations include training counsellors on Zulu mourning customs, launching community awareness campaigns, providing economic support, and creating peer support groups. These interventions aim to bridge the gap between cultural expectations and personal needs, ultimately promoting healing, empowerment, and social reintegration for young Zulu widows and widowers.