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Submission information
Submission Number: 190
Submission ID: 1217
Submission UUID: 4a4a331b-9273-457b-b81d-87dcffd5d94d
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Tue, 06/24/2025 - 16:02
Completed: Tue, 06/24/2025 - 16:07
Changed: Wed, 08/13/2025 - 14:11
Remote IP address: 41.144.33.53
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Ms. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Zondi |
| Firstname | Nomusa priscilla |
| msazondi29@yahoo.com | |
| Mobile | 0783863234 |
| Institution | University of south africa |
| Biosketch | My name is Nomusa Priscilla Zondi and I am a Social Worker employed by the Department of Social under Umshwathi Service Office. I have been practicing as Social Worker for 15 years and currently furthering my studies doing Masters in Social Work |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | Young widowed Zulu individuals experiences of cultural expectations of widowhood within Zulu society |
| Theme Selection | THEME 5: Feminist Perspectives and Environmental Justice |
| Subtheme FIVE Selection | SUB 5.1 Gendered dimensions of environmental challenges and climate justice. |
| Select your Presentation Type | Oral Presentation |
| 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. |
| Title | Prof |
| Firstname | Roelf |
| Lastname | Reyneke |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Khosi |
| Lastname | Kubeka |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |