‘It’s a lesson learned, now we need to build together moving forward’: narratives of the pandemic from a South African Indigenous community

Early Abstract:

Introduction: This study focuses on how a South African Indigenous community sustained wellbeing during and post COVID-19 pandemic, informed by their spiritual belief systems. The study also documented the home remedies and strategies which the communities utilised during this health crisis. 
Methodology: Applying a post-colonial lens within a qualitative approach, data was gathered from 25 participants across four communities through 10 interviews and two focus groups. Thematic data analysis was verified through three community collaborative workshops with study participants. 
Results: Study outcomes show that, inclusive of other issues of health and wellbeing, the isolation of Self from other human contact, and the lack of consultative processes for spiritual-health management between the community and government during the pandemic, was a major challenge. 
Discussion: COVID-19 guidelines were relevant, but these guidelines needed to be implemented through collaborative processes to inform future health crises within Indigenous communities.
Conclusion: Government guidelines, although deemed as necessary, should be implemented within a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the knowledge on ground, and the daily lived experiences of Indigenous communities. 
Keywords: Africa, community, COVID-19, culture, Indigenous health, spirituality.