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NDebele people in traditional dress (Siyabona Africa, 2021). 

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Even though most tribes were dissolved closer to modern age, the Ndebele people carry sense of collectivism and unity for their culture (Siyabona Africa, 2021). This pride can be seen among most African countries. Some Ndebele identifying people, such as myself, still introduce themselves as 'Zimbabwean, of the Ndebele tribe'.

This is an example of a sense of belonging, which is essential to wellbeing. To feel included reduces the feeling of isolation, which could lead to depression.

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A classic meal in my house, sadza (right), choms (left) and meat (top). Image from Chef's Pencil (2022)

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Cornmeal is said to be beneficial for heart and digestive health. It can also be a good alternative to gluten. It can be a great source of pyridoxine, thiamine, magnesium and folate.
Half a cup of cornmeal (recommended serving) offers (Dolson, 2021):

Calories: 221

Fat: 2.2g

Sodium: 21mg

Carbohydrates: 47g

Fiber: 5g

Sugars: 0.4g

Protein: 4.5g

Sadza is popular in my household and is extremely easy to make. The recipe supplied by Chef's pencil (2022) is as follows:

1. Boil 1 gallon (4 liters) of water.

2. Put five cups of white maize (corn) meal in a sauce pan and add cold water to soak the meal.

3. After the white maize meal is completely soaked, add a little more water and stir the mixture with a thick stick (or a big wooden spoon).

4. Cook on a medium heat and stir. Add the boiling water slowly and keep stirring constantly. Make sure the mixture doesn’t stick to the pan.

5. While heating, the maize meal will become smooth, like a smooth porridge.

6. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly, and boil for 5 minutes, adding more maize meal flour.

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Amabhiza at Matabeleland South Culture Week (2012). Video uploaded by nichotsungie

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Traditional dance in Zimbabwe is diverse. Each of the various tribes have dances that originate from other regions. Movement of the body is used during rituals, religious practices, ceremonies, story-telling and celebration. For Ndebele people, as an example, amabhiza, amantshomane and isitshikitsha (Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies, 2018)

Dance is not only a great form of physical exercise but is also a way to stimulate endorphin release and socialise with the community.

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Amabhiza at Matabeleland South Culture Week 2012.mp4

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Zimbabwean bride and bridesmaids wearing clothes inspired by other African cultures (D&D Clothing, 2021). 

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In the modern era, western styles are worn. During special occations like weddings, birthday parties and religous gatherings, inspiration from traditional wear is often seen in garments. Urbanisation has seen the blending of African cultures, like the wedding dress pictured. Inspiration has been drawn from Ghanian and Nigerian culture (D&D Clothing, 2021). This represents a culturally diverse aspect of Zimbabwean society.

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Welcome to Zimbabwe sign. Photo by The Mint Julep (n.d). Image sourced from Moyo (2019).

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Zimbabwe currently has 16 official languages: including sign language, Chewa, and Kalanga to name a few. The main languages spoken are Shona and Ndebele. Most people are bilingual, being fluent of either of the two and English (Discover Africa, 2023).  English is the official language used in but are not limited to education, trade, justice, commerce and health systems (University of Pennsylvania, n.d.).

Having health services main language in English is a form of enabling access to health care as those seeking it will be able to communicate with professionals and allow them to access treatment.

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Me and my three siblings. I am the cutest child at the bottom.

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To me, health is not the absence of illness, but the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of me and my community. I think that whilst health can pertain to me only, I do not feel I do not feel I can say I am healthy if I know my family members are not themselves.

To engage in culturally safe nursing care, I believe I would have to consider all of these aspects. I would also have to consider if they do not apply, as some patients may relate to this definition, whilst others may not.

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Reflection on how Domain 7: Professional practice will be beneficial in my nursing career when interacting with those of migrant and refugee backgrounds.

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Information sourced from: Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership (2019).

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Social determinants and their impact on migrant/refugee health (World Health Organisation, 2020). Self produced video by me. 

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Information Sources

Education: State of New South Wales (2020). Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2023).

Working life conditions:  Cain et al. (2021)

Social inclusion and non discrimination: Ziersch et al. (2017)

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Witch doctor of the Shona people in Zimbabwe. Image taken by Hans Hillewaert (1989)

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In Zimbabwe, the most popular witch doctors are Shona n'anga. Some of the practices are herbal, protective and harmful magic and truth telling (Asaph & Napata, 2023).

After the independence, Zimbabwe's health system crumpled, leaving many professionals to leave the country in search of better working conditions. The most recent source I was able to locate stated that 40% of doctors left the country, with less than 900 working to serve 11.5 million people (Peta, 2005).

Healers with no professional training became more popular. Cures concocted from herbs, barks, roots, animal and even human organs. Some witch doctors also claimed to be able to diagnose with divine power and can communicate directly with the Gods. The general population left with no choice accessed help from these healers (Peta, 2005).

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Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide logo and motto (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide [ARHPG], 2023)

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Malaria: Mosquito spread parasitic protozoal infection (Plasmodium). In many refugee-source countries malaria is an endemic disease. Investigations recommended for travellers from endemic areas: 3 months if asymptomatic, 12 if febrile. Specialist ID service for treatment, admission of severe cases sooner Refugees get Departure Health Check, treatment 72 hours before leaving if positive. WHO recommends artemether or lumefantrine, documented on health manifest.  Re-screening people on arrival and vigilance for those with a febrile illness. Symptoms: headache, nausea, sweating; severe cases: jaundice, altered consciousness, acidosis (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide [ARHPG], 2023).

Skin Infection: Skin conditions common in refugee-like backgrounds, sixth most frequent among newly arrived African refugees in 2005. Recommend including skin exams in initial assessment, treatment based on findings and origin. Conditions can be non-infectious (nutrient deficiency) or infectious (scabies, tinea). Appearances vary (papular, pustular, vesicular, pruritic, lesions). Topical treatments for local issues (steroidal, sulfur, paraffins), systemic conditions may need oral medications (ARHPG, 2023).

Mental Health:  Recommendations include emotional wellbeing and mental health assessment in post-arrival evaluations. Address potential impacts of trauma without directly asking. Assess suicide risk. As many refugees experienced trauma, conflict and family separation, mental illness is prevalent. Mental illness is common due to trauma, conflict, and family separation. Prolonged immigration detention and uncertainty worsen mental health. Manifestations: grief, relationship issues, addiction, memory problems. Treatment: referrals, family support, routine adjustments, play for children, school and community involvement (ARHPG, 2023).