Support for the dying and bereaved in Zimbabwe

Since dying and bereavement are basic to the human condition, all societies have developed ways of providing support for those undergoing these experiences of loss. However, the emergence of the hospice movement marks the beginning of the provision of organisational support beyond that traditionally supplied within the family and friendship network Zimbabwe presents an interesting situation whereby traditional support systems function side by side with newer voluntary organisations providing services for the dying and bereaved, mainly within the white community but also, increasingly, to those black Zimbabweans in a state of transition between rural and urban life. Both traditional and organisational support systems are analysed with particular emphasis on the 'holistic' approach being practised by two voluntary organisations in Zimbabwe. Holistic care manifests several new features, which distinguish it from that provided in more orthodox western medical settings, and which, actually, converge with traditional African approaches. A brief review of problems being experienced by bereaved and dying people receiving assistance reveals that in the changing social conditions in present day Zimbabwe there is potential for useful crosscultural fertilisation in approaches to die care of those experiencing loss and some suggestions are made to this end.