Reflections

W9S1- SOCIAL INEQUALITIES: SOCIO-ECONOMIC CLASS, SPATIAL INEQUALITIES & HEALTH

Growing up in Mdantsane, a township in the Eastern Cape, I was vaguely aware of socio-economic disparities but did not fully grasp the concept of social class. My relatives who resided in suburban areas had markedly different lifestyles, attending private schools and utilising private healthcare facilities, whereas I attended public schools and relied on community healthcare services. This disparity, rooted in social class, profoundly influenced our lives. Through the lessons on social inequalities, I now understand that my relatives were part of the middle class, while my family belonged to the lower class. These distinctions shaped our access to resources, with my education suffering from a lack of facilities like computer labs and our healthcare access being of lower quality.

Within Mdantsane itself, there existed a spectrum of economic statuses. Some middle-class families chose to stay in the township despite their means, while others had no choice but to remain due to economic constraints. This observation underscores the relationship between social class and spatial inequalities. Those residing in townships typically share similar economic statuses and experiences regarding resource accessibility, distinguishing them from rural inhabitants who face their own unique challenges. This reflection highlights how socio-economic class and spatial location intertwine, affecting individuals' quality of life and access to essential services, thereby deepening my understanding of the structural factors influencing health and education disparities.

W10S2- GENDER-BASED INEQUALITIES, INTERSECTIONALITY & HEALTH

Reflecting on my experience of gender socialization and being socialized into my SOGI, I can see the profound influence of my community, family, and societal norms. Growing up in Mdantsane, the understanding of gender and SOGI was largely traditional. Gender roles were well-defined, with expectations for men and women rooted in long-standing cultural norms. Key members of my family, particularly my parents and grandparents, reinforced these roles. My father, for example, emphasized the importance of strength and stoicism, while my mother taught me the value of empathy and caregiving.

My own life experiences regarding gender and SOGI have evolved over time. Initially, I adhered strictly to these gender norms, believing that deviation was not an option. However, exposure to diverse communities and perspectives, especially in educational and urban environments, broadened my understanding. Interacting with people who openly expressed different gender identities and sexual orientations challenged my preconceived notions and allowed me to question and reshape my beliefs.

In many social and cultural spaces, expressing my gender identity has required a balance between safety and bravery. In more conservative settings, I often find myself self-censoring to align with socio-cultural norms and avoid potential backlash. However, in more progressive environments, I feel more liberated to express my true self. The need for self-censorship stems from the fear of judgment and discrimination, reflecting the broader societal struggle for acceptance and inclusivity.

The type of world I dream of is one where everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, can live authentically without fear of discrimination or harm. A world where diversity in SOGI is celebrated, and everyone has the freedom to express their identity openly and safely. In this envisioned society, socio-cultural norms would be inclusive and supportive, allowing individuals to thrive without the need for self-censorship.

My health journey has been shaped by my gender and SOGI in several ways. Access to healthcare in Mdantsane often meant dealing with providers who held traditional views, which sometimes led to discomfort and reluctance to discuss certain health issues openly. The intersection of socio-economic status and gender expectations also played a role, influencing the type and quality of care received. This has underscored the need for more inclusive and sensitive healthcare practices that respect and understand diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.

For the future, I envision myself as a healthcare professional who not only provides medical care but also advocates for systemic changes to create an inclusive healthcare system. For South Africa, I hope for a society where equality and acceptance are the norm, and healthcare is accessible and respectful to all, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. This reflection highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to challenge and transform societal norms to achieve true inclusivity and equity in all aspects of life.

W24S1- MIGRATION

I was born in the Eastern Cape, where both my parents were also born and raised. When I was six, my mother moved my sister and me to Cape Town in search of better job opportunities. However, due to the high cost of living, we eventually returned to the Eastern Cape to live with my grandmother. Later, I moved to Johannesburg to study at Wits University. My grandmother often shared stories about our ancestors, originally from KwaZulu-Natal, who migrated to the Eastern Cape to escape violence and tribal wars. They adapted to the Xhosa community and raised generations who now identify as Xhosa, though our roots are Zulu. Our family’s movement reflects the influence of economic challenges and the need for safety and belonging. This shows how factors such as improved living conditions, employment, better education, and violence can influence the migration of people. It also shows how migration requires adaptation to the conditions of a place; it can also lead to new identities.

This activity also made me think about how migration can shape identities and affect people's lives. For example, there has been an ongoing controversy about the identity of a former Miss South Africa contestant who was born and bred in South Africa but it turned out that her mother falsified her documents and is an immigrant from Mozambique. This sparked debates on social media about whether the contestant is a South African or not. Migration can lead to questions about who “belongs” in a society, often bringing up issues around nationality, ethnicity, and heritage. Children of immigrants might feel fully part of their birth country, but society may still question their “true” identity due to family origins.

W26S1- CLIMATE CHANGE AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

Reflecting on climate change’s effects on vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and children, brings a deeper understanding of how environmental crises directly threaten their fundamental right to health. The videos highlight that extreme weather events, like floods, damage homes, disrupt health services, and cause food and water scarcity, leading to malnutrition and disease outbreaks. Children are especially vulnerable, as their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections and the long-term health impacts of polluted water and food shortages.

For example, in flood-affected areas, contaminated water sources increase the risk of diseases, particularly in children and infants. Additionally, stagnant water left after floods provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising the threat of malaria, which disproportionately affects children under five. In heat-affected areas, the lack of resources like clean water and shaded, cool environments exacerbates maternal and neonatal health issues, and cultural practices further complicate care for newborns, leading to dehydration and heat stress.

To address these climate-related health challenges, collaborative, multi-sectoral interventions are crucial. Projects like those in Kenya’s Kilifi region demonstrate how communities and healthcare systems can work together to co-design solutions. By building resilient infrastructure, ensuring accessible water supplies, and educating communities on climate adaptation, we can reduce the health risks associated with climate change. Moreover, providing timely weather information in local languages empowers communities to prepare for extreme weather, protecting those most at risk.

In healthcare, understanding these impacts can shape a compassionate and proactive approach to patient care, inspiring practitioners to advocate for climate-resilient health policies. Including this reflection in my portfolio of learning emphasizes the urgent need for climate-adaptive strategies that safeguard health and well-being, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Climate action is not only about reducing emissions but also about adapting healthcare systems and communities to meet these evolving health needs, ensuring that all children have the right to a safe, healthy future.

W28S1- MEDICAL PLURALISM

My thoughts after seeing the first video: In the South African spiritual concept, the ancestral calling of a spiritually gifted individual is called “ukuthwasa”. No, I would not say it is a call to medicine but a personal journey that involves self-reflection and an acknowledgment of one’s purpose and passion in life as the journey consists of the intertwining connection of the physical and spiritual aspects. According to Amanda’s experiences, the place of the body in diagnoses is the body itself because it serves as a reflective mirror that echoes the physical sicknesses of other individuals in a spiritual manner. The body is not just seen as a biological element that functions with the compliance of other body parts but as a vessel for spiritual, emotional, and ancestral communication. It is viewed as a medium serving a realm of communication from the spiritual world to the physical world. According to Amanda, she states that she faces challenges of communication and misunderstanding as most of the symptoms and signs of spirituality and healing contradict the values of Western medicine, especially to individuals who do not comprehend it.

Reflecting on the second video, traditional healers like sangomas collaborate with Western-trained doctors by referring patients between the two systems. Some practitioners, like Dr. Anthony Maifadi, serve as both medical doctors and sangomas, bridging clinical medicine with spiritual practices, including the use of herbs and spiritual consultations.

 Traditional healing contributes to holistic care by addressing spiritual, psychological, and community-based aspects, while Western medicine focuses on biological and clinical treatments. Together, they offer a more comprehensive approach by treating physical symptoms and underlying spiritual or emotional issues.

The African Traditional Healing System can transform into a complementary system by working alongside Western practices. The increase in referrals from Western practitioners to sangomas shows a growing recognition of traditional healing’s value, suggesting it could evolve to support mainstream healthcare without losing its unique cultural essence.