Exploration of the Wellbeing of Academics in a South African Higher Education Through the Lens of African Indigenous Values, Spirituality and Religiosity

This study explored academics’ lived experiences of spiritual and emotional wellbeing, dimensions that have received limited attention within the South African higher education context. In this context, spiritual wellbeing is understood through African belief systems and Indigenous forms of wellbeing, including religious beliefs and ukuthwasa (traditional ancestral calling), which may contribute to the holistic wellbeing of academic staff. The concept of wellbeing is also considered from an industrial and organisational psychology perspective. Convenient sampling was used to select eight academics employed at a South African higher education. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted online via Zoom. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes and subthemes that informed the study’s findings and conclusions. Key themes included African Indigenous approaches to wellbeing (such as religious beliefs and ukuthwasa), emotional wellbeing, and support from spouses. Practical implications for integrating Afrocentric values of wellbeing within academic environments are discussed. The study concludes with limitations and offering recommendations for future research.