Indigenous Placenta Disposal: The Views of Midwives and Traditional Birth Attendants/Indigenous Knowledge Holders in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Prior to the development of modern obstetric services, indigenous people had their own ways of disposing placenta, which are still practiced in some communities. However, persistent gaps exist in the South African healthcare system that deals with the integration of indigenous knowledge and Western medical services due to constraints in knowledge and expertise. Methods: A qualitative approach using explorative design guided by the 5D appreciative inquiry model was employed. The participants were ten midwives, four traditional midwives, and six indigenous knowledge holders, who were recruited through a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. Content data analysis was followed. Results: Knowledge of the indigenous placenta disposal was discovered from the data, although some of the midwives had no idea. It was also discovered that indigenous placenta disposal is regarded as a valuable practice that should be respected, and the legislature on indigenous placenta disposal should be recognised and acknowledged. Conclusion: The findings have demonstrated the significance of understanding and appreciating the various indigenous placenta disposal methods,and the need to legislate the historical impact on its beliefs and practices. This paper has thus aimed to explore and describe the views of the midwives and traditional birth attendants/indigenous knowledge holders in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Open.