The “Kgotla” as a Community Heritage Resource for Mitigating Social Isolation and Loneliness among Tswana-Speaking Elderly South Africans

Abstract

ABSTRACTStudies of the Tswana culture and language abound. However, incisive studies directed at the Kgotla as a community heritage resource that had been contributing towards social stability mediated by traditional intergenerational relationships among the Tswana-speaking South Africans are not common. This paper examines how the Kgotla’s inter-group communications capacity and capability mitigates social isolation and loneliness among elderly Tswana-speaking South Africans. A systematic review method was used to identify high-quality original research outputs from cultural and intergenerational relationships literature. All studies considered for inclusion in this review were critically appraised, and formed the basis for the narrative synthesis. The evidence emanating from this procedure suggests that despite the undervaluing of the mediating roles the Kgotla plays, it remains very relevant in mitigating social isolation and loneliness among elderly Tswana-speaking South Africans. Based on this observation, it was recommended that more extensive and incisive studies should be directed at the phenomenon studied with a view to recommending and applying it as a veritable community heritage resource that is worthy of research and social policy attention.