"I Am Because We Are" - Ubuntu and the Heart of Nursing Practice

"I Am Because We Are" - Ubuntu and the Heart of Nursing Practice is organized by Education at Sea, Nurses for Nurses Network (NFNN) and will be held from Jan 22 - Feb 02, 2027 at Radisson RED Cape Town V&A Waterfront, Cape town, South Africa.

A South African Nursing Study Tour: CAPE TOWN | SHIDULI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | JOHANNESBURG

SYNOPSIS:

This study tour explores the African philosophy of Ubuntu, commonly expressed as “I am because we are”, and its relevance to contemporary nursing practice, teamwork and community health. Ubuntu emphasises interconnectedness, shared responsibility and the belief that individual wellbeing is inseparable from the wellbeing of others. These values align closely with the foundations of nursing, yet are often challenged by modern healthcare systems shaped by workload pressures, task-driven models of care and professional silos.

Through guided cultural experiences, community engagement and discussions with South African health professionals, participants will examine how Ubuntu is reflected in everyday healthcare delivery, family involvement, community-based services and interprofessional relationships. The tour will explore how historical, social and economic factors have shaped health systems in South Africa, and how collective approaches to care continue to influence health practices across hospital, primary care and community settings.

Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how Ubuntu contrasts with, complements or challenges Australian healthcare models, particularly in relation to professional boundaries, teamwork, cultural safety, patient-centred care and workforce wellbeing.

The study tour will also consider how nurses can incorporate principles of relational practice, shared decision-making and community connection into their own workplaces without compromising professional standards or safety.

This program is designed to support nurses to think differently about care delivery, leadership and professional identity, using Ubuntu as a lens to re-examine what it means to work in a profession built on connection, compassion and collective responsibility — even within complex, high-pressure health systems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

On completion of this study tour, participants will be able to:

• Explain the core principles of Ubuntu and analyse how this philosophy influences healthcare relationships, teamwork and community-based models of care in South Africa.
• Critically compare Ubuntu-informed approaches to care with Australian nursing practice, identifying similarities, differences and implications for patient-centred and culturally responsive care.
• Evaluate how social, historical and economic factors shape health service delivery and health outcomes in South African communities, and reflect on parallels within Australian healthcare contexts.
• Identify practical strategies for integrating relational, community-focused principles into everyday nursing practice while maintaining professional standards, safety and ethical responsibilities.

This educational content has been developed specifically for this study tour by the program provider. While informed by established cultural concepts and contemporary nursing practice frameworks, the material represents original work and has not been reproduced from existing publications or training programs.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• 4 night(s) Accommodation at Radisson RED Cape Town V&A Waterfront in a Standard Room with Mountain View on a Bed and Breakfast basis.
• Half Day Conference at Radisson Red V&A Waterfront Hotel including tea and coffee breaks with snacks.
• Dinner at GOLD Restaurant: Dinner & Live Entertainment
• Full Day Private Cape Peninsula Tour including, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape of Goodhope (Cape Point), Cape Point – Funicular, Boulders Beach and Groote Schuur Heart Museum
• Meal at Seaforth Restaurant: Set Menu E – Half Crayfish
• Full Day Private Winelands Tour including lunch
• 4 night(s) Accommodation at Shiduli Private Game Reserve in a Luxury Suite on a Full Board basis.
• 3 night(s) Accommodation at Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton in a Guest Room on a Bed and Breakfast basis.
• Hector Pieterson Museum
• Mandela’s House
• Lunch at Sakhumzi Restaurant
• Transportation as per itinerary above
• Gratuities for tourist guides, drivers, game rangers and trackers
• Donations to every health care facility we visit

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS:

• An extensive program based on current best practice
• Dedicated Space for expert presentations and reflection
• Coffee breaks and lunches on presentation days
• Education content that meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian program
• Presenters that are excited to be able to share their skill, knowledge, and passion
• An online library filled to the brim with educational content that allows you to create your own learning experience
• A Registration Reception including complimentary drinks where you can meet other Attendees and network with Convenors and Presenter/s
• A Transcript reflecting all education sessions, presentations and hospital/health centre site visits
• A Certificate of Completion identifying the CPD hours attached to the Program for you to include in your CPD Evidence Portfolio

EXCLUSIONS:

• Airfares to and from South Africa
• Arrival Transfer
• All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls and laundry
• Departure airport transfer
• Gratuities for meals
• Any other services not mentioned above

The Program: The program content is provided by expert Nurse Educators with extensive clinical and education experience. Education at Sea combines quality education with fabulous travel adventures. We have taken a holistic approach to Nursing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure you get the most out of your education-travel experience.