Experiences of Grandmothers Raising their Grandchildren in Vhembe District, South Africa

The aim of the study was to gain an understanding on the experiences of grandmothers who were involved in raising their grandchildren in Vhembe District. A qualitative approach using an interpretative phenomenological analysis design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select grandmothers who participated in the study. Data were collected from the participants using semi-structured interviews until data saturation which occurred after interviewing 10 participants. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. Two main themes which were supported by sub-themes emerged from data analysis, namely: socio-economic impact and impact on the health of grandmothers. Recommendations that are discussed focus on inter-sectoral collaboration in support of grandmothers who are involved in raising their grandchildren.