Abstract
Background: Caring forms the core component of nursing. The history of the nature of
caring in South Africa is non-specific and is unknown. The impact of nurse and activist
Albertina Sisulu e known as the Mother of the Nation e has the potential to offer unique
insights into what could be the context of caring for nurses.
Aims: The study aimed at 1) critically synthesising the available evidence of caring as
portrayed by Albertina Sisulu within the South African context, and 2) interpreting Sisulu's
work within the Ubuntu philosophy as a framework for nursing and caring.
Method: An integrative review was completed using Whittemore and Knafl's framework.
Key electronic databases, selected references and web-based search engines were scoured
for articles meeting the inclusion criteria. This systematic and iterative approach yielded
18 non-research reports related to Sisulu; eight reports (three research, five non-research)
related to ubuntu and nursing. Data was extracted that related to relevant and conclusive
new and innovative practices in caring.