Medical schools rely on donated human bodies for teaching anatomy. In South Africa, there is a shortage of body donors among Black African communities. International guidelines require that bodies used in teaching come from voluntary donations rather than unclaimed remains. While South Africa has donation programmes, most donors are White, and participation from Black African groups is limited. Previous studies show that cultural practices and religious beliefs strongly affect willingness to donate.

A research study funded by the NRF investigated one of South Africa’s largest ethnic groups, the Pedi people, with the aim of exploring awareness, willingness, and the influence of religious and cultural beliefs on whole-body donation in a Pedi community in Limpopo Province.

To achieve this, a survey of 300 questionnaires was distributed in GaMaphale (Pipa) village, Limpopo. A total of 190 responses were received (63% response rate). Questions covered demographics, awareness of body donation, willingness to self-donate, and the influence of religion and culture. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis.

The research findings show that most respondents were female (65%), aged 31–60 (50%), and had secondary education (36%). Income levels were low, with 81% earning below R30,000 annually. Religious affiliation included African-initiated churches (22%), Charismatic churches (14%), while 38% reported no religion.

Two-thirds (66%) had never heard of body donation. Only 46% understood it correctly as giving a body for education and research. In terms of willingness, 41% (78 people) said they would donate, while 59% (112) would not. However, 68% agreed that people should donate, and 54% believed donation is necessary for science. Importantly, 57% said their religion did not allow donation. Those who believed their religion supported donation were 50 times more likely to agree to donate than those whose religion did not.

Most respondents (64%) believed in ancestors, and 51% said this belief prevented donation, often due to the cultural requirement of burying the body complete. Younger adults and those with secondary education were more open to donation, while older adults were less willing.

The study highlights a large knowledge gap: many had never heard of body donation, yet most agreed it is important. Religious beliefs were the strongest influence on willingness, with acceptance making individuals far more likely to donate.

Almost half of the respondents supported the idea of body donation, but personal willingness was much lower. Awareness campaigns, particularly through religious organisations, could help increase willingness in rural communities. Respectful engagement with cultural traditions is also needed to overcome barriers and ensure broader participation in body donation programmes.