Reflections on practices of U laya nwana : towards an Afro-sensed approach

Mudau, Ndidzulafhi; Matshidze, P.E.; Netshandama, Vhonani; Masoga, Alpheus

doi:10.31920/ropo_15_1_18

Cited by 2 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…The issue is that men and boys are allowed to initiate and even participate in female-targeted initiation schools, while women and girls are not allowed in male initiation schools such as ‘ murundu (traditional initiation school for boys)’. This sentiment was also shared by Mudau et al ( 2018 :190) when they stated that boys are more dominant in all female traditional initiation schools, whereas girls are prohibited from participating in murundu . The ages of the initiators ranged from 49 to 82, but notably, only three were younger than 60 (49, 54 and 59), while the majority were 70 years and older (70, 71, 73, 75, 80 and 82, respectively).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

“…This may affect the continuity and sustainability of the practices, in cases where the older generation pass on without mentoring the younger generation. According to Mudau et al ( 2018 :191), children should be taught and encouraged to attend traditional initiation school as they are being guided and given rules in the process. This is also done so that the older generation can impart their knowledge and skills about ulaya nwana to the younger generation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Traditional initiation schools have both a beneficial and a negative impact on HIV management. Some of the reported benefits include girls and boys being educated on how to comport themselves to avoid being infected with HIV (Mudau et al 2018 :181). Traditional values teach men to respect their wives in marriage and to comprehend the nature of women.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They are not supposed to force women to sleep with them or to initiate sex if the woman is menstruating. As Mudau et al ( 2018 :184) noted, boys at initiation school are guided not to engage in sexual risk-taking and gender-based violence, both of which are major drivers of HIV transmission. It is believed that sexual assault leads to an increase in HIV infections.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Could Vhavenda initiation schools be a panacea for HIV and AIDS management in the Vhembe district of South Africa?

Ndou-Mammbona

Mavhandu-Mudzusi

2022

Curationis

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Background: Several human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention strategies have been implemented to counteract the impact of the disease, including the use of condoms, social marketing, testing, voluntary counselling and education programmes. One of the platforms which has not been fully explored is that of traditional initiation schools.Objectives: This study aimed to explore and discuss Vhavenda traditional initiation schools, which can be used as panacea for HIV and AIDS management in the Vhembe district of South Africa.Method: This ethnographic study was conducted in the Vhembe district of South Africa, among nine purposively sampled key informants drawn from a cohort of Vhavenda traditional healers and leaders. Data were collected using semistructured face-to-face interviews and analysed using ethnographic content analysis.Results: The results indicate that Vhavenda traditional initiation schools positively affect the management of HIV and AIDS. Initiation schools are centres for cultural education and the formation of a cultural identity. During the initiation process, initiates are taught social norms, customs and values which will serve them well in adulthood. They are also taught matters of sexuality, courtship, marriage and respect for others.Conclusion: The positive attributes of Vhavenda initiation schools should be accommodated and implemented in curricula from the primary school level up to the tertiary level to reduce and curb the spread of HIV infection.Contribution: Improved expertise at the initiation schools will aid the Department of Health and Education and Training to develop and implement suitable cultural contextualised HIV and AIDS prevention strategies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Could Vhavenda initiation schools be a panacea for HIV and AIDS management in the Vhembe district of South Africa?

Ndou-Mammbona

Mavhandu-Mudzusi

2022

Curationis

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“…After musevhetho, the older girls proceed to the secondary level, which is vhusha and domba where they are given rules and guidance on how to abstain until they become married and how to behave when married. Attesting to the above is the study conducted by Mudau et al (2018), that vhusha and domba help in grounding older girls to abstain from sexual intercourse before marriage.…”

Section: Types Of Initiation Schools Conducted By Vhavenda Individualsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring initiation schools’ impact on HIV and AIDS management in the Vhembe district of South Africa: An ethnography

Ndou-Mammbona

2023

Health SA Gesondheid

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Background: This article presents the positive and negative impact traditional initiation schools have on the management of HIV and AIDS in the Vhembe district in South Africa.Aim: To explore the impact of initiation schools regarding the management of HIV and AIDS.Setting: This ethnographic study was conducted in rural villages in the Vhembe district.Methods: Nine purposively sampled key informants from the Vhavenda traditional healers and leaders participated in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews guided by an interview and observation guide. Data were analysed using ethnographic content analysis.Results: The results indicated that the Vhavenda have different traditional initiation schools for boys and girls. For boys, there is Muḽa [traditional male circumcision], while Musevhetho [first stage of girls’ traditional initiation before puberty], Vhusha [girls’ second stage of traditional initiation] and Domba [final stage of girls’ traditional initiation] are for girls. Some of the information provided perpetuates engagement in multiple concurrent relationships predisposing them to contract HIV. Boys are encouraged to be strong and to control women when it comes to sexual activities to suit their desire, whether the woman consented or not, while girls are taught to be submissive to their husbands which can fuel the spread of HIV.Conclusion: As the initiates are attentive to whatever is said during those initiation schools, there is an opportunity for using these initiation schools for proper prevention of HIV and instilling positive behaviours by using Leininger’s cultural care modalities which focus on preservation of beneficial practices and repatterning of practices which fuel the spread of HIV.Contribution: The study findings will aid in the review and update of the manuals and procedures for HIV and AIDS management.

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Reflections on practices of U laya nwana : towards an Afro-sensed approach

Cited by 2 publications

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Could Vhavenda initiation schools be a panacea for HIV and AIDS management in the Vhembe district of South Africa?

Could Vhavenda initiation schools be a panacea for HIV and AIDS management in the Vhembe district of South Africa?

Exploring initiation schools’ impact on HIV and AIDS management in the Vhembe district of South Africa: An ethnography

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