EXPLORING THE NOTION OF UKUKHUPHA IFUTHA AMONG AMAKWRALA AND VULNERABILITY IN CONTRACTING HIV AND STIS IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Authors:
Dr Ephraim Kevin Sibanyoni & Mr Sibulelo Malgas
Abstract:
This paper sought to explore the notion of ukukhupha ifutha among amakrwala and their vulnerability in contracting STI’s and HIV. The objectives of the study were as following: to explore the perception of ukukhupha ifutha among amakrwala; to find out how much knowledge amakrwala have regarding safe sex; to explore the indigenous way of ukukhupha ifutha among traditional surgeons. The respondents were amaXhosa males coming from initiation school in less than six months now called amakrwala and traditional surgeons. The sample comprised of 100 newly initiates and 20 traditional surgeons. The stratified sampling technique was utilized to sample amakrwala and purposive sampling was used to sample the traditional surgeons. The researchers utilized questionnaire and interviews to collect data. Data was analysed using tables, graphs, thematical and narrative writing. The findings of the study revealed that amakrwala perform ukukhupha ifutha by engaging in an unprotected sex with a female they do not have an affair with. Traditional surgeons confirmed that the notion of practing ukupha ifutha is performaed and encouraged. Recommendations sex education must be promoted and instil in the initiation schools, initiates need to stay more than a month in the mountain to allow initiates to heal properly.