Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies

Examining Illiberality and Vanquishment in One Selected isiXhosa Folktale Titled “UNomadlavana” (The Ragged-Clothed Girl)

2023-11-20T12:40:50+00:00

IsiXhosa folktales continue to embrace the didactic and pedagogical dimensions among young men and women through knowledge that is entrenched in senior citizens or the elderly. This does not exclude young men and women narrating the same isiXhosa folktales among themselves. In this article, the didactic and pedagogical value of an isiXhosa folktale is examined using intersectionality as a theoretical framework in light of recent and long-standing catastrophic phenomena such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 deaths that have left many children destitute, resulting in a string of orphans and child-headed families that are difficult to overlook. “UNomadlavana,” the folktale appearing in the appendix of this article, with its English translation, is purposively selected from a published repository and appreciated hereunder as a principal source of data to unravel the persecution and injustice experienced by an orphaned young girl called Nomadlavana. The sociological approach that merges elements of folklore studies, sociological analysis, and intersectionality, and is used as a methodology to uncover the perennial notion concerning stepmothers and orphans, is probed as an interconnected phenomenon, while illiberality and vanquishment of orphans are placed under the spotlight. Ultimately, illiberality and vanquishment are revealed as deeply rooted social problems affecting many unknown and known families, and suggest the need for awareness in a bid to abolish flawed stereotypes pertaining to orphans and stepparents.

Menstrual Rite of Passage: Implications for HIV Prevention

2024-01-25T16:46:00+00:00

Indigenous knowledge ingrained in rites of passage associated with birth, puberty, marriage, and death is often blamed for exacerbating HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in African societies. Against this backdrop, this study utilises the hermeneutic phenomenology of religion to explore the potential role of the Shona-Manyika menstrual rite of passage in complementing or impeding modern biomedical HIV prevention strategies. Given that there is limited research on the menstrual rite of passage among the Shona dialects, the Manyika included, data were qualitatively gathered through purposively selected individual interviews with key participants and focus group discussions in the Shona-Manyika Gandanzara community. The study finds that the menstrual rite of passage or some of its aspects have manifest and latent functions that can promote or impede the use of modern biomedical HIV prevention strategies such as condom use, abstinence, faithfulness, and delayed coital debut. Thus, the role of the menstrual rite of passage as a cultural approach in mitigating HIV transmission is ambivalent. This implies that the cultural approach to HIV prevention can be an important mitigatory strategy if interventionists can capitalise on aspects of rituals that are useful.

Code-Switching and Code-Mixing in Sesotho Accordion Music: A Sociolinguistic Perspective

2023-06-30T09:42:27+00:00

This article explores the use of code-switching/mixing in Sesotho accordion music within a sociolinguistic framework. Code-switching/mixing is one of the sociolinguistic concepts that is mainly highlighted in conversation. It refers to switching or mixing between two or more languages in the context of a single conversation or situation. Just like a conversation, Sesotho accordion music also exhibits the phenomenon of code-switching/mixing. The Basotho accordion music (’mino oa koriana) is one of the forms of the oral tradition from Lesotho whose singing is accompanied by a homemade drum, and it has its own unique and acceptable taste. This music is seen as both captivating and complex. We observe that its fascination and its complex features are a result of the incorporation of code-switching/mixing in a single song. We know how the songs are generated, and they are part of the generic culture and popular culture of the people. We purposively selected four songs from recorded tapes that used code-switching/mixing. Using critical discourse analysis, the results reveal that code-switching/mixing in the accordion music of the Basotho reflects intertextuality, which includes borrowing, inclusion and exclusion, literary and conversational intertextuality. The study also shows that code-switching/mixing reflects repetition used for emphasis, clarity or amplification. The findings further express affirmation of class/age identity and the intention of clarifying the speech content for the interlocutor. One of the emerging issues is that change in pronunciation may reflect tone and register in the accordion music of the Basotho.

The Transformation of Senkatana

2023-11-10T11:07:50+00:00

The research question in this article is to trace how the legend of Senkatana was transformed first into a drama and then into a tragedy. The methodology that is applied is to compare the salient features of the legend, the drama, and then the tragedy. An overarching finding is that the playwright developed a number of transformational processes in order to transform the essence of the plot, the number and line-up of characters as well as the drama’s structure. A second overarching finding concerns the medium of delivery where an originally orally narrated legend is transformed into a drama text written for performance on a stage before an audience. The third finding applies to the transformation of the character of Senkatana. This happens on a transcendental level when the legendary hero and king dies and becomes a deity after death—an instance of transformation that leads to transfiguration. A concluding finding is that several contemporary contextual readings of Mofokeng’s classic are possible.

Folklore and Sexuality Education: A Review of the Pedagogical Value of “Tselane le Dimo”

2024-05-24T21:22:31+00:00

South African youths experience high rates of HIV infections and unintended pregnancies. In an effort to mitigate these challenges, the Department of Basic Education introduced Comprehensive Sexuality Education in its syllabus with an intention to equip learners with the necessary skills to manage their sexual behaviours. Despite this intervention, educators in the townships have been reluctant to teach this topic. Teachers’ reluctance is informed by cultural and religious sensitivities towards discussing sexual topics with minors. This article proposes that the reluctance towards teaching sexual education topics can be managed by relying on alternative methodologies of knowledge impartment. Since time immemorial, African societies have used folktales to impart knowledge between generations. We use a functional approach to evaluate the pedagogical value of “Tselane Le Dimo” in teaching sexuality education. We are conscious of the fact that the folktale does not contain explicit references to sex, but we argue through a sociological evaluation that the language used in the folktale references sex when it is viewed through the lens of colloquial language that is commonly used by youth. This article employs a qualitative approach in the evaluation of the pedagogical value of the folktale “Tselane le Dimo.” An interpretive phenomenological analysis is used to analyse the folktale. We use this analysis approach with the view that this folktale can be used as a tool for making sense of lived experiences. The findings indicate that words used in this folktale carry euphemistic value, which makes it possible to make references to sexual activities without being blunt about it.

Exploring Amahubo Akwazulu: Bridging Past, Present, and Future through Indigenous Zulu Music

2023-12-14T09:06:24+00:00

This article delves into the cultural significance of Zulu war chants, known as amahubo, and their transformative power. These chants embody ideals crucial to Zulu identity, such as unity, patriotism, loyalty, and dignity, making them profound musical expressions. They represent the vibrant cultural, social, and historical dimensions of the Zulu personality. Through qualitative content analysis and a review of existing literature, this article uncovers the rich tapestry of amahubo. Drawing on communicative theory, it argues that preserving cultural elements is vital for societal vibrancy. The article analyses how traditions, values, and practices are transmitted across generations, ensuring cultural continuity. It highlights the dynamic evolution of amahubo, showing their pivotal role in shaping Zulu cultural identity, especially among the youth. Beyond their historical function, these war chants serve as platforms for addressing contemporary social issues, becoming vehicles for social commentary and engagement. The article presents three examples of amahubo sung on different occasions, demonstrating their diverse roles. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of amahubo as dynamic expressions of cultural continuity and agency within the Zulu community, bridging the past, present, and future as vibrant carriers of Zulu cultural heritage.

Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Information Strategies for Adolescent Girls in African Cultural Communities in South Africa

2024-01-25T10:27:11+00:00

The study used a mixed-methods research design to investigate appropriate information strategies for adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) in South Africa, with special reference to Barolong Boo Ratshidi people around Mahikeng, North-West Province. The socio-cultural factors examined included socio-cultural perceptions on adolescence, the adolescent girls’ appropriate knowledge and information spaces for SRH, and parental socio-cultural influence on adolescent utilisation of mainstream healthcare services. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods the study revealed rampant premarital sexual intercourse among adolescents, with exposure to several SRH risks; the link between socio-cultural factors and SRH was evidenced in society’s values, norms, and belief systems. Friends were the main confidantes for information on SRH. The findings imply that development and support for sexual and reproductive healthcare information strategies for adolescent girls in African cultural communities should take into account the influence of socio-cultural factors for effective access to appropriate SRH services. The recommendations included: developing appropriate programmes to enlighten parents, adolescents, and other community stakeholders; providing adolescents with accurate information on the dimensions of SRH, especially their interaction with socio-cultural factors; the need to harmonise SRH dimensions with socio-cultural factors in education, so that adolescents are not confused; empowering adolescent homes as primary socialisation agencies for positive SRH development among adolescents; developing comprehensive SRH strategies, involving medical, social, cultural, gendered and age-specific aspects.

The Quest for Biodiversity Preservation and Conservation in Lesotho: The Basotho Folklore and Literary Contribution

2023-11-21T07:54:07+00:00

Researchers have discovered that both oral and written literature have aesthetic, entertainment, cultural, political, and social values. Based on the literature read for this study, none has shown the importance of both oral and written literature as a strategy to preserve and conserve biodiversity. This study intends to find out how Sesotho oral and written literature can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in Lesotho. This study is a desktop study and used secondary data. A qualitative approach was used in the data analysis. The functionalist approach is used to respond to the research questions. The researchers conclude that both oral and written forms of Sesotho literature are still relevant in the 21st century, and through strategies derived from it, contemporary challenges can be addressed. Therefore, this study recommends that scholars of both oral and written Sesotho literature should consider the beauty of nature and appreciation of biodiversity in this genre to retain the relevance of the literature and contribute towards conserving nature and biodiversity.