Browsing by Author "Mfecane, Sakhumzi"

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    Acceptability of medical male circumcision among men in Engela district of the Ohangwena region, Namibia
    (University of the Western Cape, 2013) Nepaya, Magdalena Ndapewa; Mfecane, Sakhumzi
    This study focused on acceptability of medical male circumcision (MMC) in Ohangwena region, Namibia. Since the scaling up of this program in public hospitals, no study was done with a specific focus on men who are the target population for this intervention. This study aimed at exploring the role of masculinities in MMC acceptance and specifically focused on circumcised men. To understand this context, I initially focused on general constructions of masculinity as well as the historical background of ritual circumcision which used to be practiced in this region. I spent three months at Engela District Hospital working with the male circumcision (MC) regional coordinator who is also the MC Nurse at the same hospital. Data collection process utilised an ethnographic study design involving qualitative research methods namely participant observation, formal and informal interviews and the use of field notes. Participants included men who visited the hospital for circumcision procedure, health workers and community elders. Findings indicate that, circumcision that is now offered in hospital settings is not a recognised marker of masculinity in Ohangwena. There is also paucity of information regarding traditional circumcision. Since its abolishment in the eighteenth century, little is known about the history of this practice. Contemporary means of being a man in this setting are situated in everyday circumstances and include work, being strong, independent and ability to fulfil family responsibilities. Thus, in this context notions of masculinity do not determine men?s responses to MMC. Instead, men are motivated by health benefits in accepting MMC. MMC?s proven ability to reduce HIV transmission by 60% is the primary reason why most men are willing to be circumcised. Other reasons include genital hygiene and correction of medical conditions related to the foreskin such as ulcers and lacerations. Men?s knowledge and understanding of the relationship between MC and HIV prevention also plays a role in MMC acceptance. Some concerns that were raised by men in relation to this intervention are pain and discomfort, fear of complications, decreased penile sensitivity, transfer of untruthful information and gender of circumciser. I regard these concerns as barriers to MMC acceptance. This thesis also argues that, the manner in which MMC is performed out in public health facilities in not gender sensitive since it is mostly done by women. This act in my view is likely to make men feel emasculated and thus discourage other men from taking up this voluntary service. This study therefore recommends similar research in other contexts to challenge speculations made about the likely impact of MMC on masculinity, because, in my research, uptake of MMC has nothing to do with constructions of manhood. I further recommend provision of standardised equipments and resources including human resources for efficient provision of this program countrywide.
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    Medical male circumcision and Xhosa masculinities: Tradition and transformation
    (University of the Western Cape, 2019) Mdedetyana, Lubabalo Sheperd; Mfecane, Sakhumzi
    This research study investigates Xhosa men?s perceptions of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in Khayelitsha township (Cape Town). It explored whether the introduction of VMMC as a state HIV-prevention strategy had engendered shifts in constructions of masculinity and negative perceptions of men who had undergone VMMC. Previously traditional male circumcision (ulwaluko) was the preferred form of circumcision among amaXhosa and medical male circumcision (MMC) was viewed as alien to Xhosa culture. Xhosa-speaking men who had undergone MMC were stigmatised by peers and viewed as not being ?real men?. VMMC has the potential to shift constructions of masculinity based on circumcision status. An ethnographic research study was carried out using qualitative research methods, including participant observation, individual interviews and focus group discussions. Data collection occurred over a 6-month period in the Mandela Park community, at Michael Maphongwana Clinic, and at a male initiation school. The study found that ulwaluko remains a definitive marker of masculine Xhosa identity and is still informed by culture and tradition. Despite VMMC, men who undergo ulwaluko continue to perceive men who choose MMC as ?the other? and not as ?real men?. The study highlighted that VMMC advocates need to take cognisance of traditional notions of masculinity and address negative perceptions of men in Xhosa-speaking communities who have undergone VMMC.
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    �Ndiyindoda� [I am a man]: theorising Xhosa masculinity
    (Taylor & Francis, 2016) Mfecane, Sakhumzi
    Masculinity studies in South Africa depend on Western gender theories to frame research questions and fieldwork. This article argues that such theories offer a limited understanding of Xhosa constructions of masculinity. Xhosa notions of masculinity are embodied in the concept of indoda, meaning a traditionally circumcised person. This article explores the nuanced meanings of indoda and its relationship to other masculinities, like uncircumcised boys [inkwenkwe] and medically circumcised men. The discussion reveals that indoda is the most �honoured� form of masculinity. A traditionally circumcised individual is regarded as indoda, a real man, irrespective of his sexual orientation or class, and this affords him certain rights and privileges. Inkwenkwe and medically circumcised men embody �subordinate� forms of masculinity and are victims of stigma and discrimination by indoda. This requires us to revisit some Western theories of masculinity which place heterosexual men at the top of a masculine hierarchy and gay men at the bottom. It furthermore requires us to pay attention to the body when theorising Xhosa masculinity, since it is a principal way of �proving� and �defending� Xhosa manhood.
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    �Ndiyindoda� [I am a man]: Theorising Xhosa masculinity
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2016) Mfecane, Sakhumzi
    Masculinity studies in South Africa depend on Western gender theories to frame research questions and fieldwork. This article argues that such theories offer a limited understanding of Xhosa constructions of masculinity. Xhosa notions of masculinity are embodied in the concept of indoda, meaning a traditionally circumcised person. This article explores the nuanced meanings of indoda and its relationship to other masculinities, like uncircumcised boys [inkwenkwe] and medically circumcised men. The discussion reveals that indoda is the most �honoured� form of masculinity. A traditionally circumcised individual is regarded as indoda, a real man, irrespective of his sexual orientation or class, and this affords him certain rights and privileges. Inkwenkwe and medically circumcised men embody �subordinate� forms of masculinity and are victims of stigma and discrimination by indoda. This requires us to revisit some Western theories of masculinity which place heterosexual men at the top of a masculine hierarchy and gay men at the bottom. It furthermore requires us to pay attention to the body when theorising Xhosa masculinity, since it is a principal way of �proving� and �defending� Xhosa manhood.
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    Quality of life in a fragile state: a study of orphans and vulnerable children living in child-headed households in Zimbabwe
    (University of the Western Cape, 2017) Munodawafa, Kudzai Emma Chademana; van Wyk, Brian; Mfecane, Sakhumzi
    Households headed by children, adolescents and youths are a growing phenomenon across sub- Saharan Africa. This is largely a result of the increasing mortality of economically active adults, coupled with migration and urbanisation, which have all weakened traditional kinship systems. Children and youth living in these households experience myriad challenges arising from the absence of an adult guardian and economically active household member. Several studies have shown that children living in these child- and adolescent-headed households experience extreme poverty and deprivation. Furthermore, Zimbabwe's precarious socio-economic condition could further exacerbate these children's risks and deprivations. The wellbeing and quality of life of orphans living in these child-headed households is not well understood as there are very few studies that provide a holistic perspective on the experiences and quality of life for those in these households. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of orphans living in childheaded households in Zimbabwe, and explore the factors that influence their quality of life.