Desert Soul, the OneLove partner in Namibia, has produced a radio drama of 35 episodes in Otjiherero, one of the local languages. This drama was broadcast on the Otjiherero radio station of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation between September 2009 and January 2010.
The drama, titled “Tjitjikutuara kepembe kotjii”, deals with the complex issues of having more than one sexual partner at the same time, and the HIV risk posed by this behaviour.
It touches on some of the reasons why people engage in multiple concurrent partnerships, the gender dynamics involved in such relationships, as well as some risk reduction strategies such as condom use, and couple testing.
The ultimate aim of the drama is prevent HIV infections by creating awareness about the benefits of reducing one’s sexual partners, and the promotion of consistent condom use.
The story is set in urban Namibia, and tells the tale of a married man, Mr Kamaizemi, who works in the city but has a wife in the village looking after the cattle and managing a tailor shop for traditional gowns.
Mr Kamaizemi has a number of sexual partners, amongst them one of his female cousins whom he is allowed to date because of the cultural acceptance of such relationships.
He does not shy away from promoting this behaviour to his tenant (Kavii) who has a great relationship with his girlfriend (Noko). Various characters are involved in creating awareness about the risks associated with having multiple concurrent partners and the importance of women encouraging condom use with their partners in order to prevent the spread of HIV and to protect themselves.
Read the feature about OneLove in Namibia, published by Soul Beat Africa
