The Ubuntu Institute has lauched the findings of a research which looked at the role of traditional leadership institutions in responding to HIV and AIDS using cultural approaches in Southern Africa, says The Swazi Observer.
This study was conducted in four SADC countries. A total of 144 traditional leaders and members of royal families participated in the research (focus group discussions and in-depth interviews) in South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho.
“The study had a particular emphasis on investigating the role of culture and customary law in addressing the key drivers of the HIV and AIDS generalised epidemic of Southern Africa namelyMultiple Concurrent Partnerships (MCPs), intergenerational and transactional sex, Gender Based Violence and decline in moral values,” says Prince Cedza, CEO and and founder of Ubuntu Institute.
The study also investigated the role traditional leaders in the SADC region can play in designing evidence based interventions and programmes to reduce the spread of HIV in a region where about 18.8 million people are living with HIV and AIDS and to explore avenues traditional leaders can influence behaviour change especially in rural areas where most Africans reside yet most HIV and AIDS mass-media campaigns do not reach.
Step in the right direction
Traditional leaders at community launch of OneLove in SA
OneLove’s position is that traditional leaders have a very important role to play in preventing the spread of HIV.
“Traditional leaders are the gatekeepers of culture and tradition and they enjoy a lot of acceptance and respect within communities. If the endorsement comes from them and changes start happening within the communities they lead and influence, the OneLove messages will reach communities without too much resistance,” says Denise Namburete, director of Nweti, a health and development communication NGO in Mozambique.
“Traditional leaders are the custodians of culture. They are the ones who can make a a difference in changing the cultural norms that influence multiple sexual relationships,” Simon Sikwese, executive director of Pakachere, the OneLove regional campaign partner in Malawi.
Grace Sinyangwe, representing the ZCCP, the OneLove partner in Zambia, agrees.
“Traditional leaders wield a lot of respect and authority and especially in the rural areas where the larger proportion of Zambia’s population reside. Their voice makes a great difference to any campaign,” she says.
