https://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/issue/feedInkanyiso2024-03-01T14:16:36+01:00AOSIS Publishingsubmissions@inkanyisojournal.orgOpen Journal Systems<a id="readmorebanner" href="/index.php/ink/pages/view/journal-information" target="_self">Read more</a> <img style="padding-top: 2px;" src="/public/web_banner.svg" alt="" />https://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/104COVID-19 vaccines, sexual reproductive health and rights: Negotiating sensitive terrain in Zimbabwe2024-03-01T14:16:36+01:00Molly Manyonganisemollymanyonganise@yahoo.com<p>The COVID-19 period caused a lot of suffering globally, as millions lost their lives while others went through the pain of being infected. The introduction of vaccines to minimise chances of infection and death was a welcome development. However, it was also fraught with its own challenges in the area of sexual health and rights of both women and men. Scholarship on gender and religion noted the way women failed to access contraception in a period in which sexual activity had increased as most couples were together for long periods of time. The introduction of vaccines was accompanied by a lot of misinformation. Lack of clarity on the effect of the vaccines on pregnant and lactating mothers caused a lot of anxiety. This was exacerbated by the information that was being circulated on social media platforms that the vaccines would interfere with individuals’ reproductive capacity. Yet African religio-cultural beliefs and practices place so much importance on both women and men’s ability to have children. In fact, one’s respectability in African indigenous societies is greatly linked to their ability to have children. This article seeks to examine the fears of some Zimbabweans to accept COVID-19 vaccines, establishing how these fears were tied to issues of sexual reproductive health and rights. The article focuses on showing how the terrain of sexual health and rights is a sensitive one which called for caution in a COVID-19 context in Zimbabwe. Data for the article were gathered through informal interviews and social media platforms.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The article makes a significant contribution to the way COVID-19 interfaced with issues to do with SRHR in Zimbabwe.</p>2024-02-28T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Molly Manyonganisehttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/107The synergistic implications of COVID-19, public health and environmental ethics in Kenya2024-03-01T14:16:36+01:00Telesia K. Musilitelesia.musili@uonbi.ac.ke<p>COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has unmasked the underlying and once-ignored challenges in public health, especially in Africa. The pandemic has adversely disrupted people’s lives where systemic and structural inequalities have taken root owing to the interaction among religious, political, economic, socio-cultural, environmental and other influential factors, resulting in adverse outcomes. These interactions affected not only the psychological, physical, emotional and social wellbeing of all humanity but also their ethical way of thinking. Adherence to the local government ministry of health’s stringent measures, such as voluntary self-quarantine or forced quarantine, may be unattainable. This raises several ethical issues that are not new but which become intensified in pressing situations. Ethically, legitimate public health measures and conservative environmental efforts are easier to voluntarily comply with than being enforced. In this article, a phenomenological methodology was employed to not only debunk the ethical difficulties in adhering to the pandemic’s preventive protocols, but also to reason on the entwinement between the public health and environmental concerns. The article foregrounded that the COVID-19 pandemic is both a healthcare crisis and an environmental ethics challenge. In focussing on how systemic and structural inequalities influence social life, the article argued that public health ethics informs environmental conservation towards a more holistic approach to health and wealth that flows from environmental health ethics.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The article advanced ongoing discussions on environmental health ethics. Environmental health ethics is a transdisciplinary and integrated approach that upholds sustainable balance and optimisation of the health of people, animals and ecosystems. A sensitisation and realisation of our inter-webbed relatedness to all, is a major step towards sustainable health and wealth.</p>2024-02-23T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Telesia K. Musilihttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/100Understanding female students’ risk perceptions of developing breast cancer at Great Zimbabwe University2024-03-01T14:16:36+01:00Isaac Nyambiyainyambiya@gzu.ac.zwClarice P. Mudzengiclarice.mudzengi@gmail.comShayne Nagom201236@elearning.gzu.ac.zw<p>This article focuses on breast cancer as the second most prevalent cancer in Zimbabwe. However, despite several local studies on breast cancer and its risk factors, the incidence rate of the disease in the country is increasing. This article sought to establish the level of awareness of the risk factors of breast cancer among female students. The study was carried out at Great Zimbabwe University, an institution of higher learning in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe. A mixed methods approach was employed involving a focus group discussion comprising eight key informants and online individual questionnaires with open and closed questions used to capture attitudes of female students towards breast cancer. Risk factors were categorised into age, family history, reproductive factors, oestrogen, and lifestyle. There were also some cultural beliefs like bewitchment and myths about black brassieres causing breast cancer. Thus, there is need for educative campaigns to disseminate breast cancer information, especially promoting regular screening and awareness of predisposing factors. Additionally, more regular and in-depth studies on breast cancer in Zimbabwe are imperative as our results show a higher prevalence rate than current official statistics. The research provides relevant information for pastoral caretakers handling trauma in the discipline of practical theology.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This article represents an intersection between practical theology and basic health care. Insights resulted from this study provide a baseline upon which to develop ways to reduce prevalence of breast cancer. The research can also be utilised by specialists in pastoral care and women theologies.</p>2024-02-22T05:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Isaac Nyambiya, Clarice P. Mudzengi, Shayne Nagohttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/90The ‘brown envelope syndrome’: Culture of bribery and ethics at the crossroads2024-03-01T14:16:36+01:00Kelebogile T. Resaneresanekt@ufs.ac.za<p>This article unravels the destructive practice of bribery, which is ingrained in South African culture. Through the scenarios in the public transport industry and literature review, the article reveals that indeed bribery is a reality to reckon with. It is observed in all tiers of society such as politics, businesses and religious circles. Bribery explained as a ‘brown envelope syndrome’ is rife in the South African socio-political landscape. The objective of this article is to enlighten the readers that bribery from socio-theological perspectives is ethically unacceptable. It promotes corrupt political accountability, economic inequality, social disrespect and religious hypocrisy. The article starts with personal scenarios and then delves into the definition of bribery as payment in a form of money, favours or gifts, to influence a decision, to receive favours in turn, facilitate fast delivery of goods, gain an unfair advantage, avoid legal prosecution or to supply substandard products or services. The second part of the artilce discusses how bribery clashes with Christian ethics as pointed by Jesus in Mark 7:21–22, as bribery lies buried in human hearts and manifests itself in different sins. There is a clear biblical condemnation of bribery as detestable, and that by all means possible, it should be proscribed. Bribery in political circles is known as ‘brown envelope’, which means the currency exchanges between the corrupt and the corrupted. Solutions suggested is that citizens in their national democracies should break out of the shell and become vocal against bribery. The church should emerge behind the trees and come up with prophetic discernment, wisdom and be vocal against bribery. Personally, those exposed to bribery situations must maintain wisdom and learn how to refuse offers without endangering themselves. This research unravels bribery and its devastating effects of promoting corrupt political accountability, economic inequality, social disrespect and religious hypocrisy.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This article calls for communities and churches to be vocal against bribery and encourages personal accountability when confronted with bribery offers.</p>2024-02-20T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Kelebogile T. Resanehttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/76Aunty with a Key: Aunties’ power, status and authority in African traditional ceremonies2024-03-01T14:16:36+01:00Phemelo C. Hellemannp.hellemann@ru.ac.zaThoko Sipungut.sipungu@ru.ac.za<p>This article offers personal reflections and scholarly observations that identify the significance of maternal and paternal aunties in <em>bogadi</em> and <em>ulwaluko</em> traditional ceremonies. <em>Bogadi</em> is a Tswana marital and thanksgiving ceremony between two families. It is a rite of passage for the newlyweds as they are inducted into marriage. <em>Ulwaluko</em> is an initiation of Xhosa boys into manhood. Through an African Feminist lens and an analytic autoethnographic methodology, the authors narrate personal experiences of their aunties roles in closed ceremonial interactions that highlighted the key role African women play in cultural rituals. Findings show that aunties are revered in African ceremonies. In both <em>bogadi</em> and <em>ulwaluko</em> ceremonies, it was evident that we revere aunties as intellectual and moral gatekeepers during these special cultural events.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The article adds to the growing literature that seeks to write about African women positively through an empowering lens that shows their agency in cultural settings.</p>2024-02-15T15:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Phemelo C. Hellemann, Thoko Sipunguhttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/31The logic, life, language and limit of contractarianism on punishment2024-02-02T14:27:35+01:00William Idowuidwilly2007@gmail.com<p>The objective of this article is the critical assessment of contractarianism as an alternative approach to the justification of punishment. In doing this, the article focused on the logic, life, language and limit of contractarianism. The article discovered that even though the theory of contractarianism, when viewed from the perspectives of its life, logic, language and limit, is not a completely convincing alternative to traditional theories on the justification of punishment, however, it expresses emphasis on the unambiguous utility of the social contract idea in the justification of punishment. Also, the article discovered that contractarianism, in its theoretical justification of punishment, hinges on contractarian ideals such as human rationality, consent, voluntary commitment, agreement, enjoyments of benefits and the desire to see to the sustenance of society, as a morally acceptable and praiseworthy basis for the justification.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The article concluded that an essential part to the merit of this theory of punishment is its positive allusion to and plausible accommodation and acknowledgement of the philosophy of preservationism.</p>2024-01-30T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 William Idowuhttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/69Experiences of high school learners regarding Ubuntu education and training in South Africa2024-01-10T13:38:25+01:00Rachel T. Lebeserachel.lebese@univen.ac.zaShonisani E. Tshivhaseshonisani.tshivhase@univen.ac.zaNtsieni S. Mashauntsieni.mashau@univen.ac.zaLufuno Makhadolufuno.makhado@univen.ac.zaRafiat Anokurwurafiat12@gmail.comFhumulani M. Mulaudzimavis.mulaudzi@up.ac.zaRaikane J. Seretloraikane.seretlo@up.ac.zaKhathutshelo G. Netshisaulukhathu.netshisaulu@univen.ac.zaUbuntu is an ancient concept and a way of life among most African cultures. It describes the fundamental principles of living for African communities and is rooted in the values of reciprocal sharing. Ubuntu encompasses the whole community in contrast to the Western ideology of individualism and hence the need to sustain and transmit these values from one generation to the next. The study focused on exploring the experiences of high school learners regarding Ubuntu education and training in South Africa. The study was conducted in two selected high schools in the Greater Giyani Municipality of the Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach and an exploratory, descriptive design were applied. A purposive sampling method was used to identify 15 learners from the two selected high schools for the Boot Camp. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted as a data collection method among the grade 10 and 11 learners. Trustworthiness and ethical consideration were ensured. The findings from the study revealed that learners shared different experiences during the Boot Camp. One of the experiences shared by the learners is the knowledge gained on applying the concept of the theology of the body to Ubuntu values. Internalisation of Ubuntu values forms an essential landmark in the individual’s life, significantly young people growing up within African communities rooted in African culture.<br /><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study’s findings will help educate young people about Ubuntu’s philosophies and encourage them to disseminate information regarding Ubuntu within their respective schools and communities.2023-12-31T12:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Rachel T. Lebese, Shonisani E. Tshivhase, Ntsieni S. Mashau, Lufuno Makhado, Rafiat Anokurwu, Fhumulani M. Mulaudzi, Raikane J. Seretlo, Khathutshelo G. Netshisauluhttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/70Non-agricultural soil uses by communities in uMgungundlovu District and their safety for use2024-01-10T13:38:25+01:00Rebecca Zengenizengeni@ukzn.ac.zaNoxolo Hlatshwayonoxolomhayise@gmail.comSouth African communities, especially in rural areas, still use indigenous practices such as applying soil paste as sunscreen, building huts with soil and stones and geophagia among others. This study aimed at identifying non-agricultural uses of soil in uMgungundlovu district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, while focusing on the three areas Elandskop, KwaNxamalala and Willowfontein. Information was gathered using key informant interviews and household questionnaires. Results showed that the most common soil uses were for cosmetics and as geophagia, followed by construction, with medicinal use being the least common. Cosmetic use involved using soil as sunscreen or skin cleaner. While geophagic soil was mostly consumed for enjoyment, to satisfy cravings and least of all as a nutrient supplement. Medicinal soil was mostly used to treat wounds and skin ailments such as rashes and acne. Users believed that their pre-treatment methods such as boiling, burning or baking before use were effective in reducing microbial loads and other contaminants in the soil.2023-12-29T12:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Rebecca Zengeni, Noxolo Hlatshwayohttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/30The motif of billboard texts of adverts in four cities: Apropos of Bantu and African languages2024-01-10T13:38:25+01:00Nhlanhla Maaken.maake@yahoo.co.uk<p>Advertising, which is but one link in the value chain of marketing, is the hallmark of the postmodern world, ubiquitous and dominant in all public spaces and spheres of life. A random count of billboards, posters, and electronic and digital advertisements can attest to this without recourse to systematic empirical evidence. However, there is a need to interrogate the basis of this status quo, its ‘superstructure’ and ‘base’, and address the impact of advertising on African peoples and their values; how they are influenced and directed in public sphere in African localities, where their values should be predominant. The impetus that inspired the thematic exploration of this article is that in public spaces where indigenous languages and values should logically be dominant, they are marginalised and patronised, in ways that are cynical and are an instrument of capitalist motives and agenda. This article seeks to explore manifestations of this marginalisation and undermining of values of speakers of Bantu and other African languages in advertisements, a genre that is so ubiquitous that it imposes a subliminal crisis among indigenous languages speakers, who are demographically in the majority on the African continent. The impact of this genre pervades spaces in languages, in style, diction, and undertones that have an ideological impact in environments and settings where African languages and values are expected to be predominant, or at least should indigenously and logically be strongly anchored. This premise is the base of my inquiry.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This dominance is achieved by means of visual and textual images of advertisements that have sought to ‘sustain alienation’ and establish subordination of the consumer.</p>2023-12-20T06:20:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Nhlanhla Maakehttps://inkanyisojournal.org/index.php/ink/article/view/96The case for African thought2024-01-10T13:38:25+01:00Allucia L. Shokaneeditor@inkanyisojournal.orgMogomme A. Masogamasogama@ufs.ac.zaNo abtract available.2023-12-18T06:05:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Allucia L. Shokane, Mogomme A. Masoga