Introducing critical language awareness in IsiZulu: the why and the how

Ngwenya, Themba

doi:10.2989/16073610609486415

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Ultimately what encouraged many women to take IPT was the cultural gender norm of being uMakoti , an isiZulu word that directly translates as “the bride” or “the wife” (the prefix ‘u’ indicating the definite article), but is also a term of endearment afforded to females whose behaviour indicates maturity and high moral standing according to Zulu culture [ 31 ]. As Ngwenya explained, Makoti (wife, singular) is not merely a title; there are “a whole range of practices” that construct the identity, including “chores she is expected to carry out” [ 35 ]. In a more nuanced way, the title Makoti represents the duty to be a good woman, wife, mother, and in-law.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of agency in the implementation of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT): Lessons from oMakoti in uMgungundlovu District, South Africa

et al. 2018

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IntroductionIn response to revisions in global and national policy in 2011, six-month isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) became freely available as a preventive measure for people living with HIV in the uMgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Given a difference in uptake and completion by sex, we sought to explore the reasons why Zulu women were more likely to accept and complete IPT compared to men in an effort to inform future implementation.MethodsUtilising a community-based participatory research approach and ethnographic methods, we undertook 17 individual and group interviews, and met regularly with grassroots community advisory teams in three Zulu communities located in uMgungundlovu District between March 2012–December 2016.Findings & discussionThree categories described women’s willingness to initiate IPT: women are caregivers, women are obedient, and appearance is important. The findings suggest that the success of IPT implementation amongst clinic-utilising women of uMgungundlovu is related to the cultural gender norms of uMakoti, isiZulu for “the bride” or “the wife.” We invoke the cultural concept of inhlonipho, meaning “to show respect,” to discuss how the cultural values of uMakoti may conflict with biomedical expectations of adherence. Such conflict can result in misinterpretations by healthcare providers or patients, and lead some patients to fear the repercussions of asking questions or contemplating discontinuation with the provider, preferring instead to appear obedient. We propose a shift in emphasis from adherence-focussed strategies, characteristic of the current biomedical approach, to practices that promote patient agency in an effort to offer IPT more appropriately.ImplicationsBuilding on existing tools, namely the harm reduction model and the use of mini-ethnography, we provide guidance on how to support women to participate as agents in the decision to initiate or continue IPT, decisions which may also impact the health and choices of the family.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%