Indigenous knowledge in the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights amongst the Tsonga/Shangaan speaking people in a rural community of Limpopo Province: A social work perspective

Background: Indigenous communmes seek and achieve empowerment and self-determination through the preservation, protection and revitalisation of their indigenous knowledge which have been eroded by colonization, western culture and more recently by globalization. Indigenous knowledge systems refer to the unique, traditional, local knowledge existing within a particular environment and developed around the specific conditions of people indigenous to a particular geographical area. Sexual and Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of reproductive disease or infirmity. Sexual and Reproductive health deals with the reproductive processes, functions and system at all developmental stages of life. Aim: The main aim of the study was to explore and describe the role of indigenous knowledge towards sexual and reproductive health and rights. Specifically, the study aimed at describing indigenous methods (practices) and values geared towards preserving sexual and reproductive health and rights. Methods: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was appropriate for exploring and describing indigenous knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights in a rural area. The study incorporated purposive sampling and three focus groups were conducted with older persons aged between 65-80 years. Results: Sexual and reproductive health and rights with special reference to menstrual and fertility have been taken care of and addressed by and through application of indigenous knowledge amongst the Tsonga/Shangaan speaking people over the years. Women during menstruation and mourning periods are allowed to have their periods uninterrupted for 7 days and 3 months respectively by men having sex. It was further revealed that in spite of the fact that patriarchal system took control of sexual and reproductive health and rights, women still had the right to ensure that health is not put at risk and their rights should be respected. This was enforced by family and clan's councils in line with customary laws. Conclusions: Since time immemorial, African people have been managing their sexual and reproductive health through indigenous knowledge with great success. Faced with globalizing forces that promote universal approaches to knowledge and understanding, indigenous peoples have reacted by alternately seeking to re-discover ancient wisdoms as foundations for pathways to the future. It could be asserted that indigenous knowledge should be revisited in instances where global knowledge seems to fail to address problems affecting people.