Abstract:
Although HIV and AIDS has become a common phenomenon in Zimbabwe and the world over, it still remains a bone of contention for many people with regards to its spread and consequences. Thirty-five years has gone by since the advent of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe. A number of factors, such as unprotected sex; handling of AIDS patients without proper and adequate facilities; and the usage of used needles have been accused of influencing the spread of HIV and AIDS in some parts of Zimbabwe. However, factors influencing the spread of HIV and AIDS among the Tonga females are different from what has been said concerning other parts of country .Factors such as cultural practices which are oppressive to females are responsible for fuelling the spread of AIDS pandemic among the Tonga females. In view of this, the study is therefore meant to examine the validity of the claim which presupposes that those cultural practices such as polygamy; marrying of a spouse whose husband is believed to have died of AIDS; child marriage among others, as responsible for the spread of HIV and AIDS among the Tonga females. It is also the study s aim to validate or falsify the assumption that the Tonga females are more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS than their male counterparts. Since the study seeks to establish the plight of the Tonga females of the Pashu community in the context of HIV and AIDS, about 98% of the respondents or participants are females. The reason for this is to maximise a female voice. In other words, more females were interviewed than males. The gathered data during interviews had been analysed. The study findings confirmed the assumed problem of the Tonga females suffering from HIV and AIDS due to the mentioned factors. Presumably the subsequent consequences of HIV and AIDS have necessitated a pastoral oversight to the afflicted females. In some cases, family relationships are broken. Some witchcraft accusations have also caused hatred among some family members. Seemingly pain and suffering in this case has superseded joy. These findings have influenced a recommendation that a further study on specific cultural practices mentioned above be pursued. The study has revealed and addressed the issues affecting the Tonga females in the context of HIV and AIDS.
