|
HIV/AIDS
and African- Indigenous Religion: A Case of the Shona People in Zimbabwe
E.
Tofa
Department
of Arts Education
University of Zimbabwe
The
present paper explores perceptions of HIV/AIDS in African –indigenous
Religion drawing examples from the Shona peoples in Zimbabwe. The Shona
peoples in particular and the African peoples in general subscribe to the
idea that all illnesses are a result of ancestor retribution. There is
nothing like natural death or natural illness. Even if one dies at an old
age, the Shona peoples still believe that there is a cause for this death.
HIV/AIDS
has ravaged many families and today, many people in Zimbabwe are suffering
from HIV related illnesses. Consequently, AIDS has been given many names
such as Chapedzamusha (that which destroys the home), madziteteguru
ndouyeko (my ancestors I am coming home), mukondombera (disaster), shamhu
yavadzimu (ancestors’ whip) to mention but only a few.
AIDS
related death are therefore construed as a punishment by the ancestor for
failure of the living to live up to their expectation. From the Shona
traditional point of view, the paper submits that, the Shona, believe that
as long as one lives in accordance with his or her ancestors wish he or
she will be protected against contracting HIV. Finally, the paper also
considers ways in which African-traditional religious beliefs have been
challenged by the advent of HIV/AIDS.
|
