"What a Miracle to Manhood!” Lemba Male Circumcision in Light of Devastating HIV/AIDS Pandemic: A Case Study of Lemba Tribe in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Hidden in the remote district of Gwanda in Zimbabwe's Matebeleland South Province is the Lemba tribe that has a winding history of circumcising all of their men folk to graduate them into manhood. The twenty-first century has proved that, this traditional male circumcision reduces the HIV/AIDS transmission rate in Zimbabwe. The purpose of this study was to seriously understand the concept of manhood in the context of Lemba speaking people and to investigate why it is significant in their tradition to strictly pursue male circumcision rituals. The field research was conducted in Gwanda district in Matebelel and Province in Zimbabwe. In terms of research design and methodology, I used qualitative research.  A qualitative approach was adopted in this study for its ability to allow for a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of the Lemba with the ultimate goal of gaining an understanding of their perspectives regarding the biomedical approach of MMC for HIV prevention. The sampling method used to select the 100 participants in this study was non-probability sampling – that is purposive or judgmental sampling. In this research study I utilised individual interviews, focus group interviews, participant observation, and any literature that was relevant to this study. The findings have revealed that circumcision is an integral part of a rite of passage to manhood, although originally it may have been a test of bravery and endurance. Circumcision is also associated with factors such as masculinity, social cohesion with boys of the same age who become circumcised at the same time, self-identity and spirituality. In conclusion, the study recommended that awareness campaigns should be raised to inform the general public of the benefits of circumcision especially targeting the non-circumcising Christian communities.