Traditionally-Grounded Strategies for Sexual Abuse Prevention among Children of African Descent in South Africa

Abstract

THIS article attempts to strike the balance between different worldviews in strengthening the existing anti-sexual abuse efforts so as to maximise their effectiveness and relevance to all people in South Africa. It discusses some of the practices associated with African traditional lifestyle from which relevant elements appropriate for sexual prevention are identified. The four practices include: a traditional African family unit and relationships, the traditional role of the chief, collective actions by women and traditional initiation schools. It then suggests ways in which they can strengthen the current school and everyday prevention efforts in the society.

Keywords:

• African traditional practices
• sexual abuse prevention
• rural areas