A new study has shed light on the traditional rituals of the Xhosa community of AmaBomvane in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and their approach to people with disabilities. The research reveals how the Bomvana rituals offer valuable lessons in inclusivity, challenging societal norms and promoting the welfare of individuals with disabilities.
The study, conducted by Nomvo Dwadwa-Henda, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management, Stellenbosch University, delved into the experiences of people with disabilities within the context of Xhosa rituals. Dwadwa-Henda spent three years immersing herself in the Bomvana community to unravel the role of rituals in shaping the health and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities.
The study, which involved interviews and focus groups with 50 participants from rural villages, highlighted the significance of three key rituals in the lives of the Bomvana people. These rituals, namely Efukwini, Intonjane, and Ulwaluko, play a crucial role in the cultural and social fabric of the AmaBomvane, transcending barriers and promoting inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
In the Bomvana community, rituals are more than just ceremonial traditions; they are a testament to the values of ubuntu, an African philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the promotion of the common good. Dwadwa-Henda’s research underscores the pivotal role of these rituals in fostering a sense of belonging and respect for individuals with disabilities, challenging negative attitudes and promoting compassion and inclusion.
The findings of the study reveal that the AmaBomvane community treats people with disabilities with dignity and honour within the context of their rituals. The rituals serve as a safe space, promoting respect and compassion for individuals with disabilities, and safeguarding their inclusion in significant societal events.
However, despite the positive attitudes within the ritual context, the study also sheds light on the existence of negative attitudes towards individuals with disabilities in the broader Bomvana village society, attributed to colonial influences and western ideologies. Dwadwa-Henda emphasizes the need to address these negative perceptions and advocate for the rights and support of individuals with disabilities in the broader community.
The study calls attention to the significance of the AmaBomvane’s belief in ubuntu, serving as a model for inclusivity and social justice for individuals with disabilities. Dwadwa-Henda advocates for the preservation of these traditional values amidst evolving societal dynamics, highlighting the importance of embracing a philosophy that espouses resilience, stability, and equality for all members of society.
The study’s findings hold relevance not only within the context of the AmaBomvane community but also resonate with the principles enshrined in South Africa’s constitutional bill of rights. The ubuntu philosophy challenges the notion of disability as a problem to be fixed, instead advocating for a humane and egalitarian approach to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
In conclusion, the lessons gleaned from the Bomvana rituals offer valuable insights into the promotion of inclusivity and the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities. By embracing the values of ubuntu and upholding traditional rituals, the AmaBomvane community sets a compelling example for fostering a society that values the inherent dignity and equality of all its members.
This study serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of traditional practices in shaping societal attitudes towards disability, and the imperative of upholding values that promote the inclusion and welfare of individuals with disabilities.
