AfricaBib 
bibliographic database
| Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
 WorldCat |
| Title: | Ethical considerations surrounding the application of 'runyoka/lunyoka' (fidelity charm) in Zimbabwe |
| Authors: | Dewah, Peterson Mutula, Stephen  |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Periodical: | Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems |
| Volume: | 13 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| Pages: | 215-230 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Zimbabwe |
| Subjects: | magic ritual objects marriage spouses ethics |
| External link: | https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC166452 |
| Abstract: | Cases of infidelity and cheating among married couples have characterised African traditional marriages. Consequently, indigenous intervention methods have been used to address issues related to immorality. One method that has been used in Zimbabwe to deal with men who prey upon other men's wives by seducing them is runyoka/lunyoka. Runyoka is an indigenous way of 'fencing' or 'locking' a spouse, usually wives, to prevent them from committing adultery. This is done without the knowledge of the victim. The article is based on a study that sought to explore ethical issues related to the use of runyoka/lunyoka. Using literature review and interviews the study identified more than 16 types of runyoka that are common among the Zimbabwean communities. Data were gathered from the internet and eight interviews held with some married women in urban Gweru. The major findings were that women detested the invasion of their privacy through constant surveillance by their husbands. Runyoka victims suffer swelling or continuous growth of private parts, in some cases male culprits experience perpetual erection or shrinking of manhood while females endure vagina disappearance. In other situations victims die a slow and painful death. There is also a breakdown of marriage among other social dislocations. The study concluded that spouses did not trust each other. However, the study recommends that married couples should give each other space for their privacy and in this way it builds trust. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract] |
