The Nexus between African traditional practices and homophobic violence towards lesbians in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is the only country in Africa where same-sex marriages are legal, in a continent where homosexuality remains largely detested, misunderstood, unlawful and severely punishable. Moreover, there is a desire by closely knit African communities to preserve traditional African customs relating to marriage, family and procreation hence, perpetuating the belief that homosexuality is un-African. It is within this context that conservative patriarchal forces police sexual behaviour so as to entrench  heterosexuality under the guise of African identity and culture. This has resulted in a culture of entitlement to women and misguided masculinities which are more evident in poor townships and rural areas of the country. Through a combination of secondary and empirical data, this study interrogates how Xhosa traditions and institutions such as Ulwaluko (manhood ritual), Okutwala (abduction) and lobola (bride price) perpetuate violence towards lesbians in the Mdantsane Township of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.