https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/14519 2026-05-05T14:28:39Z 2026-05-05T14:28:39Z Ikekhwa, Ikhile Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen Ndlovu, Sinegugu https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31716 2024-10-11T09:05:47Z 2024-07-01T00:00:00Z

Addressing unique challenges and crafting inclusive policies for Queer living with disabilities Ikekhwa, Ikhile; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen; Ndlovu, Sinegugu Background: This article addresses the intersectional challenges faced by Queer people living with disabilities (QPwD). Objectives: The article aims to highlight the nature and extent of their struggles while proposing inclusive policies for societal integration and equality. Amid global efforts to promote Queer rights, discrimination and violence persist, particularly affecting those with disabilities. Method: Drawing upon a comprehensive review of literature and empirical research, this study investigated the experiences of QPwD, identifying key challenges such as limited access to inclusive services, heightened vulnerability to abuse and systemic unemployment. The methodological approach used in this study involves synthesising existing scholarship and empirical evidence to inform the proposed inclusive policies. Results: The findings reveal pervasive barriers encountered by QPwD, including societal stigma, attitudinal biases and physical obstacles. Discrimination in employment, education and healthcare further exacerbates their marginalisation, necessitating proactive measures to address systemic inequalities and promote social inclusion. Conclusion: In conclusion, this article underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and societal interventions to uphold the rights and dignity of QPwD. By advocating for Queerinclusive workplace policies, enhancing accessibility in public infrastructure and fostering governmental support for equality initiatives, this study contributes to advancing social justice and inclusivity. Contribution: The article calls for concerted efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or disability status, can thrive and fulfil their potential.

2024-07-01T00:00:00Z Lelaka, Constance Matshidiso Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31574 2024-08-29T09:54:20Z 2024-08-29T00:00:00Z

Psychosocial support for counselors working with HIV-Serodiscordant couples Lelaka, Constance Matshidiso; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen Living in HIV serodiscordant relationship poses psychosocial challenges to couples. These necessitate proper counseling. This paper explored the psychosocial support for counselors working with HIVserodiscordant couples at a regional hospital. The study used descriptive and exploratory approaches, underpinned by an interpretative phenomenological analysis design (IPA). Participants were selected using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. A total of nine participants took part in the study. Data were collected using an indepth interview guide and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework. Three themes emanated: knowledge deficiency on serodiscordancy among the counselors, limited/lack of support and ways to recommend HIV-serodiscordant couples services. The findings indicates that there is need to enhance, strengthen, and provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to discordant couples. To support and improve the knowledge, confidence and skills of counselors, the following should be implemented: provision of training, introducing debriefing sessions to reflect on discordant cases, follow-up on discordant couple’s post diagnosis to offer psychosocial support services, and establishment and strengthening of the support groups.

2024-08-29T00:00:00Z Shingange, Themba Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31403 2024-07-30T10:26:36Z 2023-05-23T00:00:00Z

A decolonial analysis of religious medicalisation of same-sex practices in South African Pentecostalism Shingange, Themba; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen Same-sex practices are commonly medicalised in various global spaces. Some societies view same-sex practices as some form of disease that needs to be cured. In Africa, the influence of Christianity has prompted many communities to conclude that there are spiritual forces behind same-sex orientations and practices. Therefore, same-sex practices are demonised, and those identifying with these sexualities and gender identities are viewed as sick, or as having some form of mental illness. As a fast-growing and influential movement in South Africa, Christianity plays a critical role in this narrative. Against this backdrop, this article examined how some Pentecostal pastors in South Africa use God-talk to propel the narrative that medicalises same-sex practices and how these pastors claim to have miraculous powers to heal these practices. Consequently, the gender and sexuality commonly accepted within African religiosity and spirituality are pushed to the peripheries. Therefore, it is argued in this article that the colonial-missionary discourses regarding African sexualities and genders are at play within the religious medicalisation of same-sex narratives. Thus, there is a need to problematise and transform this narrative. This act can contribute to delinking African genders and sexualities from Western repressions and subjugation agendas. The discussion moved from the premise of decoloniality while adopting a multidisciplinary approach that incorporated theology, gender and sexuality studies, psychology, health, and socio-political sciences. Again, the article used secondary literature analysis to examine this phenomenon and to gain a thorough understanding of how African Pentecostalism continues to use God-talk to medicalise same sex practices in contemporary South Africa and the repercussions thereof. Contribution: The study contributed to the existing knowledge that addresses religious challenges faced by people identifying with non-normative sexualities and genders in Africa. This can contribute to the transformation of religious medicalisation of same-sex practices in South Africa, and elsewhere

2023-05-23T00:00:00Z ikhile, albert https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31380 2024-07-15T10:39:23Z 2023-05-27T00:00:00Z

Catalyzing change: A framework for equitable health among MSM—insights from South Africa for developing nations ikhile, albert This research paper seeks to close health disparities among MSM in developing countries by presenting a holistic framework that will ensure equal access to healthcare services. Conducted in South Africa with 25 MSM participants, employing qualitative methods and Nvivo software for analysis, the framework integrates WHO's social health determinants and systems theory principles into three dimensions: Input, process, and output. The main components are sensitization train ing, community engagement, MSM empowerment, health promotion coupled with the look at finances, human resources, and infrastructure. The study under lines the importance of collective action by MSM and other stakeholders for achieving health equity and offers valuable lessons for policy makers and healthcare professionals in terms of inclusiveness and equal health service delivery. It highlights the critical role of inter-disciplinary strategy comprising of com munity participation and resource allocation to erase the health inequality among MSM in developing countries

2023-05-27T00:00:00Z