The Concept of Botho and HIV/AIDS in Botswana

Introduction

Introduction Joseph B. R. Gaie T he context of HIV&AIDS is that there has been a debate, or rather an assumption or assumptions as to where the disease belongs. Is it just a medical problem that needs medical solutions, or is there much more to it than that? Those of us who reflect on these matters soon realise that no disease is just a medical problem. As long as it affects human beings, there will always be social, cultural, political, economic, ethical, anthropological, psychological, and sociological aspects that are crucial in dealing with the disease. Thus, this book brings a dimension that many might not think as being important in understanding the importance of different aspects of society in so far as it relates to HIV and AIDS. This book is about the concept of Botho (Humanhood) amongst the Batswana (the people of Botswana) during the HIV&AIDS pandemic. The book will endeavour to analyse and establish the implications of HIV&AIDS for Botho as a concept on the one hand, and the implications of Botho for HIV&AIDS on the other hand. This book has been divided into seven chapters. The first chapter will define and analyse the Setswana concept of Botho from a theological perspective. The chapter is intended to help the reader to understand how the concept of Botho can be understood from the Christian perspective. It will start by relating the concept of Botho with the divinity of God within humankind, as depicted in the Bible. Chapter one will also compare and contrast the theology of “holiness being communal wholeness,” as depicted in the spirituality xi The Concept of Botho and HIV&AIDS in Botswana of Botho, with the Christian concept of love and human divinity. In this connection, the chapter will argue that both concepts are similar and are crucial in caring for those infected and affected by HIV&AIDS. The chapter will further contextualize the theological implications of HIV&AIDS in anAfrican setting for both the infected and the affected. It will be argued that the spirituality of Botho and the Christian concept of love are the key concepts in understanding and combating gender and socio-economic inequalities related to HIV&AIDS. The second chapter will explore the multifaceted Setswana concept of Botho. It will begin by critically analyzing the metaphysical and epistemological aspects of Botho, and how this concept is related to love, compassion, and morality. The chapter will also explore the morality aspect of Botho, by relating it to current obstacles of HIV&AIDS in Botswana. The chapter will further illustrate how the concept of Botho is universal and present in other African cultures. The third chapter will look at various ways in which the maid is disadvantaged economically, as compared to other workers. The chapter will use the Botho framework to show how failure to practice Botho directly or indirectly contributes to the HIV&AIDS pandemic. The chapter will illustrate the situation of a maid by arguing that whilst the maid is expected to show the very best attributes of humanity, she is not afforded the same by her employers. It will be argued that in general, whilst on the one hand the maid does not disclose their HIV&AIDS status to the employer for fear of losing the job, on the other hand the family also does not disclose their HIV status. The chapter will demonstrate how the maid is forced by economic reasons to risk her life where HIV&AIDS is concerned. This chapter will further argue that people’s rights should cease to be rights if they impinge on other people’s rights. The fourth chapter will explore and analyze cultural beliefs, practices and understandings that influence people’s perceptions xii of various notions. It will demonstrate how the cultural and religious beliefs of Batswana directly influence their understanding about HIV&AIDS. For instance, it will be illustrated how Batswana seem to associate HIV&AIDS with Boswagadi (widowhood), so that they can deal with HIV&AIDS easily because the symptoms of both are similar. Against this background, the chapter will argue that it will be difficult for the people to let go of their cultural and religious beliefs when faced with new situations. The chapter will maintain that there is a need to understand and appreciate that some of the Batswana’s religious and cultural beliefs and practices enrich their understanding of HIV&AIDS. The central argument of this chapter will be that Botho demands us to acknowledge and appreciate people’s religious and cultural beliefs and practices. This acknowledgement, as will be demonstrated, will be an...