The Concept of Botho and HIV/AIDS in Botswana

Chapter Three - The Maid, Botho, and HIV/AIDS Infections: The Economic and Ethical Perspectives

CHAPTER THREE TheMaid, Botho,andHIV&AIDS Infections: The Economic and Ethical Perspectives Innocent S. Botshelo Introduction T he continuingHIV&AIDS infection amongst Batswana is still a cause for concern. The search for reasons on the continuing new infections will therefore carry on. Perhaps one of the reasons could be the lack of Botho in our people. Botho is sometimes referred to as humanity; it is a phenomenon, a theory, or a framework that advocates for compassion and care amongst the human race. This chapter will look at ways in which the maid is disadvantaged economically, as compared to other workers. It will use the Botho framework to show how failure to practice it indirectly, and sometimes directly, contributes to the HIV&AIDS pandemic not abetting. It will also look at the economic implications of the current practices and strategies adopted in the recruitment and employment of maids. These do not directly address the maids as a part of the solution to the HIV&AIDS pandemic, but serve to alert that in failing to practice Botho, we increase and contribute to the infection’s incidences. The chapter will also attempt to respond to issues such as: The Concept of Botho and HIV&AIDS in Botswana 1. Do employers acknowledge housemaids and extend their gratitude to them in other ways beyond monetary rewards? 2. Who has the moral responsibility to change if necessary, and what is the morally acceptable way? The moral aspect to these questions is whether there is a moral justification for the status quo to prevail? Morality hinges around positive attributes of humanity, compassion, care, and unconditional love for others. Perhaps the notion of Botho needs to be rekindled to stimulate positive attitudes that would fight negative pressures and challenges. In failing to extend Botho to the maid, do we not only risk transferring infections to our neighbours and relatives, but also compound the economic hardships to our fellow human beings and their dependents. How correct is this statement? Is Botho an Exogenous Economic Force? Botho is generally extended by all people at all ages, and it does not discriminate by colour, gender, wealth, status, or age. I would like to see Botho as humanity, a mindset of individuals of a community that cares and is compassionate to its people. When put into practice, no conditions, benefits, or rewards are expected or attached to it; Botho is therefore a virtue. This is fast diminishing as part of Setswana culture. In conducting a study on the economic impact of HIV&AIDS infections amongst maids, I found that it would appear like people have adopted individualistic behaviours that protect their income earning capability. It was evident in the responses from participants that HIV&AIDS infections are still a thorny issue. Respondents indicated that they tend to make choices, and subsequently decisions that are primarily influenced by economic or financial earnings or gains. Economic choices are about forgoing one thing in order to get the other, and normally referred to as opportunity costs. Sometime, the opportunity cost is intertwined with moral obligations, and in some instances, the economic choice is more practical and thus 46 overrides the moral choice. It is therefore not surprising that both the employer and employee in the survey conducted did not want to address the issue of HIV&AIDS because of their fears. Just like their maid, the employers face a dilemma of economic pressure of a different nature. The employer seeks the service of a housemaid because they have to keep a job, which in turn provides them the basic economic needs. Because good maids with the Botho quality are scarce, they are forced not to enquire about HIV&AIDS status. If they ask of the maid’s HIV&AIDS status, they may also be compelled to disclose theirs. Their other concern is that they may suffer embarrassment if they disclose their family’s status, and they are likely to lose a potential housemaid. Interestingly, employers’ claim they do not ask about HIV&AIDS because they feel one would be intruding into the employees’privacy. Therefore, the less they know the riskier it is. Many employers would want to see the attribute of Botho in their employees, and want the maids to demonstrate botho by disclosing their status however if maids were HIV positive they are likely not to hire them. Ironically, they do not seem to want to extend the same conditions to maids. They argue that they would be putting their family at risk of being infected if they hire a maid who is...