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Abstract
The disappearance and/or absence of the traditional practices of Nyaluso ya vhana (childrearing) have been alleged to be one of the root causes of why many children are involved in acts of ill-discipline, substance abuse, inappropriate sexual activities and so on. This paper explores the traditional practices of Nyaluso ya vhana in the families and the challenges that parents, family members and members of the community encounter. The paper discusses the Vhavenda traditional childrearing practices. What methods did the Vhavenda use in rearing their children? What good has been lost, how can it be gotten back?. A qualitative research design was used. The interaction with traditional knowledge holders, elders, parents and other stakeholders through focus group discussions and interviews helped in understanding the value of traditional childrearing practices. The findings showed that most parents have abandoned the traditional practices of nyaluso ya vhana where grandparents used to take care of children; they now resort to modern ways - using maids and creches to raise children. By abandoning traditional childrearing practices, a lot of good practices have been lost; the paper sheds light on this school of thought. Enhancing the Vhavenda childrearing practices might influence a collaboration with contemporary childrearing practices. Further research may also help to inform whether traditional childrearing practices be revisited.
Keywords: Traditional, Traditional knowledge holders, Community, Culture, Vhavenda, village
Background
Family, community, culture and traditions play an important role in raising children. In most traditional African cultures, childrearing was a collective endeavour. The current practices seem to be mainly inwardly focused, with each parent and family does it their own way without points of intersections and an appreciation for connectivity.
Relevant literature has explored and contrasted the definitions of family and family structures. (Leaser, 2013: 56) describes extended family as a unit that consists of different members, such as parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins as well as children who live in the same household. On the other hand, the nuclear family is a family where parents and their children reside, without extended family members. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011). Family origins differ according to culture and tradition. In Western culture, a family is regarded as a unit composed of one parent, or a couple and their children. This type of family is...