A Psycho-Cybernetic Perspective on the Use of Mpesu in the O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Résumé

Mpesu is a South African indigenous aphrodisiac medicine that has gained popularity among South African people. Studies that have explored Mpesu have only focused on the perspective of those who sell it and women who have bought it to help their partners perform better in sexual intercourse. However, this study marks its contribution to existing literature by exploring how African knowledge of indigenous medicine blends with psychology. It is against that backdrop that this study adopts a psycho-cybernetic theoretical framework to explore the psychological motivation gained from Mpesu consumption. It is also worth mentioning that psychologists in the South African context are not trusted by men who need tangible help with issues, and it is against that hurdle that this study is beneficial to help those men who want psychologists to have a physical product for tentatively tackling the erectile dysfunction problem. Mpesu for their patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction. In terms of participant sampling, 20 males aged between 30 and 40 years old were purposively sampled for semi-structured interviews which were conducted physically in a one0on-one format. A thematic analysis of data was adopted in this qualitative study which was guided by interpretivist paradigm. The major finding is that Mpesu utility infers the sense of confidence in men who use it, and that psychologically helps in regaining self-worth. Then, recommendations include spreading awareness about African indigenous knowledge of medicine until it reaches the global space/ global pharmacies. Concluding remarks entail that the psych-cybernetic approach to the use of Mpesu is worth inclusion in the Afrocentric identity creation of South African men.

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