NTUMBULUKO, THEOLOGY, AND ISSUES OF GENDER IN THE TSONGA WORLDVIEW: TOWARDS AN AFRICAN WOMAN’S THEOLOGY OF LIBERATION IN MOZAMBIQUE

Abstract

Ntumbuluku is a word in Tsonga culture which is difficult to define but which depicts the essence of Tsonga culture with respect to the law and its requirements. It impacts on the whole of life, including issues of gender, and especially concerning the role and identity of women. How this impact takes place – whether to the detriment or advancement of women in Tsonga society – depends on how the concept is used. It can be both an unchangeable obstacle or hindrance to women's liberation and it can also be used to promote women's liberation. This essay is based on the conviction that Christian theology should be able to discern the difference between these two influences and build into Christian theology an understanding of ntumbuluko that contributes to the positive advancement of women in Tsonga society.