Despite its ban in 2019, a traditional practice known as Chidyelano has continued during mobile markets locally known as Kabwandile , in Eastern Province.
Paramount chief Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa speaking people of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique recently banned the practice to curb the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STDs) in his chiefdom.
These mobile markets conducted in Eastern Province consequently attract foreign nationals from Malawi and Mozambique.
Chidyelano is traditional practice which involves married men or women exchanging their partners for sexual pleasure.
Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Chipata district traditional affairs assistant officer Cecilia Tembo says the traditional practice is still being practice in mobile markets locally known as Kabwandile in Chipata district and beyond.
Speaking during a presentation during the Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development ( ZNMNGD ) media breakfast meeting held today at Eastern Comfort Lodge in Chipata, Mrs Tembo said the traditional practice is being practice in a different version in markets.
“We hoping that the coming of Gender Activist in communities Chidyelano will completely be discharged, “she said.
Mrs Tembo said traders operating in mobile markets have reverted to the traditional practice by having sexual intercourse with married men as a mode of payment after selling goods .
Under the this practice, traders make arrangements for sex at the end of business transaction among themselves regardless of their marital status in different places.
She is however optimistic that the practice can be discouraged in trading places and has commended traditional leaders in region for championing the fight against GBV .
Mrs Tembo cited chief Madzimawe as one of the Ngoni chiefs being among the many active traditional leaders fighting GBV cases in the region.