Multiple and Concurrent Sexual Partnerships in South Africa: A Target Audience Research Report

This 50-page report presents the results of a qualitative research study conducted by Soul City Institute of Health and Development Communication. The research was conducted to inform a 5-year HIV prevention campaign aimed at reducing multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships (MCP) in South Africa. The research showed that it is standard practice for people to have MCP in most South African societies and that strong cultural and peer pressures compel people to conform to these practices.

The overall aim of the research was to gain insight into the audience's understanding, attitudes and practices around sexual relationships in the context of HIV prevention. Thirty focus group interviews among female and male youths, young adults and adults were conducted in rural, urban and informal settlements of 8 provinces in South Africa. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with women and men who were involved in concurrent sexual relationships. The data were analysed thematically within audience age segmentation using ATLAS.ti computer software.

Analysis of the research results shows various perceptions, attitudes and practices around relationships that are common to men and women across sexes and a wide range of ages. One theme that emerged prominently across all groups concerned people’s need for sex. The women's groups indicated that sex is essential in one's life to the extent that one can be stressed or die if one does not have sex. Young women felt that they need to have sex with their boyfriends because sex strengthens relationships and is a sign of love. Men asserted that their sexual desires are beyond their own control. The women’s groups accepted this – with many women saying they felt that they need to understand and satisfy men’s sexual desire even if this meant that they would have to forgive their partners' concurrent relationships. The need for sex was said to be one of the reasons people have concurrent relationships. For instance, married men and women said they have extramarital affairs to get sexual satisfaction. This was especially common in situations where a partner is not having sex at home, because a husband is cheating or often away from home, or a wife is not sexually performing to her husband's satisfaction.

Another cross-cutting finding was that people need material possessions and money. This resulted in concurrent sexual partnerships that included intergenerational relationships and sex. Respondents said that young girls, for example, are often in sexual relationships with older and sometimes married men because these men buy them designer clothes and give them money. Older women said they will maintain a partner they love, but still find another sexual partner who is able to meet their material needs. Men also said some men go out with men because they want money and believe that most gay men are rich. Young boys also date older women who are willing to satisfy their material needs, respondents said. Peer pressure seems to play a big part among youths and women in this regard.

Research showed that a need for financial support is also one of the reasons women remain in a relationship when they know that their partner is involved in other sexual relationships. This is especially the case when a woman has children. The results also indicate that alcohol plays a large role in MCP. Taverns, shebeens and parties are places where these partnerships begin and alcohol plays a role in losing control and having, – oftentimes unprotected – sex.

All groups agreed that people know that by getting involved in concurrent sexual relationships they risk contracting HIV. This was also linked to people’s general knowledge about how to prevent HIV – for example by abstinence, using condoms and being faithful. This knowledge, however, does not affect behaviour. For instance, respondents said that most people do not use condoms. Female groups indicated that men mostly demand sex without a condom. Male groups indicated that they get sexual satisfaction when they do not use a condom. Both male and female groups indicated that using condoms signifies lack/loss of trust between partners. There was a generally fatalistic feel to discussions on HIV prevention with some participants saying that everyone will die whether infected with HIV or not.

One prominent finding among female groups was male domination and abuse of women by men in relationships and during sex. Young women reported cases of being forced into sex by their boyfriends and 'sugar daddies' (a much older man having a relationship with a young woman would be called a 'sugar daddy'), men refusing responsibility of pregnancy, and being beaten by their partners when they were found with other men. Older and young women also reported being forced to have sex without a condom.

Older men said that they have other sexual relationships because they want to 'preserve' their partner or wife at home and also because a wife is to be respected and not be subjected to new or different sexual styles. Feedback from all groups indicated that culture allows men to have more than one partner, but condemns women who engage in this practice, branding them as ‘bitches’. Respondents drew attention to the fact that there are cultural leaders who have more than one partner.

Research showed a general belief among men and women that circumcision prevents HIV infection and that uncircumcised men are prone to many STIs. There was, however, a lack of knowledge among young women about circumcision as an HIV prevention measure, and some men did not believe circumcision would prevent HIV infection. These men and some women said that circumcision would increase sexual performance. Some people believe that one can get infected with HIV while getting circumcised.

In-depth interviews confirmed the findings of focus group interviews. Women interviewed said they have sexual relationships other than with their partners so that they can get sexual satisfaction. These women mainly started an additional relationship when they found out that their partners were having other affairs and/ or were seldom home. After confrontations with their partners, these women decided to find other partners to get sexual satisfaction, but also to show that they are also able to have more than one partner. One interviewee indicated that she knows that her secret sexual partner also has another partner.

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