Research Methodology

Research methodology refers to the scientific way to solve research problem. According to Rajasekar (2013:2), it is defined as a systematic way to solve a problem and as a logical and systematic search for new and useful information on a particular topic. This is supported by Kothari (2004:8) who maintains that it is a way to systematically and scientifically solve the research problem by studying the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying a research problem along with the logic behind them. For the purpose of this study, qualitative research methodology was preferred as a decolonizing research approach that is used to challenge the Eurocentric research methods that undermine the local languages and experiences of the marginalised population, and in this case, the Vhavenda and VaTsonga speaking people who reside within Vhembe District Municipality within Limpopo Province of South Africa (Keikelame

& Swartz, 2019). Through the use of qualitative methodology, the researcher understood Vhomaine’s beliefs, experiences, attitudes, behaviour and how they interact with others and their Vhalaxwa as data was collected in a collaborative form.

Both participant observation and in-depth face-to-face interviews were utilized when collecting data from Vhomaine objectively. The data collection instruments (interviews and participant observation) were used to critically reflect on the qualitative approach in a way that could have a positive impact on the documentation strategies of the practicing Vhomaine. The qualitative approach in this study confirms participatory and transformatory ways to recognize Vhomaine within the communities they live in. In terms of being a participant observer, the researcher had practical experiences more especially inside ndumbani (a hut where Vhomaine store their practicing tools and medicines and which is also used as a consultation room) during the process of mawa a thangu which implies the reading of the incised bone tablets. This was convenient and well-timed to afford the researcher an opportunity to do recordings and take notes of what has been observed and seen and what has been heard from Vhomaine. The collaborators granted permission to the researcher to record and take notes during the consultations. The researcher has seen Vhomaine stretching a rolled mat made up of

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an animal skin (thovho) on the floor, taking out incised bone tablets (thangu) from a pouch also made up of an animal skin and throw them on the stretched animal skin.

Other tools observed were drums (dzingoma) of different types, bottles with medicines, dried medicines, snuff and some hanging animal skins on the wall. Denzin & Lincoln (2005) in support of this avow that qualitative research involves an interpretive, naturalistic approach to the world in which researchers study the phenomenon in their natural setting in an attempt to make sense. This process made Vhomaine feel comfortable and have confidence on the researcher to an extent that permission was granted for the researcher to use their pictures when compiling the report. The collaborators were promised that the outcomes of this study will be shared with them.

These data collection tools were coupled with probing questions used for clarity seeking from Vhomaine about their interactions with the clients or Vhalaxwa and the healing process. This was done by using the research questions which were derived from the objectives of the study such as exploring ways in which Vhomaine record indigenous knowledge and retrieve information about their Vhalaxwa, their recording styles during the healing process and the challenges associated with the documentation of the healing process. Research data was therefore obtained through open-ended interviews and conversational communication. Data was collected on naturally occurring behaviors in their usual context in case of participant observation and from Vhomaine about their personal histories, perspectives and experiences in case of in-depth interviews. Such methods of collecting data were averred to be the case by Mark, et al (2005:2).

Vhomaine were from Makhado, Thulamela, Musina and Collins Chabane Local Municipalities which constitute Vhembe District Municipality.

Because the outcomes of the study were meant to improve the quality of life of Vhomaine and to preserve the indigenous health knowledge together with the interaction of Vhomaine during the healing processes per clients in their complete raw form for posterity, it should be driven by indigenous worldviews, cultural values and a language that is relevant to Vhomaine through constructive discussions as attested to by Khupe & Keane (2017). To this end, the researcher communicated with Vhomaine in

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their vernacular language and in case where the collaborator was a Tsonga speaking Vhomaine, the researcher sought the assistance of the interpreters. The researcher ensured that the collected data adds value towards the achievement of the set objectives through data triangulation.

Triangulation serves to increase the credibility, reliability and validity of the results.

Kothari (2004:3) asserts the value added as the importance of the quality of the in-depth interviews. During the process of interviewing, Vhomaine had an opportunity to respond freely and elaborated very well on the questions asked. This has been supported by Willis (2008:40) and De Vos (2001:65) who opined that qualitative writing tends to be rich with quotations, descriptions and narration as researchers attempt to capture conversations, experiences, perspectives, voices and meanings. This is due to the fact that a qualitative study utilizes words instead of numbers. Due to the good attitude and professionalism displayed by the researcher and explanation by the researcher of the intention to collect data, this made it possible for Vhomaine to give permission to enter into their Ndumbani i.e. the hut where Vhomaine practice, to inspect their practices and medication and as such participant observation was done. Keikelame & Swartz (2019) using Zavula (2013), affirmed this with confidence that decolonizing research is not as much about methods, but more about spaces that can enable the research processes through which the identities of the researcher also become reshaped and transformed using indigenous lanes in all phases of the study to scrutinize the choice of theoretical frameworks and methodologies used and how research findings can be translated into action that promote social justice.

Due to the inclination to the Eurocentric methodologies mostly used in most universities, this study failed to take into considerations in some instances of what is meant by decolonizing methodologies in indigenous research. According to Smith (1999), researchers and participants who are in this case Vhomaine, should have been involved from the initial development of the proposal, design, methodologies and implementation in all phases of the study or project. If these were followed and applied, active participation of Vhomaine in the study would have enabled collective ownership,

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collective data analysis, collective presentation and collective communication of the findings (Data, 2018). This will assist in crediting the knowledge of Vhomaine, the indigenous health knowledge practitioners. If these processes were to be followed, Vhomaine in this study would not be mere subjects but collaborators and co-designers of the research agenda and thereby opening up opportunities for the co-production of knowledge. Although these shortfalls are noted, the data collection process was still credible and of quality.

The notion that a candidate, registering for a research study works in silos without the involvement of the targeted collaborators and co-designers should be discouraged if we are to liberate our African universities and knowledge owners from the chains of oppression and coloniality. Targeted participants, Vhomaine in this case should have a voice to the knowledge they produced and credited for such. Hunting for the participants and in this case collaborators after the approval of the proposal with ethical certificate needs to be re-looked at. The researcher is hereby acknowledging these setbacks. Had the participants were involved from the planning of the study, the outcomes would have been different in one way or another. The researcher acknowledges that learning is a continuous process.