Research reveals why adolescents attend Vuzu parties

Adolescents in Bulawayo have blamed the prevalence of sex orgy parties popularly known as Vuzu parties on lack of parental guidance, absence of entertainment in schools and toxic environment in homes.

During the launch of the study dubbed Exploring the practice of VUZUs among young people in Bulawayo, conducted by Aids Healthcare Foundation (AFH) in partnership with Grassroot Soccer (GRS), parents bemoaned  the prevalence of Vuzu parties calling on stakeholders to craft solutions before these learners die of sexually transmitted infections.

Bulawayo Provincial AIDS Coordinator  Sinatra Nyathi said for the province to address the scourge, all stakeholders should consider the outcomes of the study.

She said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should consider reintroducing fun days and creative entertainment days so that leaners have fun in a safe environment.

“As a parent I have watched our children make haste to attend these parties which are fuelling our new STIs cases and unwanted teenage pregnancies. This study however is a wake-up call to all of us so that we provide these children with conducive homes where they can be free to have fun without being judged instead of resorting  to Vuzu parties,” said Nyathi.

The study revealed that the youngest at Vuzu parties are often 15 years old and the oldest being 24-years-old.

Loveness Ncube, a parent who attended the launch said adolescents were also engaging in Vuzu parties as they lacked parental love and guidance adding that some admitted to attending as means to relieve themselves of stress emanating from home.

“We need to do an honest introspection as parents on how we have failed our children by being absent or too busy to care about their social well-being. The time has come for us to have honest conversations with our children about sex and ensure their need to explore life is catered for at home before they risk being sexually abused in the name of Vuzu sexual marathons,” she said.

 

Some respondents admitted that they participate in Vuzu parties so as to trend on social media and gain popularity. A majority of attendees are girls and some have fallen pregnant while having sex with more than five males during the parties.

 

“I also blame the city council, long ago we used to have vibrant  youth centres, parks and swimming pools which offered youths the much needed entertainment. Now we only have social media which in a way pressurizes our children to do risky things just to trend or become popular.”

Cecilia Moyo said police should also work on banning these parties as they have a potential to destroy the future of many youths in Bulawayo.

“The truth is we are ever busy at work while other parents are in the diaspora leaving these kids with no source of guidance. I think I agree with them that we have neglected them to some extent hence the strange behaviours. This study should also remind us that we have a part to play in ensuring these children live in a AIDS free environment and that depends on how we raise them and our behavior at home,” said Moyo.