Based on the novel “Welcome to our Hillbrow” by Phaswane Mpe, in Mpe’s Welcome to Our Hillbrow, foreigners are presented through the theme of disease

Question

as super spreaders of HIV/AIDS. Write paragraphs in which you critically evaluate
the validity of this assertion. Ensure that you support your argument by using examples
from the text.

Answer 1

In Phaswane Mpe's novel "Welcome to Our Hillbrow," the portrayal of foreigners as super spreaders of HIV/AIDS can be seen as an oversimplification that lacks validity. While the theme of disease and the spread of HIV/AIDS is indeed a significant aspect of the book, it is important to critically evaluate the representation of foreigners as the main carriers of the virus.

Firstly, it is crucial to note that the novel provides a more nuanced understanding of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Hillbrow. The text explores the socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and personal choices that contribute to the spread of the disease. Mpe depicts various characters from different backgrounds within the Hillbrow community who are affected by the virus, emphasizing that the epidemic does not discriminate based on nationality. For example, characters like Refentse and Kabelo, both South Africans, are portrayed as active carriers of the virus and play significant roles in spreading it within the community.

Furthermore, the novel highlights the influence of personal behavior and choices in the transmission of HIV/AIDS, rather than solely attributing the spread to foreigners. For instance, the character of Zanele, a local woman from Hillbrow, engages in multiple risky sexual encounters and ignores safe practices, contributing to her contraction and transmission of the virus. Mpe's representation of Zanele challenges the popular stereotype that foreigners are solely responsible for spreading the disease, as it shows that the issue is more complex and interconnected within the community.

Additionally, Mpe presents foreigners as victims of HIV/AIDS rather than solely carriers of the virus. For example, the character of Ayanda, a young Zimbabwean woman, is portrayed as being vulnerable to exploitation by men who take advantage of her precarious situation as an undocumented immigrant. Ayanda's involvement in sex work exposes her to a high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, highlighting the impact of societal factors on the epidemic. By presenting foreigners as victims, Mpe challenges the assumption that they are solely responsible for the spread of the disease.

Overall, while the novel does depict foreigners as being affected by and contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Hillbrow, it also goes beyond this portrayal by highlighting the various factors that contribute to the epidemic. By presenting a diverse range of characters and exploring their choices, the novel challenges the validity of the assertion that foreigners are solely responsible for spreading the disease. It reminds readers that HIV/AIDS is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive understanding and response from society.