A Psycho-Cybernetic Perspective on the Use of Mpesu in the O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Michael Mbongiseni Buthelezi ORCID iD, Mohammed Xolile Ntshangase ORCID iD & Luleka Marwarwa ORCID iD 

Issue: Vol.6 No.14 Article 4 pp.3715 – 3727
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561423 | Published online 30th December, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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Mpesu is a South African indigenous aphrodisiac medicine that has gained popularity among South African people. Studies that have explored Mpesu have only focused on the perspective of those who sell it and women who have bought it to help their partners perform better in sexual intercourse. However, this study marks its contribution to existing literature by exploring how African knowledge of indigenous medicine blends with psychology. It is against that backdrop that this study adopts a psycho-cybernetic theoretical framework to explore the psychological motivation gained from Mpesu consumption. It is also worth mentioning that psychologists in the South African context are not trusted by men who need tangible help with issues, and it is against that hurdle that this study is beneficial to help those men who want psychologists to have a physical product for tentatively tackling the erectile dysfunction problem. Mpesu for their patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction. In terms of participant sampling, 20 males aged between 30 and 40 years old were purposively sampled for semi-structured interviews which were conducted physically in a one0on-one format. A thematic analysis of data was adopted in this qualitative study which was guided by interpretivist paradigm. The major finding is that Mpesu utility infers the sense of confidence in men who use it, and that psychologically helps in regaining self-worth. Then, recommendations include spreading awareness about African indigenous knowledge of medicine until it reaches the global space/ global pharmacies. Concluding remarks entail that the psych-cybernetic approach to the use of Mpesu is worth inclusion in the Afrocentric identity creation of South African men.

Keywords: Afrocentric Identity, Indigenous Medicine, Libido Enhancement, Mpesu, Psycho-Cybernetic Self

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Michael Mbongiseni Buthelezi is a Senior Lecturer at University of Limpopo who holds PhD in Educational Psychology from University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He has taught at all sectors of education: Primary school, High School, Technical and Vocational Education Training College (TVET), and University. He is also an Etutor at UNISA, teaching the following modules from 2014 to date; Psychology of Education, learning and learning problems, and child development. He has also served as National Evaluator for 9 years in Evaluation & Accreditation Unit at UMALUSI. He is currently serving as Accreditation Council Committee (ACC) member at UMALUSI. His research includes TVET, student development, psychology, inclusive education, sustainable learning, psychosocial support, and rural development. He has published few academic research papers and book chapters in DHET accredited national and international journals. He has presented his articles at national and international conferences. He is currently supervising Bed Hons, PGCE, and masters ‘students.

Mohammed Xolile Ntshangase is a Senior Lecturer of Philosophy of Education and Psychology of Education as from 2018 in University of Limpopo. He holds a Masters degree and PhD in philosophy from University of KwaZulu Natal. He has published works in the areas of African philosophy, Educational psychology & gender studies, as well as Political philosophy.

Luleka Marwarwa, nee Mkosi, is a committed academic and higher education professional currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the University of Pretoria. She holds a Bachelor of Administration (Public Affairs), a Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Political Studies and International Relations, and a Master of Arts in Political Studies and International Relations, all from Walter Sisulu University. She serves as an Administrator in the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies at Walter Sisulu University, where she provides vital support in postgraduate academic coordination, research administration, and institutional development. Ms Mkosi is also an integral part of the organising task team for the university’s Multi-Inter-Transdisciplinary Conference (MITC), which brings together scholars from various fields to foster collaborative research and innovation. Her academic interests focus on political governance, rural development, climate resilience, and public policy, with a strong grounding in Afrocentric and critical development perspectives. She is eager to make significant contributions to higher education and knowledge production in South Africa.

Chauke, Rescar Nyiko, and Hendrick Puleng Motlalekgosi.“Police Methods and Challenges in the Utilisation of Technology to Combat Carjacking in Selected Police Precincts in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 14 (2025): 3698 – 3714, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561422

© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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