Theses and Dissertations

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Experiences of Abused Unemployed Young Women at Acornhoek Village, Bushbuckridge Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
(2023-10-05) Shai, Doris Felicity; Thobejane, T. D.; Mudau, T. J.
Domestic violence and the economic dependency of unemployed young women are inextricably intertwined. Hence, the most reason why women become victims of domestic abuse is because they are financially dependent on their partners. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the link between domestic violence and the economic dependency of unemployed young women. A qualitative research method was embarked upon to solicit the views of young women who depend on their spouses for their survival. The population was abused, and unemployed young women aged between 28 to 35 years who are from Acornhoek village in Bushbuckridge Municipality. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling was used as a method to select the participants. To choose the participants, a non-probability purposive and snowball sampling technique was adopted. Ethical considerations were considered for the sake of confidentiality and the safety of the research participants. Semi-structured interviews were employed in the study to obtain data. A thematic data analysis approach employing Atlas.ti software was used to systematically evaluate and report the data. The study revealed that economic independency does not give an individual immunity to abuse. However, it also revealed that economic dependency puts young women at a greater risk of being domestically victimized by their intimate partners. Men view financial support as a grant for entitlement over their partners.
Representation of female academics in senior positions in institutions of higher learning in South Africa: The case of a semi-metropolitan university in Limpopo province.
(2023-10-05) Muleya, Abgirl; Thobejane, T. D.; Mudau, T. J.
Employment opportunities for women have been made available in recent years around the world. However, female academics are still disadvantaged when it comes to promotions. This is evidenced by the higher number of male academics who occupy most of the senior positions in institutions of higher learning. This study explores how the academic promotion criteria is a factor that determines senior positions for men and women at a particular semi-metropolitan university situated in Limpopo province in South Africa. Feminist theories of gender, such as intersectionality, liberal feminism, African theory, Standpoint theory and Feminist theory, were used as frameworks for the study. The study uses a qualitative approach in collecting and analysing the data. In particular, focused ethnographic research was embarked upon as this method is applicable to any discipline whenever there is a desire to explore specific cultural perspectives held by groups of people (in this instance, female academics) within a specific problem-focused framework such as those female academics who are facing challenges when it comes to promotions. The population of the study comprised female academics aged between 25-60 years. A non-probability purposive and convenient sampling was used to select 20 female academics for semi-structured interviews which helped the researcher to evoke female academics’ voices on issues that affected them regarding promotions. Female academics were selected from both high and low levels of employment categories to establish reasons that appeared to negatively impact their upward mobility in academic achievements. Thematic analysis was applied, meaning that results are presented and discussed as themes and subthemes in this study. The study has the following findings: Most of the female academics continue to hold lower positions at work because of the promotion criteria which seems hostile towards their experiences and their roles as wives and their household responsibilities. It is therefore recommended that Universities should enforce a friendly environment that allows for gender parity, rather than the one that hinders women's personal, intellectual, and professional development. The community leaders and policymakers should also work together in advocating for gender-inclusive policies and legislation that promote equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life, including in institutions of higher learning and TVET’s (Technical and Vocational Educational Training Institutions).
Implementation of Gender Equality Policies in the Public Sector: A case study of the Gauteng Department of Labour, South Africa
(2021-04-03) Chinyere, Echere Angela; Thobejane, T. D.; Lambani, M. N.
Gender inequality is not only a severe moral and social pandemic, but also a serious economic problem. This is because women account for nearly half of the world's human capital and yet they are undervalued, underutilized, and underrepresented in different institutions and in the society at large. This study was undertaken to investigate the implementation of gender equality policies in the public sector, using the Gauteng department of labour in South Africa, as a case study. The study examined the status of women prior to apartheid, during apartheid, and after apartheid, as well as how the implementation of gender equality policies has changed their standing in South Africa. The study relies on feminist theories to draw parallels on what these theories stand out to accomplish,with the general notions of what patriarchal frameworks are all about. The data for this study was gathered using qualitative research methods. The study used a sample size of ten (10) participants. The sample consisted of five (5) directors, three (3) deputy directors, and two (2) assistant directors of the Gauteng department of labour. The findings of the study are that achieving gender equality in the public sector is impossible without women's empowerment. The promotion and involvement of women in the public sector needs to be enhanced through the adoption and implementation of gender equality policies and programmes.
Influence of materialism on students fund spending in a rural-based university in Limpopo, South Africa
(2021-07-16) Mabina, Karabo Suzan; Mukwevho, M. E.; Raselekoane, N. R.
Most university students show an appetite to spend much of their money on expensive gadgets, trendy clothes, cellphones, rented cars, video games, and alcohol and drugs. Despite getting money from parents, NSFAS, bursaries, and study loans, most of the students hardly used their money for educational purposes such as buying books and other necessary study materials. Given this situation, this study explored the influence of materialism on student’s fund spending at a rural-based university in Limpopo, South Africa. A qualitative approach was used to explore the influence of materialism on students’ fund spending. The study adopted an exploratory research design to expose the causes and effects of materialism. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select a sample of male and female students from the first to the fourth-year level of study at the University of Venda. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to gather in-depth information on students' fund spending. Thematic analysis method was adopted in the study to identify patterns of materialism and consumption that provided answers to the research questions being addressed. Ethical considerations were ensured in the study to make sure that participants were not harmed.
Experiences of Student Youth Workers During Work-Integrated (WIL) at Mavambe Secure Care Centre in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2021-06-23) Rankakane, Ngadi Pertunia; Raselekoane, N. R.; Morwe, K. G.; Obadire, S.
Student youth workers are exposed to a variety of challenging situations during work-integrated learning (WIL), especially those placed at centres dealing with young people in conflict with the law. This study aimed to explore the experiences of student youth workers during work-integrated learning (WIL) at Mavambe Secure Care Centre (Mavambe SCC) in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. This study was qualitative in nature. The population of the study was the University of Venda’s Bachelor of Arts, Youth in Development (BAYID) fourth-year student youth workers doing work-integrated learning (WIL) at Mavambe Secure Care Centre. The non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for the study. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews to get in-depth information from the participants through open-ended questions and vignette technique to ease the sensitivity of the research topic. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Ethical considerations were taken into account to protect the participants from any form of harm. The study found that inadequate safety and security, lack of support and monitoring of student youth workers during WIL compromise the quality and effectiveness of WIL. The study recommended that safety and security at the hosting agencies as well as support and monitoring of student youth workers during WIL should be improved.
Customary Marriages and Young Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Makwarela (South Africa) And Concession (Zimbabwe)
(2021-06-23) Gwatimba, Leah; Raselekoane, N.R.; Nwafor, A. O.
Patriarchy continues to place limitations on women’s rights in many societies. This is manifested by the unequal gender power relations between sexes, which also adversely impact women’s sexual and reproductive health rights. The well-being and health of women are compromised by society’s indifference to women’s sexual and reproductive health rights. Using the key human rights principles of non-discrimination and gender equality, this study aims to promote women’s rights and emancipation, through the abolition of primordial cultural practices in customary marriages which infringe on the rights and dignity of young women. This study interrogated, compared, and analysed the effects of customary marriages on women’s sexual and reproductive health rights and gender equality in Makwarela (South Africa) and Concession (Zimbabwe). A mixed method approach was used, where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. The qualitative results assisted in the development of a survey instrument for the quantitative phase of the study. Data were collected from young women aged between 18 and 40 years who are engaged in customary marriages and men in customary marriages who are aged between 20 and 45 years. The collected data were purposively sampled for the qualitative study using a semi-structured interview. The quantitative phase surveyed 802 participants (i.e. 401 from each country) who were selected randomly. Data were analysed using narrative analysis and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that payment of roora/mamalo affects the power dynamics in the family which subordinates women to men and makes it difficult for women to assert their sexual and reproductive health rights. The study reveals that there are various challenges that women face in their customary marriages which impede the enjoyment of their sexual and reproductive health rights. The study exposed challenges like the effects of dry sex, being unable to practise safe sex, and widowhood rites of being celibate. The study also found that relationship control factors make it difficult for wives to refuse sexual advances from their husbands as well as to negotiate for condom use. The study also put forward the intervention strategies that can be used for the promotion and protection of sexual and reproductive health rights of women. The study recommends that the Multi-level Approach to Strengthen, Protect, and Promote Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Women be adopted to facilitate women’s enjoyment of their sexual and reproductive health rights in its entirety.
The Phenomenon of Suicide Attempt by Young Female Suicide Survivors at a Selected Hospital in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2019) Nekhubvi, Fulufhelo; Raselekoane, N. R.; Mudau, T. J.; Takalani, F. J.
Suicidal behavior has become a serious public health concern worldwide. Globally, the rate of suicide increased by 60% in the past years. In South Africa, about 9.5 % of nonnatural deaths in young people is due to suicidal behavior, and there are 667 deaths due to suicide every month (Birmingham & Solihull, 2012). Suicide has left a trail of psychological problems which impact negatively on the health and well-being of people. Worldwide, there is a gender difference in suicidal behaviour. Women have higher rates of suicide attempt while men are more likely to commit suicide (Cheong, Choi, Cho, Yoon, Kim & Hwang, 2012). Most studies focus on suicide while suicide attempt has been neglected in scholarship. As a result, there is very little attention to how gender influences suicidal behavior in society. This exploratory study sought to explore the phenomenon of suicide attempt among young female suicide survivors at Tshilidzini Regional Hospital in Vhembe District in the Limpopo Province in South Africa. The study approach was qualitative in nature and the study population comprised of all young female suicide survivors and all family members who often accompanied patients to the hospital. Nonprobability convenience sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The study sample consisted of 20 participants (10 young female suicide survivors and 10 family members). Ethical considerations were taken into account to protect the participants. In-depth face-to-face unstructured interviews and focus group discussion were used as a method of data collection. Content analysis was used for analysing data in this study. The study found that suicidal behaviour by young females was mainly due to intimate relationship problems. The study recommended the development and use an effective suicide screening tool and a multi-pronged strategy to curb incidences of suicidal behaviour by young females.
Rural women's perpectives of cardiovascular diseases: A study of Gwanda South Rural District, Zimbabwe
(2019-09-20) Nyathi, Leoba; Thobejane, T. D.; Tshitangano, T. G.
Historically, the cardiovascular disease (CVD) has internationally been viewed as a man’s disease. This is witnessed by the high number of males who have fallen victim to this scourge. However, with rapid changes in today’s societies, the disease has increasingly become a public health concern among women also. This study aimed to explore rural women’s perspectives of CVD in Gwanda South Rural District. The study was guided by a feminist perspective where theories of gender such as social construction feminism, intersectionality and standpoint theory, were employed as a theoretical framework. In this process, the research endeavoured to unearth some contradictions inherent in the manner in which women view CVD. The population of the study comprised of females aged 21-60 years residing in Gwanda South Rural District of Zimbabwe. An exploratory case study design was adopted and this guided the qualitative data collection and analysis. Purposeful sampling technique was used to select 16 participants for semi-structured interviews and six participants for focus group discussions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis which is an essential tool for qualitative data analysis. Data were presented and discussed as themes and subthemes. The concepts of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability were used to describe and ensure various aspects of trustworthiness. Ethical considerations like informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity and no harm to participants were ensured. The following seven themes were derived from the study; women’s knowledge of CVD, causes of CVD, prevention of CVD, perceived effects of CVD, difference in experiences of CVD, assistance of women with CVD and management of CVD. Findings revealed that women had limited knowledge of most CVDs but were familiar with hypertension and stroke. Various symptoms of CVD were identified. It was concluded that rural women do not have adequate knowledge of CVDs. A lot should be done by the government and other stakeholders to ameliorate cardiovascular health in rural women.
Gendered drought effects within family settings, Masvingo Zimbabwe " 2000 to 2016"
(2019-09-20) Takayindisa, Flora Maruva; Thobejane, T. D.; Mukwevho M. H.; Mudau, T. J.
This study examines the views, understandings, beliefs and practices on the effects of drought and how women cope in this regard. Feminist theories such as the Standpoint theory, Intersectionality, Ecofeminism and Social Construction were used to conceptualize the gender roles and practices that continue to hinder equity between men and women. This study was qualitative in design. The population of the study comprised of men and women living in Shashe village. A total number of people interviewed was 24, 6men and 6 women from focus group and 12 participants for individual participants. A purposive sample of participants was drawn from the population of farmers. The researchers targeted farmers, who are affected by erratic rainfall. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The themes that emananted from the study were; environmental effects, economic effects, food scarcity, health effects, distribution of gender roles and coping strategies to drought. The findings showed that there were paradigm shifts in terms of gender relations with regard to drought in many villages, townships and cities today. Furthermore, cultural patterns embedded in patriarchal relationships are accommodating forms of relationships which are not favourable to women. The study recommends that farmers should also have other sources to generate income other than farming because of the changing weather patterns and also to educate women in all dimensions of agriculture so that they are well informed.
An investigation of the vulnerability of Young Zimbabwean female immigrants in Johannesburg, South Africa
(2019-09-20) Chinyakata, Rachel; Raselekoane, N. R.; Mudau, T. J.; Mapaya, M. G.
The existence of humans has always been associated with movement, owing, among other reasons, conflicts, to disasters and search for more habitable areas and better living conditions. Historically, migration of women has not been given much attention by scholars; international migration literature has always been dominated by data on male migration. However, almost half of the immigrants coming into South Africa are women. Young female immigrants are considered more vulnerable than their male counterparts. Through a qualitative approach, this study aimed at investigating the vulnerability of young Zimbabwean female immigrants in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and its industrial and commercial heartland, in order to develop a comprehensive strategy to minimise their vulnerability. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used for data collection, and Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software was used to analyse the data. The population of the study was young female immigrants between the ages of 18 and 35 years residing in Johannesburg, and experts in the field of migration. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select the participants. The findings of this study highlighted that the young Zimbabwean female immigrants are vulnerable to abuse, discrimination, xenophobia, poor health, and social and economic problems. The abuse, discrimination and xenophobia were perpetrated by their partners, the society, colleagues in the workplace, employers, and the authorities who are supposed to protect and provide services for these immigrants. These problems were a result of the intersecting factors that cause the young women’s vulnerability. These include nationality, gender, legality, language barriers, type of work, poverty (and the desperation it generates), and competition over job opportunities. The study indicated that these female immigrants do not look for the law’s protection because they are afraid of being deported, and they are afraid of the police, who are reluctant to protect them, and often further abuse them. The study recommends the adoption of the Multistakeholder Comprehensive Migration Strategy which was developed in this study to minimise the young women’s vulnerability. This strategy promotes the collaboration of different parties at all levels – individual, community, civil society, regional and national – in achieving this all-important purpose. All these stakeholders should collaborate in initiatives to promote and protect the rights of these young women, and ensure gender equality in migration.
An Exploration of Leadership Experiences and Challenges of Junior Female Managers in a Rural Hospital Environment, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2018-09-21) Machevele, Kulani Precious; Thobejane, T. D.; Raselokoane,N. R.
In spite of the golden age of women which was ushered in by the Berlin Conference of 1995, women continue to be disadvantaged when it comes to public participation, both in the public and private sectors of the society. On a global scale even when they are well-qualified and in spite of the mainstreaming of more women into public life, women remain discriminated against in terms of accessing leadership positions. Despite their positive contribution, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. The aim of this study was to explore on the experiences and challenges of junior female managers at Tshilidzini Hospital in Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Qualitative method was used because it enabled the researcher to gain in-depth information about the challenges and experiences of junior female managers at Tshilidzini Hospital. This study is exploratory in nature. The population of this study consisted of junior female managers. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the research participants for this study. Ethical principles were considered, to ensure maximum protection of the research participants in this study. Face to face interviews were used to solicit information on the experiences and challenges of junior female managers at Tshilidzini Hospital. Thematic data analysis method was used in this study. The study found that gender discrimination is still widespread in South Africa, despite of the availability of many gender equality policies. The study recommends that policy makers, various government departments and law enforcement agencies makers should strengthen the gender machinery, to ensure that women are not denied an opportunity to take up leadership positions.
Youth experience of deviant behaviour as portrayed in some television programmes: A Case Study of the Youth of Madonsi Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2018-05-18) Chauke, Thulani Andrew; Mudau, T. J.; Malatji, K. S.
The purpose of this study was to explore how the portrayal of deviant behaviour in selected television programmes influences the youth to adopt similar behaviour in their lives. In the past, television programmes for young people were meant to nourish the soul and enable the voice of the youth to be heard. However, hip-hop, gangsta rap, R&B videos and some soap operas represent deviant behaviour in a fashionable manner. That the identity of young people is constructed by the portrayal of deviant behaviour in some television programme becomes a source of national concern. Television plays a major role in the lives of young people. Since the dawn of democracy in the 1990s, South Africa has witnessed rapid expansion in the use of television in households. Economic pressures oblige parents to go out to work, which makes it impossible for them to monitor their children’s viewing. Children are left alone and vulnerable to television programmes that promote deviant behaviour. Of course, not all television programme promote deviant behaviour: for instance, there are educational programmes, but the problem is that these are televised in the morning while young people of this study’s target population are at school. Cultivation theory, media theory and social learning theory were used in this study as a theoretical frame to explain the influence that some television programmes featuring deviant behaviour has on the behaviour of young people. The study was located at Madonsi Village, in the Colins Chabane municipality, South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, involving purposive sampling of a targeted population. The data collection tool used in the study was the semi-structured interview with focus groups. The data collected was analysed through the use of discourse and thematic analysis. The study sample consisted of twelve participants, six female and six male. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity and voluntary participation were taken into account to protect the participants. The study’s finding revealed that the portrayed of deviant behaviour in some television programmes result in the following forms of deviant behaviour among young people: premarital sex, the perception of women as sex objects, the use of profane language, the abuse of drugs and alcohol, involvement in gangster activities and sexual confusion. The study recommends that the municipality should build a community library in the area which will be programmed to restrict access to YouTube, pornography, etc.,
Experiences of academic employees in relation to gender equality in leadership positions: A case study of semi-urban University in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
(2018-05-18) Munyai, Ndivhuwo; Thobejane, T. D.; Sikhwari T. D.
Institutions of higher learning continue to reflect gender biases in their endeavor to create an egalitarian atmosphere in their learning environments. These institutions serve to equip people with the intellectual capacities needed to pursue national and regional development advancements. However, gender inequality persists within them. Women continue to be underrepresented at all levels. Women have proven to be productive, more committed, more focused, more competent in executing whatever roles they are given. This study focused on the experiences of academic employees‟ in relation to gender equality in leadership positions at a semi-urban University in Limpopo province. The main aim of the study was to probe the experiences of academic employees‟ in relation to gender equality in leadership positions at this university. The research design was qualitative in approach. This study was conducted at the University of Venda which is situated in Thohoyandou in the Thulamela Local Municipality under the Vhembe District in the Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used purposive sampling to collect data from the participants. Academic employees were the interviewees. The findings of the study are as follows: Institution should encourage the formation of academic and leadership support networks for women; Deans of faculties should support women who aspire to move up the academic ladder instead of frustrating them; Institutions should formulate policies geared at fast-tracking women with leadership potential; Employment equity policies should be fairly implemented so as not to advantage one ethnic or racial group over another, a larger scale study is needed that will cover a considerable number of institutions to gain deeper insight into the problem.
Exploring gender division of labour within households: the case of Schoemansdal Village in Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
(2018-05-18) Shabangu, Busi Florence; Thobejane, T. D.; Mogorosi, L. D.
One of the most pressing issues contributing to the persistence of gender inequality is the gendered division of domestic labour. Women still carry out more domestic labour than men. Housework is shared quite unequally among most married couples. Work performed directly in the service of families including housework and childcare is often unacknowledged all over the world because of cultural assumptions that a wife or mother should work in the privacy of the home. This study adds extra depth to the doing gender approach by testing whether or not couple negotiate specific conjugal and parent roles in terms of the division of household labour. This study therefore seeks to discuss numerous variables that impact the division of household labour between men and women. This study suggests that patriarchal power structures seem to take a powerful and effective impact on the South African marriage institution, especially in the black communities. The study was therefore conducted in Schoemansdal village situated in Nkomazi region, Mpumalanga Province. To explore issues behind gender division of labour within households. The study embarked on a qualitative research design to collect and analyze the data. Samples of married men and married women were selected in this study. The findings of the study are as follows: Women do a disproportionate share of the housework, even when the women work and the men don‟t, and even when the women want to share the housework more equally. When men aren‟t working, they don‟t see domestic labour as a means of contributing. In fact, they double down and do less of it, since it challenges their masculinity. But when men earn more, women who are almost all working too, feel obliged to contribute in some way to maintaining the household, generally by cooking and cleaning.
Exploring socio-economic challenges faced by female headed households in rural districts: The case of Manama village, Matebeleland South Province in Zimbabwe
(2018-05-18) Nyathi, Abigail Nkazimulo; Thobejane, D. T.; Ndlovu, I
In most developing countries, poverty is concentrated in female headed households especially in rural areas. Notably, these rural areas are fast becoming female spaces, as most men migrate to urban areas and neighbouring countries. The critical role of rural women in eradicating poverty through agricultural labour force, subsistence farming and rural development in sub-Saharan Africa, has been recognised by scholars yet they are the poorest and their contribution has not been fully acknowledged by the community or governments. To understand this phenomenon this study investigated the socio-economic challenges faced by female headed households, causes of high vulnerability and their coping strategies in Manama village, Matabeleland South province, Zimbabwe. This study was informed by feminist theoretical approaches of conducting research as it employed several qualitative research methods, namely key participant individual in-depth interviews; Focus group discussions; field participatory observation and documentary reviews to collect data. The findings of the study were that, due to the country’s economic situation, constrained mobility and lack of collateral security to secure credit, women have a double burden of responsibility with numerous challenges such as unequal wages in hired labourer work, inadequate food for the family, financial burdens. However they have their own coping strategies such as voluntary community networks. This study concludes by making recommendations, for gender mainstreaming in policy, agricultural extension services for Female headed households, creation of markets, counselling and psychosocial support. This research contends that although these women find themselves in a patriarchal frame they have decided to outgrow it and be autonomous as they fight the socio-economic challenges they face. They have numerous socio-economic challenges but the participants themselves are self-asserted. They are not stopped by patriarchy and are exemplary as they work hard and venture outside the domestic space to engage in honest work to take care of their households.
An Exploratory Study of Crime Among High School Learners in Nzhelele East Circuit, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2015-05-18) Mathungeni, Recheal Nthangeni; Raselekoane, N. R.; Mashau, T. S.
High school crime has become a major problem all over the world including South Africa. The aim of this study was to explore the nature, causes and effects of youth crime amongst learners in high schools in Nzhelele East Circuit. Three high schools known for high crime rate were purposefully selected. A mixed method approach was adopted. Focus groups were conducted among the Life Orientation teachers in the selected schools to collect qualitative data, and questionnaires were administered to learners to collect quantitative data. Purposive sampling was used to sample Life Orientation teachers for the focus groups. Stratified random sampling was used to survey 40 grade 10 and 40 grade 11 learners from each of the three high schools (240 learners). Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and the quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics methods. Consequently, the results from the two methods were compared and triangulated. Ethical precautionary measures were taken to avoid harm to the research participants. The study found that a variety of family, economic and environmental factors contribute to crime in schools. Findings of this study assist the teachers, learners, parents and the Department of Education authorities in the Vhembe District to gain a better understanding of the nature, causes and effects of crime among high school learners. Only a multi-pronged strategy can be effective in overcoming crime which is plaguing many high schools in South Africa.
Contributory factors leading to domestic violence: A case study of Mangaya Village in Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2018-05-18) Nemasisi, Rofhiwa Ronald; Thobejane, T. D.; Mogorosi, L. D.
 Domestic violence is a social problem experienced by people in various settings and social relationships. Factors such as cultural beliefs, patriarchal practices, economic background, socialization process, gender stereotypes are key drivers of domestic violence in our communities. Internationally, the problem is said to be a social ill that contributes to many social problems. Domestic violence takes place across all walks of life regardless of race, age, sexual orientation or gender. It takes place in urban areas and in rural areas all over the world. Domestic violence happens to people who are legally or traditionally married and amongst intimate partners. This study therefore explores the contributory factors leading to domestic violence. The study made use of qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling procedure was used to identify participants who were more willing to take part in the study. The study used Semi structured interviews to collect data. Thus, discourse analysis was used in the study to analyse data. The study was conducted at Mangaya village in Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa. The study findings revealed that unemployment is a challenge and contributory factor leading to domestic violence, most of women had suffered domestic violence for a long period of time, children are directly affected by domestic violence within families, most women sacrifice themselves in order to save their marriages and protect their children. The findings of the study indicate that there are various aspects that contribute to the problem of domestic violence. The study recommends that community and police should actively work together in helping the victims of domestic violence to overcome their irrational thinking that is combed by remaining in abusive situations.
An exploration on the challenges faced by youth in lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex relationships at Mkhuhlu Location, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
(2018-05-18) Mohale, Robert; Thobejane, T. D.; Chari, T.
This study seek to explore the challenges that are faced by youth in lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) relationships at Mkhuhlu location. The study argues that this cohort, just like any other, should be afforded human rights, and the choice to be in lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex relationships. Research has shown that those who believe sexual orientation is inborn are more likely to have tolerant attitudes towards lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people, whereas those who believe it is a choice have less tolerant attitudes. The study was undertaken at Mkhuhlu location and the respondents were males and females in lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex relationships. A feminist epistemological approach to doing research guided the process of data collection while also employing a qualitative approach in interpreting the data. An exploratory design was used to gain a broader understanding in the challenges that youth in lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex relationships are faced with every day. A Sample of 10 respondents from Mkhuhlu location was selected. Non-probability sampling was used and snow-ball sampling method was also used to draw the required sample. The data was collected through the use of guided unstructured interviews. The findings in this study reveal that LGBTI youth have faced various challenges in their daily lives. LGBTI people face considerable levels of stigmatization, discrimination and harassment in their daily lives. These challenges have negative impact in the lives of LGBTI youth and also bring various emotions, which include intense sadness, anxiety, loneliness, discomfort in social situations, and feeling overwhelmed. The study also found that there are strategies that can be employed in order to alleviate the challenges of LGBTI youth, through education the misperception that LGBTI sexual interest is uncommon and sinful may be corrected if realistic, developmentally appropriate sex education is made accessible to the public.
Revisiting the connection between masculinites and gender-based violence: The Case of Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2018-05-18) Luthada, Ntshengedzeni Victor; Thobejane, T. D.; Mogorosi, L. D.
Masculinity forms are identified as forms that perpetuate gender-based violence. This study analyzed and challenged the entire cultural and patriarchal attributes that constructively create current male roles and identities that play a significant part in gender discrimination and oppression around the world. The way masculinities shape gender role stereotypes have left a legacy whereby women are disadvantaged in relation to men. Masculinities continue to define power dynamics between men and women. Women have less access to resources, benefits, information and are also denied access to decision making processes, both within and beyond household realms. The major objective of the study is to explore the connection between masculinity and gender-based violence. This study described the importance of using Participatory Action Research Design and the use of qualitative methodological process which is followed by the study’s location and population, sampling and data collection methods. The researcher explains the reasons for using qualitative methods for both data collection and analysis. Face to face semi structured interviews was used as data collection instruments with open-ended questions. Purposive and snowball sampling were adopted with a total of 10 research participants including both women and men (young and old). Furthermore, this study explored the researcher’s reflexivity or positionality, and epistemic privilege. This study also outlined the ethical issues that have been taken into consideration which include informed consent, confidentiality, and privacy. Data was analyzed thematically by identifying and expanding significant themes that emerged from respondents’ responses. The findings of this study entail that unemployment and alcohol abuse are among the factors that lead to gender-based violence. The findings had it that cultural practices such as polygamy in families, initiation schools, media are among models of masculinities that had imparted the notion or belief that a man is a provider, decision-maker, and head of the family and no other member of the family should contest that responsibility. This study concludes that the cultural and social norms socialize males to be aggressive, powerful, unemotional and controlling and contribute to a social acceptance of men as dominant. Lastly, this study also looked at the limitations of the study as well as the conclusion. This study recommended that both men and women should collectively diagnose masculine relationships that are borne out of the system of patriarchy, to usher in a non- sexist society devoid of gender discrimination.
Sex industry and Experiences of Female Sex Workers in Ngundu, Zimbabwe
(2018-05-18) Ngadhi, Collen Mafira; Thobejane, T. D.; Dzimiri, P.
Commercial sex work (CSW) has turned out to be a subject of concern in most societies. CSW occurs in most countries of the world, and has existed since ancient times. Different nations have different viewpoints with regards to prostitution. In some nations it is illegal while in others it is legal. Prostitution is regarded as a social problem that offends culture, societal morals and values and leads to the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). In most studies about sex work, male counterparts receive little attention but they play a role in the industry. In light of the profiled background context of the problem, this study explored the experiences of female sex workers (FSWs) at Ngundu Growth Point in Zimbabwe. This study endeavored to examine the circumstances that drive women into CSW and the impact of prostitution on the wellbeing of FSWs. The study further examined the role played by government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and health professionals towards service delivery to CSWs. In order to understand the experiences of sex worker intersectionality and feminist standpoint theories were deployed. A case study approach involving Ngundu growth point in Masvingo was utilized. The choice of Ngundu emanated from the fact that it is located along the highway that connects South Africa with Zimbabwe, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo and as a result, it experiences varying prostitution encounters. Methodologically, the study followed a qualitative research path involving the use of open-ended interviews as data collection methods. A total of nine participants were interviewed that includes sex workers as well as the key informants. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis. The overall study finding was that prostitution at Ngundu is proliferating due to economic hardships where most people are unemployed and living in poverty. From the field interviews with those involved in the prostitution business, it emerged that the socioeconomic situation in the country is forcing women to be in the sex industry. The recommendation proffered is that is that the government should create employment opportunities for the people, open vocational training centres and there should be awareness campaigns targeting sex workers.

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