Tshifhumulo, R.Nthambeleni, N. B.Matambela, Konanani Constance2026-01-232026-01-232025-09-05Matambela, K.C. 2025. Towards the Development of an Innovative Mahosi-Led Model: Primary Prevention Strategies in Fighting Against Male-Generated Gender-Based Violence in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. . .https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/3090PhD (Sociology)Department of Arts and Social SciencesGender-based violence (GBV) prevention measures aim to transform communities by addressing the root causes of violence against women and children. In South Africa, traditional leaders (Mahosi) govern rural communities and regulate social behaviour and norms. Harmful social norms, however, perpetuate GBV, resulting in persistently high and increasing statistics. This research study aims to evaluate measures employed by Mahosi to prevent GBV in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa; and, where feasible, propose a model for primary prevention strategies. From a feminist standpoint, this research examined how Mahosi’s interventions can challenge and dismantle the patriarchal norms that perpetuate GBV. The research used qualitative methods. The study design was explorative to gain an in-depth understanding of the measures at the disposal of Mahosi to prevent GBV in the villages under their custodianship. The researcher used a purposive, non-probability sampling technique to select ten Mahosi from areas with a high prevalence of GBV in Thulamela namely Collins Chabane; Makhado; and Musina Municipalities in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the participants and the data was analysed using the six stages of thematic analysis. The findings indicate varying levels of effectiveness of Mahosi initiatives; with successes observed in community dialogues and awareness campaigns. Challenges include cultural resistance and resource constraints. To address these challenges, it was recommended that intervention strategies should be subject to continuous assessment and adaptation. The Mahosi led initiatives have been found to have ample impact on collaborations with stakeholders. Culturally aligned approaches have proven particularly effective in furthering community acceptance of these initiatives. The findings of this study also emphasised the positive policy implications, highlighting recommendations aimed at ensuring the sustainability of GBV prevention efforts. The study also proposed a standardised model designed to support Mahosi in their endeavours to prevent GBV. This model represents a significant outcome of the research and is intended to offer a structured framework for future interventions.1 online resource (xi, 215 leaves)enUniversity of VendaGender-based violenceUCTDMahosiPatriarchyPrimary interventionSocial normsThesisMatambela KC. Towards the Development of an Innovative Mahosi-Led Model: Primary Prevention Strategies in Fighting Against Male-Generated Gender-Based Violence in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. []. , 2025 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Matambela, K. C. (2025). <i>Towards the Development of an Innovative Mahosi-Led Model: Primary Prevention Strategies in Fighting Against Male-Generated Gender-Based Violence in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa</i>. (). . Retrieved fromMatambela, Konanani Constance. <i>"Towards the Development of an Innovative Mahosi-Led Model: Primary Prevention Strategies in Fighting Against Male-Generated Gender-Based Violence in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa."</i> ., , 2025.TY - Thesis AU - Matambela, Konanani Constance AB - Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention measures aim to transform communities by addressing the root causes of violence against women and children. In South Africa, traditional leaders (Mahosi) govern rural communities and regulate social behaviour and norms. Harmful social norms, however, perpetuate GBV, resulting in persistently high and increasing statistics. This research study aims to evaluate measures employed by Mahosi to prevent GBV in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa; and, where feasible, propose a model for primary prevention strategies. From a feminist standpoint, this research examined how Mahosi’s interventions can challenge and dismantle the patriarchal norms that perpetuate GBV. The research used qualitative methods. The study design was explorative to gain an in-depth understanding of the measures at the disposal of Mahosi to prevent GBV in the villages under their custodianship. The researcher used a purposive, non-probability sampling technique to select ten Mahosi from areas with a high prevalence of GBV in Thulamela namely Collins Chabane; Makhado; and Musina Municipalities in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the participants and the data was analysed using the six stages of thematic analysis. The findings indicate varying levels of effectiveness of Mahosi initiatives; with successes observed in community dialogues and awareness campaigns. Challenges include cultural resistance and resource constraints. To address these challenges, it was recommended that intervention strategies should be subject to continuous assessment and adaptation. The Mahosi led initiatives have been found to have ample impact on collaborations with stakeholders. Culturally aligned approaches have proven particularly effective in furthering community acceptance of these initiatives. The findings of this study also emphasised the positive policy implications, highlighting recommendations aimed at ensuring the sustainability of GBV prevention efforts. The study also proposed a standardised model designed to support Mahosi in their endeavours to prevent GBV. This model represents a significant outcome of the research and is intended to offer a structured framework for future interventions. DA - 2025-09-05 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Gender-based violence KW - Mahosi KW - Patriarchy KW - Primary intervention KW - Social norms LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2025 T1 - Towards the Development of an Innovative Mahosi-Led Model: Primary Prevention Strategies in Fighting Against Male-Generated Gender-Based Violence in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa TI - Towards the Development of an Innovative Mahosi-Led Model: Primary Prevention Strategies in Fighting Against Male-Generated Gender-Based Violence in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa UR - ER -