The Intersection of Culture and Gender-Based Violence in the Practice of Mamalo within Vhavenda Communities of Vhembe District, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa

While there is a subtle agreement within the recent South African Gender-Based Violence (GBV) literature that traditional cultural practices are important mediums through which patriarchal hegemonic structures are maintained in most African communities, the analyses of how such practices perpetuate gender inequalities and contribute to GBV have only received cursory analysis. This study addresses this gap, by examining the significant material elements of culture and tradition of the Vhavenda people, within the Mamalo practice. Drawing on how the Mamalo is practice within Vhavenda communities in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province South Africa, the study pursues three main objectives. Firstly, an identification of specific belief systems and the tangible traditional practices upon which the Mamalo traditional system is based within the Vhavenda culture. Secondly, a sociological appraisal of the relationship between traditional patriarchal hegemony and the identified elements of Mamalo. Finally, a development of sociologically based strategies that help communities within the Vhavenda communities, deal with GBV. Given these objectives, the study employed a qualitative research approach, which is based on an exploratory design. Data was collected using a detailed semi-structured one-on-one interviews of stake holders with good knowledge of Mamalo in the Vhavenda culture. These include traditional leaders, village heads and men and women (old and young) who got married through the cultural practice of Mamalo. These individuals are judged to be knowledgeable about the cultural practice of Mamalo within the Vhavenda communities. Two non-probability sampling techniques, purposive and snowball were adopted to selected participants for the study. The study used thematic analysis conducted on Microsoft word to analyse the data. The findings of the study conclude that the intended rationale behind mamalo is to provide dignity, value, and respect for women. However, its current interpretation has evolved to reflect dynamics of male dominance, entitlement, commodification of women and oppression, hence requires refinement, to prevent it from serving as a potent motivation for GBV.

Author dc:creator

• Nesane, Ndamulelo Putco

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Mudau, T. J.
• Amaechi, K. E.

• Culture
• Marriage
• Violence
• Women
• Patriarchy
• Beliefs
• Oppression
• UCTD

Statement dc:rights

• University of Venda

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/2958

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:univendspace.univen.ac.za:11602/2958