Digital Pathways to Community Justice: Mahosi, Social Media, and Gender-Based Violence Prevention in Vhembe District, South Africa

Résumé

This study examines how Mahosi (traditional leaders) in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province use social media to address gender-based violence (GBV) within their communities. A qualitative design was employed, drawing on semi-structured interviews with ten Mahosi selected through purposive sampling. The findings show that platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp are used to share anti-GBV messages, mobilise community meetings, and open discussions around violence, extending the reach and immediacy of community-based interventions. In doing so, digital engagement has contributed to increased openness around GBV and greater participation, particularly among younger community members. At the same time, the study identifies key challenges, including digital literacy gaps, unequal access to technology, confidentiality risks, and ethical concerns linked to the public nature of online communication. By foregrounding Mahosi as digital actors within community governance, the study highlights both the potential and limitations of integrating social media into GBV prevention. It concludes by emphasising the need for context-sensitive digital literacy initiatives and clear ethical guidelines to support responsible and inclusive community-based responses to GBV in rural South Africa.

Citer ce document

Accès au document

Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter

Auteur(s)

Statistiques

Consultations : 1

Téléchargements : 0