L.

O PROJECT
SURNAME AND NAME: RATSHISUSU
JUNIOR KENNY

GRADE: 12C

SUBJECT: L.O

SCHOOL: MBILWI SECONDARY SCHOOL

TOPIC: DEMOCRACY AND

1.1. Explain the following concepts:

1.1.1. Gender Based Violence.

.Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa is a pervasive and deeply rooted issue,

described by many as a national crisis. It affects women, girls, LGBTQ+ individuals,

and other marginalized groups at alarming rates, and is intertwined with the country's

history of apartheid, inequality, and systemic violence.

1.1.2. Human Rights Violation

Human Rights Violations in South Africa are a complex issue rooted in the country’s

history of apartheid, economic inequality, and ongoing governance challenges. While

South Africa has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, which

guarantees a wide range of human rights, violations still occur across various sectors of

society.

1.1.3. Discrimination

Discrimination in South Africa remains a deeply rooted issue, despite the end of

apartheid and the adoption of a progressive Constitution in 1996 that prohibits unfair

discrimination on various grounds. Discrimination continues to affect people's access to

rights, resources, and opportunities particularly along the lines of race, gender, class,

nationality, sexual orientation, and disability.

ACTIVITY 1 (1.2 – 1.4), ACTIVITY 2 AND ACTIVITY 3

LITERATURE REVIEW

1.2. State THREE forms of Gender- Based Violence that exist in your community.

• Child Marriage

• Economic Abuse
 • Cultural Practices

1.3. Mention any TWO state institutions that deals with Human Rights Violation in

South Africa.

• Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)

• Electoral Commission

• Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious,

and Linguistic Communities

1.4. Discuss THREE causes of Gender-Based Violence in your community.

• Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug dependency is often associated with increased

occurrences of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

• Stigma and Silence: Fear of social judgment or shame often discourages victims from

speaking out or seeking help.​​

• Isolation: Geographical barriers and isolation from urban centres result in limited

access to support services, healthcare, and legal aid for victims.

​
ACTIVITY 2

2.1. Name ONE law that protects South African citizens against
Gender-Based violence.

• National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act.

2.2. Describe TWO ways in which the above law protects citizens against human
right violations.

• Domestic Violence Amendment Act:

- Obligations for Reporting: It mandates certain professionals, such as healthcare

workers and educators, to report suspected cases of domestic violence. To ensure that

victims receive timely intervention and support.

- Establishes a council to provide strategic leadership in combating GBV and femicide.

2.3. Recommend strategies that responsible citizens may use to help victims of
Gender- Based Violence.

1. Raise Awareness and Educate Others

2. Be Supportive and Non-Judgmental

●​ Listen Actively: If someone discloses their experience of violence, listen with

empathy and without judgment. Victims often fear shame or blame, so being a

non-judgmental listener helps them feel safe

3. Provide Information on Resources

●​ Helplines and Shelters: Provide victims with contact information for local GBV

helplines, shelters, legal aid services, and counseling centers.

ACTIVITY 3
3.1. Give FOUR reasons why victims of gender-based violence may feel
hesitant to report this human right violation.

• Shame and Guilt: Internalized feelings of embarrassment or self-blame can prevent

survivors from seeking help.

• Lack of Trust in Authorities: Weak law enforcement, corruption, or previous negative

experiences with the justice system may deter victims.

• Unawareness of Rights: Lack of education about their rights and available resources

often leaves victims feeling powerless.

private matter or even normalizing it.

3.2. Briefly discuss the impact of gender-based violence in the:

Family

The Impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Family is profound, affecting not

only the immediate victims but also the entire family unit. Victims, particularly women

and children, often suffer both physical injuries and emotional trauma, which can

have long-lasting effects. Physical injuries range from bruises and broken bones to

severe health complications, while emotional trauma can result in feelings of fear,

shame, and anxiety. Children who witness GBV may experience developmental issues,

anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships in the future. In many

cases, exposure to violence in the family perpetuates a cycle of abuse, with children

more likely to become victims or perpetrators of violence in their own relationships as

adults.

GBV also leads to family breakdown and economic consequences. Relationships

within the family can become strained, with trust eroded and emotional detachment

occurring between partners, often resulting in separation or divorce. The economic

impact is significant, as victims may struggle to maintain employment due to the

physical or emotional trauma they endure, leading to financial dependence on the

abuser. Families may also face increased healthcare and legal costs, further

destabilizing their economic situation. These dynamics create a toxic environment in the

family, making it harder for victims to escape the cycle of abuse and seek support.

Community
The impact of gender-based violence (GBV) in the community is far-reaching,

influencing social, economic, and cultural aspects of life. GBV often leads to increased

fear and insecurity, which affects the overall sense of safety in the community. People,

particularly women and children, may feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods, leading to

social isolation and a reluctance to engage in community activities or public spaces.

This fear can diminish the overall quality of life and hinder community cohesion.

Moreover, GBV places a significant economic burden on the community. Victims may

require medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance, which strains public

health systems and social services. Additionally, the long-term effects of GBV on

victims' productivity and well-being can lead to increased absenteeism from work or

school, reducing economic participation. Communities with high levels of GBV often

experience lower levels of trust and social capital, as ongoing violence fosters a

culture of silence and complicity, undermining collective efforts to address broader

social issues. Thus, GBV not only harms individuals but also weakens the fabric of the

entire community.

3.3. Recommend THREE ways in which the government can combat

gender-based violence in society.

To effectively combat gender-based violence (GBV) in society, the government can

implement several key strategies. First, it should strengthen legal frameworks and law

enforcement by enhancing and consistently enforcing laws related to domestic violence,

sexual assault, and harassment. Specialized GBV courts should be established to

expedite cases, and law enforcement agencies should receive training on handling

these cases with sensitivity and urgency. Second, increasing public awareness and

education is essential. The government can launch nationwide awareness campaigns to

people about available support resources. Schools and media outlets can help shape

public attitudes by addressing harmful gender norms and stereotypes. Finally, improving

support services for survivors is crucial. The government should increase funding for

shelters, counseling services, and legal aid, ensuring that victims have access to

healthcare and psychological support. Additionally, programs that offer vocational

training and employment assistance can empower survivors to rebuild their lives. By

strengthening legal systems, fostering education, and providing support services, the

government can create a more effective response to GBV and work toward eliminating it

from society.

ACTIVITY 5

5.1 The impact of gender based violence on the victims/survivors

The impact of gender-based violence (GBV) on the victims and survivors is profound

and multi-dimensional, affecting them physically, emotionally, psychologically, and

socially. Physically, the victims often experience injuries ranging from bruises and

broken bones to more severe consequences such as chronic pain, disability, or even

death. Sexual violence results in long-term reproductive health issues, sexually

transmitted infections, and unwanted pregnancies. Emotionally and psychologically, the

survivors of GBV commonly suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress

disorder (PTSD). They also experience feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, which

can undermine their sense of self-worth and hinder their ability to seek help. The trauma

of GBV results in difficulties in forming or maintaining healthy relationships, and in some

cases, the survivors develop a distrust of others, particularly of intimate partners.

Socially, the survivors face social isolation due to the stigma surrounding GBV. Fear of

judgment or not being believed often discourages victims from reaching out for support.
In some cases, they are ostracized by family or community members, further

exacerbating their sense of isolation. Additionally, survivors struggle with economic

instability if they are unable to work due to physical or emotional trauma or if they are

financially dependent on the abuser. Overall, the effects of GBV are long-lasting, and

without appropriate intervention and support, the survivors struggle to regain control of

their lives and heal from the violence they have endured.

5.2 How could media influence gender based violence

The media has a powerful influence on gender-based violence (GBV), both in

perpetuating and combating it. On one hand, the media can normalize violence by

portraying abusive behavior as acceptable or romanticizing it in films, TV shows, and

video games, which can subtly reinforce harmful power dynamics. Additionally, gender

stereotypes in media often depict men as dominant and women as submissive, further

justifying GBV. Media coverage may also unintentionally blame the victim by focusing

on their behavior or appearance rather than holding the perpetrator accountable. On the

other hand, the media can also play a crucial role in challenging GBV by raising public

awareness about its causes, consequences, and prevalence. Documentaries, news

reports, and social media campaigns can educate the public and dispel myths

surrounding GBV. Furthermore, providing a platform for survivors to share their stories

can empower others to seek help and understand they are not alone. By promoting

positive portrayals of healthy relationships based on mutual respect and consent, the

media can challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage societal change. Media

campaigns like #MeToo and #TimesUp have also mobilized social movements,

pressuring governments and institutions to take stronger action against GBV. In this

way, while the media has the potential to perpetuate harmful attitudes, it also holds

immense power in raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for change.
ACTIVITY 6: REFLECTION

The topic of gender-based violence (GBV) as a human rights violation and a form of

discrimination, especially in a place like Thohoyandou, has had a deep impact on my

thinking, attitude, and behaviour. Learning about the high levels of violence that many

women and girls in Thohoyandou face, including rape, domestic abuse, and femicide,

has made me more aware of the harsh realities that many people in my own country or

community live through every day. It has challenged me to think more critically about the

systems and attitudes that allow this kind of violence to continue, and it has made me

realise that GBV is not just a personal issue—it is a serious violation of human rights.

This awareness has changed my attitude by making me more empathetic and

supportive toward survivors of GBV. I no longer see these stories as distant or isolated;

instead, I understand that they are real and happening around us, often in silence. I

have also become more sensitive to the language I use and more conscious of how

stereotypes or jokes can contribute to harmful attitudes about gender.

Media has also played a big role in influencing my thinking. On one hand, I’ve noticed

how some media content continues to promote harmful gender roles, which makes me

more critical of what I watch or listen to. On the other hand, powerful campaigns and

survivor stories shared online or through the news have inspired me to be more active

in raising awareness, speaking up when I see injustice, and educating others around

me. It has influenced my behaviour by encouraging me to stand against any form of

violence or discrimination, and to be a part of the change whether it’s by supporting

awareness campaigns, having important conversations, or simply listening and showing

compassion.

ACTIVITY 7: CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this research has helped me gain a deeper understanding of

gender-based violence (GBV) as a serious human rights violation and form of

discrimination, especially in communities like Thohoyandou. I explored the impacts of

GBV on victims, the role of the media in both perpetuating and combating the issue, and

the ways government and citizens can help address the problem. I also reflected on

how GBV affects not just individuals, but entire families and communities.

Through this task, I learned how deeply rooted GBV is in social and cultural systems,

and how important it is for every individual, including myself, to be part of the solution. I

developed a better understanding of the emotional, social, and economic effects of GBV

and how media and education can influence people’s attitudes and behaviours.

One of the limitations I experienced during the research was that some information

specific to Thohoyandou was not easily accessible, and I had to rely on general data

about South Africa. Also, due to the sensitive nature of the topic, it was sometimes

difficult to fully capture the emotional impact GBV has on survivors using just written

sources. Despite these challenges, this research process has been eye-opening, and it

has motivated me to continue learning, speak out against GBV, and actively support

those affected by it.

ACTIVITY 8: BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCE

1.​ Journal

Diko, M., 2023. 'Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa: An Interdisciplinary

Discourse Analysis of One Selected isiZulu and One Selected isiXhosa Literary Text',
African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, 5(1), pp. 1–11. Available at:

https://journals.dut.ac.za/index.php/ajims/article/view/1147 [Accessed 18 May 2025].

2.​ Newspaper articles

Landman, C. & Mudimeli, L.M., 2022. 'The spiritual experiences of women victims of

gender-based violence: A case study of Thohoyandou', HTS Teologiese

Studies/Theological Studies, 78(3), a7528. Available at:

https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v78i3.7528 [Accessed 18 May 2025].

Madu, S.N., Ndom, R.J.E. & Ramashia, C.L., 2010. 'Depression among female

survivors of domestic violence in Thohoyandou, South Africa', Gender and Behaviour,

8(1), pp. 2871–2885. Available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/gab/article/view/54706

[Accessed 18 May 2025].

3.​ Books

Thobejane, T., 2019. 'Effects of Gender-Based Violence Towards Young Females: The

Case of Vhufuli Village in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province-South Africa', Journal of

Reviews on Global Economics, 8, pp. 53–62. Available at:

https://www.lifescienceglobal.com/independent-journals/journal-of-reviews-on-global-ec

onomics/volume-8/85-abstract/jrge/3510-abstract-effects-of-gender-based-violence-tow

ards-young-females-the-case-of-vhufuli-village-in-thohoyandou-limpopo-province-south-

africa [Accessed 18 May 2025].