Question One

1.1
1.2
1.3 The Domestic Violence Act of 1998 is a pivotal piece of legislation in South Africa
designed to safeguard citizens, especially women, from gender-based violence
(GBV). The law allows victims to obtain protection orders against their abusers, which
can prohibit the abuser from contacting or approaching the victim. It provides avenues
for victims to seek legal remedies, including emergency monetary relief, occupation
order, and other measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim and any
dependents. The Act criminalizes various forms of domestic violence, including
physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse.
1.4 The causes of gender-based violence in South Africa stem from deeply ingrained
patriarchal norms, cultural traditions, and societal attitudes that perpetuate unequal
power dynamics between genders.
Patriarchal norms and cultural traditions in South Africa reinforce unequal power
dynamics, leading to the justification of violence against women. Practices like lobola
and ukuthwala exacerbate gender-based violence by asserting ownership over
women's lives. Addressing this issue necessitates challenging these beliefs, promoting
gender equality, and implementing protective laws and policies.
Societal attitudes in South Africa normalize violence against women, blame victims,
lack awareness and education on gender equality, are influenced by cultural and
religious norms, and suffer from weak enforcement of laws. These attitudes perpetuate
gender-based violence and require comprehensive strategies to address them
effectively.
Additionally, inadequate government response to gender-based violence in South
Africa results in insufficient prevention programs, support services, and law
enforcement. This leads to underreporting, impunity for perpetrators, and a lack of
accountability, perpetuating the cycle of violence and leaving survivors without
necessary assistance and justice.
1.5 Gender-based violence (GBV) has profound effects on individuals, communities,
and society as a whole. Two significant effects of GBV are:
Physical effects: These include severe pain, permanent disabilities, and injuries such
as broken bones, burns, black eyes, cuts, and bruises. Many women suffer
miscarriages from being beaten during pregnancy. In cases of rape or sexual assault,
survivors may also be at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended
pregnancies. Problems such as headaches, asthma, belly pain, and muscle pains may
last for years after abuse.
Psychological effects: These lead to long-term mental health issues such as anxiety,
depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts. Survivors
of GBV may struggle with feelings of worthlessness, shame, and self-blame, believing
they are responsible for the violence inflicted upon them. Survivors may become wary
of forming new relationships or seeking support, fearing further victimization or
betrayal, they may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other harmful behaviours as a coping
mechanism to numb their emotional pain or escape from traumatic memories.
1.6 Community support:
Raising Awareness: Organizing workshops, campaigns, and discussions to educate
people about GBV and available support resources.
Creating Safe Spaces: Establishing safe environments where survivors can seek
refuge and access support services.
Providing Emotional Support: Offering empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental
atmosphere for survivors to express their emotions and heal.
Offering Practical Assistance: Assisting victims in accessing legal aid, medical care,
counselling, and other essential resources.
Advocating for Change: Collaborating to advocate for stronger laws, policies, and
systems addressing GBV and promoting gender equality.
Government support:
Legal Reforms: Strengthen laws to enhance protection for victims and hold
perpetrators accountable.
Thuthuzela Care Centres: Establish comprehensive care centers for rape survivors,
providing medical care, counselling, and support.
GBV Command Centre: Set up a centralized helpline to provide immediate assistance
and connect victims to services.
Evidence Kits: Ensure police stations have evidence collection kits for survivors of
sexual violence.
Psychological and Social Services: Invest in mental health services and counseling
for GBV survivors.
GBVF Fund: Establish a dedicated fund to support GBV prevention, victim support,
Response and awareness campaigns.
Khuseleka Care Centres: Provide resources to expand services for male victims of
GBV.
Promote Reporting and Accountability: Educate the public about GBV, hold
perpetrators accountable, and encourage reporting.
Empower Women's Organizations: Allocate resources to support women's
organizations in marginalized communities.
Community Engagement and Awareness: Engage communities to challenge harmful
norms, promote gender equality, and educate about healthy relationships.
2.6 a. South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
The SAHRC will help you if any of your rights in the Bill of Rights have been violated
or abused. The SAHRC is an institution that ensures and protects everyone’s human
rights
b. Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)
If you believe the police have violated your rights, you can contact (IPID) IPID will
conduct independent, impartial, and thorough investigations of alleged criminal
offences committed by members of the South African Police Services or members of
the Metro Police Services.
c. Commission for Gender Equality
If you experience discrimination (treated unfairly) because of your sex (gender), you
should contact the Commission on Gender Equality.The Commission on Gender
Equality protects gender equality in South Africa through effective monitoring and
litigation.
Question Two
2.1 Service delivery refers to the distribution of basic services such as safe water
supply, electricity, health services, roads, street lighting, traffic controls, refuse
collection, sewage disposal and maintenance, as well as municipal parks and
recreation.
2.2 Bill of rights
2.3 Three service delivery violations that is happening in my city:
Lack of access to clean water: Many people in my city do not have access to clean
and safe drinking water. This can lead to a number of health problems, including
diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid.
Inadequate healthcare: Many people in my city have inadequate healthcare services.
This can lead to long wait times, poor quality of care, and limited access to essential
medications and treatments.
Overcrowded and substandard housing: Many people in my city live in overcrowded
and substandard housing, lacking basic services such as electricity, heating, and
adequate ventilation. This can lead to a number of health problems, including
respiratory infections and heatstroke.
2.4 I personally think that the local government is not doing enough to ensure that
Service Delivery Rights are protected, here are the following reasons why:
Limited resources: Our local government faces constraints in terms of budget,
personnel, and infrastructure, making it challenging to meet the diverse needs of the
population.
Inefficient governance: Poor management, lack of transparency, and corruption within
our local government structures are hindering effective service delivery and
compromise the protection of citizens' rights.
Capacity and Skills Gap: Our local government officials lack the necessary skills,
expertise, or capacity to effectively manage service delivery projects. This has led to
poor planning, implementation delays, and ineffective monitoring and evaluation
processes.
2.5 A. Non-governmental organisations:
Advantages:
NGOs raise awareness and mobilize communities to advocate for their rights
regarding service delivery, pressuring local governments to take action.
NGOs monitor service delivery performance, hold local governments accountable, and
push for transparency and accountability.
Disadvantages:
NGOs typically rely on project-based funding, which prioritizes addressing immediate
needs over long-term sustainability and systemic change. However, sustainable
community development requires consistent, long-term efforts beyond short-term
projects.
NGOs may face challenges in scaling up their services due to limitations in resources,
staff, and infrastructure. These constraints can hinder their effectiveness in meeting
the demands of large communities.
B. Community-Based Organisation:
Advantages:
Community-based organizations (CBOs) benefit from established trust and
relationships within the community. These connections enable effective
communication, engagement, and cooperation with community members, ultimately
leading to improved service
delivery outcomes.
Disadvantages:
CBOs operate with constrained resources, limiting their capacity to expand services
or reach more community members. This may lead to gaps in service provision,
especially in resource-poor areas.
CBOs face difficulties in maintaining operations and securing funding in the long term.
Reliance on external funding sources, which may be unstable or fluctuating, poses
risks to service continuity.
C. Religious organizations:
Advantages:
They possess a robust presence in communities, leveraging established networks and
relationships to reach and engage community members effectively in service delivery
initiatives.
Guided by principles of compassion and service, religious organizations instill a sense
of purpose and dedication among volunteers, leading to meaningful and impactful
service delivery efforts.
Disadvantages:
Some organizations may use service delivery as a platform to promote their religious
beliefs or engage in conversion efforts. This approach may create tension and
discomfort for individuals who do not wish to participate in religious activities or receive
services with religious undertones.
Question Three
Article one:
Issues such as the power crisis, climate change, gender-based violence,
unemployment, lack of service delivery, corruption, crime, and racial tension continue
to affect the daily lives of South Africans. These challenges hinder access to essential
services and contribute to socio-economic inequalities. Human Rights Day serves as
a reminder of South Africa's painful past and the transition from apartheid to
democracy. It provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the progress made in
upholding human rights and to address ongoing challenges. Political leaders and
government institutions are called upon to protect and uphold human rights. This
includes ensuring the right to peaceful protest and demonstration, promoting socio-
economic transformation, and addressing unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
Political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens are urged to address historical
imbalances, fight for socio-economic transformation, and hold the government
accountable for its actions. There is a collective call for improved service delivery,
access to basic necessities, and the restoration of dignity for all South Africans.
Article two:
Despite the progress made since the advent of democracy, millions of South Africans
still live in poverty, facing inadequate housing, insufficient access to basic services,
and high unemployment rates. This perpetuates socio-economic disparities and
restricts opportunities for individuals to break the cycle of poverty. The disparities in
access to legal representation and resources underscore the challenges faced by
citizens in defending their rights. Many individuals, particularly those from marginalized
communities, struggle to navigate the legal system and protect themselves against
injustices. Students and young people face numerous obstacles in accessing quality
education, securing employment, and advancing their socio-economic prospects.
Socio-economic disparities, coupled with systemic barriers within higher education
institutions, hinder their ability to succeed and contribute to the workforce. The
existence of corruption and governance failures undermine citizens' trust in democratic
institutions and erode the ideals of freedom and equality. Many individuals feel
disenfranchised and excluded from the benefits of democracy, leading to
disillusionment and scepticism about the effectiveness of democratic governance.
3.2
3.3
3.4 a. Media companies can allocate specific segments or columns in their sports
coverage dedicated solely to sportswomen and athletes with disabilities. By doing so,
they can provide a platform for their achievements, challenges, and stories. This would
not only increase visibility but also foster a more inclusive sporting culture.
b. Media companies have the opportunity to form alliances and work closely with
disability sports organizations. This partnership would enable them to tap into a
diverse talent pool of athletes and events, ensuring thorough coverage of their
successes and competitions. Moreover, such collaborative efforts serve to increase
awareness about disability sports and challenge stereotypes associated with them.
c. Creating feature stories and documentaries that showcase the experiences and
achievements of sportswomen and athletes with disabilities can effectively boost their
coverage. By delving into their stories in detail, media companies can portray these
athletes in a more relatable light, highlighting their determination and resilience to
inspire viewers. These narratives also have the potential to challenge societal norms
and stereotypes related to gender in sports and disabilities.
d. Utilizing social media platforms and digital channels is essential to broaden
coverage reach. Media companies can effectively advocate for sportswomen and
athletes with disabilities by sharing compelling content, real-time updates, and
exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Through the use of hashtags and interactive
initiatives, they can foster audience engagement and cultivate a supportive community
around these athletes.
Bibliography
Gender-based violence | SONA 2024.
https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/priorities/making-communities-safer/gender-
based-violence
"South Africa still battling human rights challenges, SAHRC says." 21 Mar. 2023,
https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/sa-still-battling-human-rights-
challenges-sa-human-rights-commission-says-20230321.
The Strengths and Limitations of NGOs in Development.
https://revisesociology.com/2017/03/08/ngo-strengths-limitations/
"Why freedom means different things to different people - IOL." 06 Apr. 2024,
https://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/analysis/why-freedom-means-different-
things-to-different-people-8c0d6b8d-f051-4a7a-b929-8c706cdb3ee1.