Tag: Xhosa

Violent forms of ukuthwala reveal longstanding brutality against women

To understand South Africa’s present condition, in which violence against women and girls is endemic, we must travel back to an unfamiliar past. Digging deep, answers can be unearthed to questions about forms of gendered abuse that unrelentingly flourish today. It is important to do this work, as violence against women cannot be eradicated without …

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Customary status of “ukuthwala” debated since 19th century

Current debates over ukuthwala invoke the idea of custom to both criticise and justify the practice. Participants on both sides of this debate use historical claims to justify their position. The legal status of custom is not determined by history, but for many observers the popular legitimacy of custom depends on a practice’s deep historical …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.customcontested.co.za/customary-status-of-ukuthwala-debated-since-19th-century/

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