Abstract:
There is a high rate of gender-based violence in South Africa. The study aimed at
examining the effectiveness of Ikhaya Lethemba as a community based
organisation in empowering victims of gender-based violence in Gauteng province
of the republic. In ensuring that the objectives of this study used predominantly
qualitative research approach. The study method has been a case study.
Representative of the study were selected purposively and participants were ten
staff members including principals of Ikhaya Lethemba along with twenty-four
respondents. The sample consisted of thirty-four participants.
As this was predominantly qualitative study, data collection was using semi structured in-depth interviews. The narrative data from the interview guide was
analysed qualitatively through open-ended questions. Data was also collected by
using closed-ended questions for responding to semi-structured questions.
Patterns of experiences were noted from the emerged themes. Those emerged
themes were then grouped together. The main findings indicated that Ikhaya
Lethemba played a significant role in empowering gender-based violence victims in
Gauteng province, South Africa. The study discussed the nature of gender based
violence experienced by the respondents, the legislative and policy framework in
responding to gender based violence within the Republic of South Africa, and to
examine the effectiveness of Ikhaya Lethemba as a community based organisation
in empowering victims of gender based violence.
