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This study presents a thematic literature review aimed at understanding the systemic barriers that Black African women face when accessing bank loans in South Africa, as well as the critical role that the humanities can play in addressing these issues. In the context of the persistent economic instability facing South Africa, the small business sector has become a vital source of income and resilience for Black women. Despite this, their economic potential remains constrained by limited access to bank loans. Guided by an intersectionality framework, the study discusses the systemic barriers that contribute to the financial hardships and exclusion of Black African women. It further explores how gender-sensitive and humanities-informed approaches can contribute to more inclusive financial services. This includes emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive financial products, bias awareness training, and supportive policy frameworks. The review calls for strategic interventions to improve economic empowerment among Black African women entrepreneurs. Central to these interventions is the role of humanities faculties in facilitating Short Learning Programs and Skills Training Programs that provide business training, helping women manage finances and scale their ventures sustainably through enhanced financial literacy. This increased knowledge can improve their chances of success, even in the absence of formal funding. Conducting Afrocentric research is another avenue to uncover the barriers and address the current financial exclusion that Black women in South Africa experience. Gender equality in financial inclusion must remain one of the fundamental building blocks for steady and positive economic growth in South Africa.

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a significant public health issue that has been extensively researched, particularly in relation to women and girls. However, there is limited research on the psychological consequences of GBV experienced by men, especially in rural African contexts. This qualitative research explored the psychological impacts of GBV on men in rural Zimbabwe. Fifteen participants were purposively selected to participate in focus group discussions. This study involved married men and women aged 20 to 45, encompassing both employed and unemployed individuals. It was completed over two weeks, facing time constraints due to commitments of both researchers and participants. Content thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that men in rural Zimbabwe face various forms of GBV, including physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse. The data reveal that the psychological consequences of this violence can be severe, with some men experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and even death. The study recommends that, there is need for greater awareness, support services, and counselling to address the unique challenges faced by male survivors of GBV in this context. The research further recommends calling for further research to better understand the gendered dynamics and help-seeking behaviours of men experiencing GBV in rural African communities. Developing culturally appropriate interventions and dismantling harmful gender norms are identified as critical steps toward supporting the mental health and well-being of male GBV survivors.

This study examined media advertisement, self-image, and self-esteem as predictors of skin bleaching behavior among Nigerian undergraduate students, grounded in Social Learning Theory.  A cross-sectional survey of 350 undergraduates (56.3% female) from five on-campus hostels used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, an adapted Body Self-Image Questionnaire, and media influence assessments. Multiple regression analysis examined predictive relationships. The findings reveal media advertisements were the strongest predictor of skin bleaching behavior , followed by self-image and self-esteem. The model explained 62.4% of variance. Currently, 25.4% of participants used skin bleaching products, 77.1% had family history of the practice, and only 8.1% demonstrated adequate knowledge of health risks. The findings highlight media influence as the primary behavioral driver, supporting Social Learning Theory's emphasis on environmental factors and observational learning. Interventions must address media messaging, regulatory frameworks, and health literacy rather than relying solely on individual psychological interventions.

This qualitative study examines significant educational challenges encountered by HIV/AIDS-infected rural female learners with physical disabilities in Zimbabwe amidst the severe impacts of El Niño-induced droughts. To capture nuanced perspectives of this marginalised group, researchers selected 16 participants based on specific criteria, including gender. The data collection process comprised two separate focus group discussions: one involving learners with disabilities and the other involving adult participants. This strategic approach seeks to reduce power imbalances and facilitate the expression of individual narratives by learners. The thematic analysis of the data identified two significant findings. Initially, individuals with physical disabilities and HIV/AIDS faced significant obstacles in obtaining educational resources, exacerbated by the intersectional effects of their disabilities, health conditions, and environmental challenges. Female learners encountered additional gender-related challenges, such as social stigma, insufficient family support, and heightened caregiving responsibilities at home, which further impeded their educational achievement and overall well-being. This study recommends the development of inclusive and comprehensive support programs that address the needs of learners with physical disabilities and HIV/AIDS, ensuring access to healthcare, assistive technologies, and tailored educational accommodations. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should implement policies that offer flexible learning options and resource allocation for HIV/AIDS-affected rural female learners with disabilities during El Niño droughts, thereby ensuring their sustained access to education.


 Chieftainship being well anchored to hold the cultural fabric of Botswana together remains an institution of interest to uphold democracy in the country. Despite this important function, political administration misconstrues the strategic function of chiefs, leading to insecurity of the institution of Chieftainship. A case in point in this study is that of the principal chief of Bakgatla-baga-Kgafela. Kgosi Kgafela II was the paramount chief of Bakgatla-baga-Kgafela from 2008 to 2011 when the government of Botswana derecognised him. This is a qualitative study that used documents as the main source of data collection. The study analysed the sequence of events and activities during Kgafela’s tenure as a Chief till he fled the country to South Africa in 2012. While there is existing literature on how chieftainship has posed a threat after democratic consolidation in many African states, not much has been done on Bakgata-ba-ga-Kgafela’s case. Documents were analysed in line with the theory of societal security which states that when a referent object is faced with an existential threat it develops a mechanism to ensure its survival. In this case, the study seeks to evaluate if there are implications for Botswana’s national security as Chiefs respond to such societal threats. Further to determine if tribesmen continue to be loyal to their chiefs. The main findings of this study were that; Kgosi Kgafela, declared that the bogosiinstitution is threatened. The institution still seeks to find itself in the governance structures with power and decision-making. Bakagtla reacted to the threats, through initiatives that the community itself carries out and also moved the matter to the political sphere and put the matter as a state agenda item which is in line with propositions of societal security.