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Polygamous marriages are a formally recognised family form within customary law in South Africa and specific cultural communities. However, little attention has been paid to the consequences of living in a polygamous family as a child. A study exploring the effects of Polygamous marriages on Youth Behaviour was conducted in the Ha-Makuya village, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study used a qualitative research approach to investigate the issue. The study used an exploratory research design to explore the topic. Participants were selected through a purposive sampling of six young people aged between 18 to 35 years from polygamous families in the Ha-Makuya village. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then processed using thematic analysis. The results obtained showed that children in polygamous families face the difficulties associated with sibling rivalry, complex family dynamics, and stereotyping. However, they are adaptive and have developed coping mechanisms to counter these effects. The participants also said they needed more involvement from their fathers and the support of community-based programs. Beyond its sociocultural focus, the study offers insights into human capital development and community resilience in rural ecosystems, dimensions that influence long-term economic participation and youth empowerment. These findings are relevant for policymakers, educators, and social entrepreneurs designing youth-centred interventions in culturally diverse communities. The study recommends culturally sensitive programs, including school-based counselling and community partnerships, to strengthen youth well-being and contribute to sustainable local development.

This literature-based study, titled “Sirha ra Wansati Rile Vukatini,” a Xitsonga word meaning “the strength or endurance of a woman lies in her marriage,” examines the contemporary variables influencing Tsonga women’s choices to persist in unsatisfactory marriages. This study examines the socio-cultural and economic background of Munghonghoma Village within the Greater Giyani Municipality, Mopani District, employing an exploratory qualitative methodology based on current literature regarding gender, culture, and marital dynamics among Tsonga women. Literature review findings indicate that Tsonga women frequently endure unsatisfactory marriages due to economic reliance, entrenched cultural norms, and apprehension regarding the social shame linked to divorce or separation. Emotional bonds with their spouses and apprehension for their children's welfare also influence their choices to remain. Literature suggests that several Tsonga women endure diverse forms of physical, mental, and financial abuse, which compromise their entire well-being. The study suggests that ingrained patriarchal practices, gender inequity, and restricted economic empowerment persist in perpetuating women's vulnerability inside marriage. It advises that governmental entities, religious organisations, and community stakeholders establish initiatives that foster women's empowerment, economic autonomy, and awareness of their rights to mitigate the normalisation of abuse condoned by the cultural ideal of “Sirha ra Wansati Rile Vukatini.”.

In South Africa, early marriage continues to pose a serious obstacle to girls' education and gender equality, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of Early Marriage on Girl child’s Education in South Africa. The study highlighted the main causes, effects, and legal frameworks of early marriage in South Africa by combining data from international organizations like UNICEF with government reports and current literature. Early marriage also limits females' prospects for career and personal growth, resulting in long-term socioeconomic disadvantages. Moreover, to lower the rate of early marriage and lessen its detrimental impacts on girls' education, this study emphasized the necessity of more robust regulatory enforcement, focused educational interventions, and community-based activities. The study employed the qualitative approach with the use of the comprehensive desktop approach to investigate the effects of early marriage on girls' educational performance. The findings, a multifaceted strategy is required to address the underlying issues and give girls the tools and chances they need to finish their school and succeed in society. This study used extensive desktop research to investigate the effects of early marriage on girls' educational performance.