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Proverbs form a vital component of African indigenous knowledge systems, embedding moral guidance, social norms, and intergenerational wisdom. This article offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the Setswana proverb “Monna ke selepe, wa adingwa” (“a man is an axe; he is borrowed”) within the context of gender-based violence (GBV), intimate partner violence, and father absenteeism in South Africa. Traditionally linked to male mobility within extended family networks, the proverb is reframed as a metaphor for the transmission of positive masculine values, ethical guidance, and communal mentorship rather than the physical presence or ownership of men. Drawing on an integrative literature review that synthesises scholarship on Indigenous Knowledge Systems, critical and positive masculinity theories, and strengths-based social work approaches, the article demonstrates how culturally resonant symbols can bridge tradition and contemporary practice. Findings highlight the underutilisation of indigenous narratives in GBV prevention, the enduring influence of hegemonic masculinities, and the interconnectedness of father absence with cycles of violence and relational instability. The discussion advances practical implications for social work, proposing the integration of proverb-based dialogues into community interventions, fatherhood programmes, and mentorship initiatives. By positioning the “axe” as a transferable resource of wisdom and responsibility, the article contributes to the decolonisation of social work practice and offers a culturally grounded pathway toward non-violent, accountable, and relational masculinities that support GBV prevention and strengthen communal care.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a major human rights violation and a serious public health concern affecting women worldwide. Approximately one in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. In South Africa, the prevalence of gender-based violence is particularly high, exposing many women to significant physical, psychological, and emotional harm. Female nurses are a vulnerable group because they may experience violence in both their personal lives and professional environments. Their frequent interaction with patients, patients' families, and the broader public can increase their risk of meeting violent or aggressive behaviour within healthcare settings. Exposure to such experiences may negatively affect nurses' psychological well-being, job performance, and overall quality of life. The study explores the psychological effects of exposure to gender-based violence among female nurses in South Africa. The study aimed at examining how exposure to GBV influenced nurses' mental and emotional well-being as well as their ability to function effectively in their professional roles. The study adopted a qualitative desktop research approach to examine existing literature related to gender-based violence and its psychological impact on female nurses. Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, government reports, and policy documents were reviewed and analysed. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis to find key patterns and themes within the literature. The study looked to enhance understanding of the psychological challenges faced by female nurses and to highlight the importance of workplace interventions, support systems, and policies that promote nurses' safety and mental well-being in healthcare environments. Institutional Review Board Statement: Ethical review and approval were waived for this study because the research does not deal with vulnerable groups or sensitive issues.

Gender-based violence undermines women's safety, dignity, and socioeconomic participation, particularly in rural communities where access to formal protection services may be constrained. This study examined how the Lunungwi Royal Council contributes to a culturally grounded rural protection ecosystem in Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa. Guided by Afrocentricity, Sankofa, ecosystem theory, and collaborative governance, the study adopted an interpretive qualitative case-study design. Nine participants were purposively selected, comprising six Royal Council members, a community-based participant, a young representative, and an Indigenous knowledge holder. Data were generated through individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the Council provides culturally accessible reporting, temporary safety, mediation, moral education, and connections with community policing and social-service structures. Its effectiveness is constrained by limited professional training, unclear institutional boundaries, informal referral arrangements, inadequate documentation, social pressure, and women's economic dependence. The study proposes a Culturally Grounded Rural Protection Ecosystem Framework integrating Indigenous governance, community protection, statutory, professional services, economic empowerment, and coordinated accountability. Cultural legitimacy can strengthen GBV responses when combined with survivor-centred procedures, constitutional accountability, and women's socioeconomic agency.

This paper seeks to explore the realities of gender-based violence (GBV) within the African context with a special focus on how traditions, cultural norms, and values are perceived at the dawn of the recognition of human rights. Culture, human rights, and GBV are deeply interconnected and have significant implications for individuals, communities, and societies at large. It must be noted that the paper does not seek to condone patriarchy or harmful practices that promote gender-based violence; rather, it aims to create a balance between these cultural practices and responses to gender-based violence. The dawn of human rights and legislative frameworks, which to some extent challenge the existence of some practices as not being in line with human rights, has led to some power struggles and imbalances within the relationships. The introduction of human rights and equality, which resulted in most programs focusing on empowering women, such as the 50/50 principle, without necessarily preparing men to live with empowered women, may be perceived by men as challenging their authority. These developments may create frustrated men who see empowered women as a challenge to their leadership, culture, and tradition, and in defense, most men resort to violence as a way of trying to maintain their authority within the family structure. This paper will expand on how patriarchal social structures, cultural norms and traditional practices, colonialism, economic marginalization, resistance, and resilience impact efforts to address GBV. The author conducted desktop research and realized that efforts to prevent GBV should recognize the psychological realities and frustrations of culturally inclined men.

This paper delves into structural and affective determinants of women's persistence in violent relationships within the overarching theme of "Invisible Chains." The research, informed by a qualitative research design based on phenomenology, aimed to discover the lived experiences of women exposed to intimate partner violence (abusive relationships). Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with self-identified female abuse victims. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data and derive repetitive patterns and meanings. The significant findings indicate that economic reliance was a common factor, as the majority of participants did not have the economic means or the means to obtain resources to escape violent relationships. Fears as emotional constraints, like fear of new beginnings, loss of self-worth, and worry about children's lives, also trap them. Social norms regarding marriage and gendered roles worked to render abuse normal. Institutional failure, including the inaction of social workers, the police, and other professionals, isolated and disempowered women. These results highlight the need for multifaceted interventions incorporating individual empowerment, systemic change, and cultural change. The research identifies economic support, trauma-informed care, and institutional responsibility in eradicating the invisible forces that keep women locked in abusive relationships.

Rural communities have tremendous difficulties in social justice and sustainable development due to the prevalent and ongoing nature of gender-based violence (GBV). This study aims to map sustainable GBV accountability ecosystems in the rural communities of the Vhembe district. The study seeks to discover the contextual elements, institutional mechanisms, and community dynamics that support long-lasting and sustainable response to GBV within the Vhembe District. Through in-depth interviews, the study gathered qualitative data using a qualitative research approach. The study engaged different stakeholders, including survivors, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and government representatives, in order to get an in-depth understanding of the current GBV accountability structures and their sustainability. While a non-probability purposive sampling was adopted for the selection of the participants. Data was analysed using the Thematic analysis, with the assistance of Atlas TI Data software. The results of this study brought to light the complex issues that rural communities face in preventing GBV, which includes resource access issues, cultural norms, and weak institutional support. Moreover, the research has revealed the potential practices and community-driven initiatives that support sustainable accountability, including launching community-based support teams, establishing capacity-building programs, and stakeholders’ collaboration. The study findings will significantly assist the policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to develop targeted interventions and strengthen sustainable responses to GBV in rural communities of Vhembe district. Additionally, the ethical considerations were followed to protect the participants from any harm.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is increasingly gaining local and international attention. South Africa has been experiencing high volume of GBV cases. Men are unable to report gender-based violence cases because of fears for discrimination, labelling and cultural norms. Traditionally, men are expected to be strong despite the difficulties experienced. Although there is high unequal implementation of programs and policies that caters for GBV, male victims continue to suffer because the societal perception, stigmatization, and discrimination. Notwithstanding the existing policies, men continue to become victims of gender-based violence at an alarming rate. Gender-based violence against men has disturbing effects which includes physical effects, mental health illness, sexual dysfunctionality suicide and femicide. Men significantly suffer gender-based violence which this leads to lack of self-expression due to societal expectations and finding it difficult to seek help and report about the abuse. This mostly results to divorce, homicides and other mental related problems. The purpose of the study was to explore the destructive effects of gender-based violence against men in South Africa. The study employed the qualitative research approach with exploratory research design adopted. A sample of 14 male victims of gender-based violence was chosen for the purpose of the study. The study used interviews with semi-structured interview schedule used to guide the session. Purposive sampling technique was used with thematic content used for data analysis process. Among the many effects experienced, the study established the physical, mental health problems, sexual dysfunctionality, suicide and homicide to be the main effects of gender-based violence against men. Family systems theory was found to be relevant in the study to understand the dynamics of gender-based violence.