Building a Rural Protection Ecosystem: Traditional Leadership, Institutional Collaboration, and Gender-Based Violence in South Africa
Mukundi Mugwena ORCID ↗ · Thomani Kwinda ORCID ↗ · Thizwilondi Joanbeth Madima ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 5 · 325–332
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Observed 21 Oct 2026, 00:14 UTC
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Abstract
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.
Keywords: collaborative governance; gender-based violence; Indigenous Knowledge Systems; rural protection ecosystem; traditional leadership; women’s economic agency
Authors & affiliations
Mukundi Mugwena
University of Venda
Thomani Kwinda
University of Venda
Thizwilondi Joanbeth Madima
University of Venda
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