IAHRW International Journal of Social Sciences Review

Victor H. Mlambo ¹, Xolani Thusi ², Nkosingiphile Mkhize ³, Siphelele N. Mahlaba ⁴

Affiliations
1 School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, IN
2 Department of Public Administration, University of Limpopo, South Africa, IN
3 Department of Public Administration and Management, University of the Free State, South Africa, IN
4 Department of Sociology, University of the Free State, South Africa, IN

Abstract

This article explores violence against women in South Africa, its causes, implications, and how the South African government has responded to what many have called a new pandemic. Aqualitative research approachwas employed through the review of the literature. The social learning theory was applied as a theoretical lens. SouthAfrica struggles with gender-based violence (GBV), especially towards women. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the suffering of women as they were locked up with their abusers. Additionally, there have been criticisms about the effectiveness of laws meant to protect women against violence. The absence of a father figure in the household and increased drug and alcohol abuse have contributed to GBV, often with severe implications for gender equality. The difficulty in accessing the justice system has compounded the suffering of women, hence increased calls for laws to be amended to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law as this would serve as a strong deterrence.

Keywords

violence, women, men, policy, development

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Xolani Thusi ¹, Mamahlodi Mashabela ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Public Administration, School of Economics and Management, University of Limpopo, South Africa, IN

Abstract

The South African public sector is characterised by a lack of public accountability and responsive public officials. This has negatively impacted service delivery across all government sector. Corruption, maladministration, and lack of consequence management is noticeable in all government spheres. Civil Society groups attempt to serve the public's needs but operate outside of government; this provides them a crucial function namely: advocacy, watchdog, service provider, capacity building, and representation role. Having proactive civil society organisations is vital for South Africa, as more citizens depend on the government for provision of fundamental services, due to the rising rate of inequality, poverty, and unemployment in the country. The civil society group in South Africa had played a notable role in the dissolution of the presidency of former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki, and they can still play a huge role in promoting accountability in the South African public sector. This paper seek to investigate how can civil society organisations advance the agenda of accountability in the public sector to ensure that government resources are not wasted due to lack of accountability and there is repetition prioritized. The paper arrives at the opportune time where the South African public sector is beset with accountability difficulties that have destroyed the reputation of the public sector and disrupted the provision of provision of essential services to the poor and disadvantaged.

Keywords

accountability, citizens, civil society, government, public service delivery

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