Breaking Cycles of Violence Through Law and Advocacy

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Ms Noluthando Makhoba, who graduated with a Master of Laws in Child Care and Protection from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), is a candidate attorney steadily building a career grounded in advocacy, with a strong focus on protecting vulnerable children and advancing justice in South Africa’s legal system.

Makhoba’s dissertation, titled: ‘The Impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on the Development and Sexual Orientation of Children: Is the South African Legislative Framework Adequately Protecting Children in Gender-Related Matters?’, explored a perspective often overlooked.

“Society hears stories about how GBV impacts women and men. Very seldom are children considered and how exposure to GBV at a young age can become the example that children grow into adulthood knowing as an acceptable depiction of gender roles. The study gives children a voice and dives into the psychological effects of GBV-ridden homes as well as the impact on the sexual orientation of children,” said Makhoba.

“In a GBV-ridden home, children do not only inherit toxic gender stereotypes, but violence may become a generational norm passed down from father to son and accounted for by the intergenerational transmission of violence theory,” she said.

Her findings propose two key legal responses - temporary suspension of parental rights pending rehabilitation, or stronger court interventions such as child protection orders and alternative care placement.

Makhoba underscored a broader systemic issue. While both South African law and international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, provide strong protections on paper, implementation remains a significant challenge. Limited resources, under-staffed support systems, and poor co-ordination between stakeholders, continue to undermine efforts to combat GBV effectively.

For Makhoba, this achievement is deeply personal. It reflects resilience, discipline and the unwavering support of her loved ones. She also dedicated this milestone to her late cousin whose passion for education continues to inspire her.

Balancing work and postgraduate study was not without difficulty. Integrating legal and psychological perspectives, narrowing her topic, and meeting strict word limits tested her perseverance, yet through consistent effort and faith, she overcame these challenges.

She thanked her family, friends, church community, and her supervisor, Dr Annette Singh, for their guidance and encouragement throughout her journey.

Looking ahead, Makhoba plans to complete her articles, qualify as an attorney and eventually pursue a PhD.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini