Abstract:
The overall objective of this research is to determine whether the position of
black women in traditional communities in small-scale agriculture in South
Africa has improved since 1993. The community of Mantsie in Lehurutshe is
used as a case study. To achieve this objective the study was divided into a
theoretical literature study and an empirical study.
The theoretical literature study was also divided into two parts. Chapter 2 looks
at the traditional customs of the Tswana culture and the role of women therein.
Chapter 3 investigates the various theoretical changes (if any) that has
occurred in the position of black women in traditional communities' dependant
for their livelihoods on small-scale agriculture. Chapter 4 contains the results of
the empirical study, which consists of a structured questionnaire and semi
structured interviews, which were conducted with the women of the Mantsie
community.
It has become very clear during the study that women are very important role
players in the food security of their rural communities. Although women have
been singled out in policy and legislation, it is very clear that they still
experience practical problems and obstacles in their agricultural activities.
Nevertheless, the women of Mantsie feel that their position has improved and
that it will improve further. In light of the research results a few
recommendations have been made at the end of the dissertation for the
empowerment of the women of Mantsie.
