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Assessing South Africa’s rape laws against due diligence criteria

Mini Dissertation (MPhil (Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights))--University of Pretoria, 2024.

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Other Authors: Killander, Magnus
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: University of Pretoria 2025
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Killander, Magnus
author_browse Killander, Magnus
author_facet Killander, Magnus
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © 2023 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Mini Dissertation (MPhil (Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights))--University of Pretoria, 2024.
format Thesis
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institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
language English
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:36:14.350Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2025
publishDateRange 2025
publishDateSort 2025
publisher University of Pretoria
publisherStr University of Pretoria
record_format dspace
source_str UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/100713 Assessing South Africa’s rape laws against due diligence criteria Killander, Magnus u27287752@tuks.co.za Mosese, Rethabile Mapokeli UCTD Sustainable development goals (SDGs) Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) Sexual violence Due diligence African feminism Secondary victimisation Mini Dissertation (MPhil (Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights))--University of Pretoria, 2024. This dissertation critically examines the ‘mistaken belief in consent’ defence within South Africa’s rape laws, employing African feminist theory and international due diligence standards as analytical frameworks. The research explores the enduring influence of patriarchal biases in the South African judicial system and their disproportionate impact on female rape survivors, particularly those from historically disadvantaged communities. The primary research question investigates how the ‘mistaken belief in consent’ defence aligns with South Africa’s international human rights obligations to prevent and prosecute sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). By analysing the implementation of these international obligations and the effects of this defence on survivors; experiences, the study identifies significant gaps between legal reforms and their practical outcomes, revealing systemic barriers that hinder justice for survivors. In response, the dissertation proposes complementary feminist strategies that enhance existing legal frameworks by prioritising social justice, advocating for community-driven justice approaches, and promoting legal empowerment. These strategies aim to align South Africa’s legal framework more closely with international human rights standards, addressing the challenges posed by the ‘mistaken belief in consent’ defence. The findings offer practical insights for civil society organisations, informing the development of culturally sensitive interventions that enhance public awareness, support services, and legal training programs, ultimately aiming to create a more effective and survivor-centred approach to SGBV. Centre for Human Rights MPhil (Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights) Unrestricted Faculty of Laws SDG-05: Gender equality 2025-02-11T13:39:08Z 2025-02-11T13:39:08Z 2025-04 2024-08-29 Mini Dissertation * A2025 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/100713 Disclaimer Letter with HOD en © 2023 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle UCTD
Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
Sexual violence
Due diligence
African feminism
Secondary victimisation
Assessing South Africa’s rape laws against due diligence criteria
title Assessing South Africa’s rape laws against due diligence criteria
title_full Assessing South Africa’s rape laws against due diligence criteria
title_fullStr Assessing South Africa’s rape laws against due diligence criteria
title_full_unstemmed Assessing South Africa’s rape laws against due diligence criteria
title_short Assessing South Africa’s rape laws against due diligence criteria
title_sort assessing south africa s rape laws against due diligence criteria
topic UCTD
Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
Sexual violence
Due diligence
African feminism
Secondary victimisation
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/100713