UKUTHWALA PRACTICE: CONFLICT OF CHAPTER TWO (BILL OF RIGHTS) OF SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTITUTION ACT 108 OF 1996 AND CULTURAL PRACTICE

ABSTRACT: This article focused on “Ukuthwala” practice: A violation of Human Rights, societal norms andvalues in Mbizana Local Municipality. Ukuthwala practice seemed to be on the rise in Mbizana LocalMunicipality. The study used the social exchange theory. The study was qualitative in nature and employed theexploratory research design. The study collected data from 15 married and divorced females between 16 and45 years, who were/are victims of “Ukuthwala” practice. The study used snowball non-probability sampling. Itcollected data using semi-structured in depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data thatwere obtained in the course of the study. The research findings show that there are a number of women andgirls in Mbizana Local municipality who were in forced marriages.

Key words: Human Rights; Practice; Societal Norms; Ukuthwala; Violation; Victims