An exploration of triple whammy oppression and its role in creating unsafe environments for black women in post-apatheid South Africa : a case study of Mankweng Community, Limpopo Province

Abstract

During the apartheid era in South Africa, Black women were mostly oppressed members of the population. They faced the triple whammy oppression of race, sex and class which prevented them from living their lives freely. These categories of oppressions overlapped into the democratic dispensation. Although South Africa has become a democratic Republic, Black women continue to experience the triple whammy oppression of racism, sexism and classism. These oppressions are prevalent among Black women in the Mankweng community of Limpopo Province, resulting in different types of social issues. This development has motivated Black communities to employ Womanist theory or Womanism to eradicate the triple whammy oppressions and social issues that have morphed into challenges in the communities. This theory considers the element of equality from different aspects of life in the society. The aim of this study was to explore the triple whammy oppression and its role in making Mankweng Community in Limpopo Province of post-apartheid South Africa an unsafe environment. The study utilised semi-structured interviews to collect and collate data. Collected data established that Black women and men have different and similar views on the triple whammy oppression and social issues that contribute to unsafe environments for Black women in Mankweng Community of Limpopo Province. The study further established that Black women are mostly the victims of oppressions and social issues. The study further recommends that black men must be educated about the importance of women and that the philosophy of Ubuntu must be practiced in the communities of Black people in order to have safe environments for everyone.