The role of Traditional Leadership and Customary Courts in Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response in South Africa: A Systematic Review Protocol

This systematic review protocol examines the role of traditional leadership and customary courts in preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. GBV remains pervasive, intersecting with complex socio-legal frameworks. In rural communities, traditional leadership and customary courts often serve as the most accessible justice systems. Their role, however, is complicated by tensions between patriarchal customary norms and the gender equality mandates of the South African Constitution. Despite their importance, synthesised evidence on their effectiveness and challenges in addressing GBV is limited. The objective of this protocol is to outline the methodology for a systematic review that will identify, evaluate, and synthesise existing research on the roles, strategies, and barriers faced by traditional leaders and customary courts in GBV prevention and response. The review will follow PRISMA-P guidelines. Searches will be conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Sabinet, Taylor & Francis Online, and Google Scholar. Literature published from 2016 onwards will be included to capture the post-apartheid landscape. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts using predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on peer-reviewed studies, legal analyses, and grey literature addressing GBV, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and violence against women. Data will be extracted using a standardised form and synthesised through thematic analysis. Anticipated findings include mechanisms such as mediation and community policing, alongside barriers like entrenched patriarchal values and limited legal training. Integration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) will also be assessed. The review will provide an evidence base for policymakers, legal practitioners, and NGOs. By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of traditional justice systems, it will inform strategies that align customary practices with constitutional rights, strengthening South Africa’s national GBV response. Systematic review protocol registration: This protocol has be registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) to ensure transparency, avoid duplication, and strengthen methodological rigor. PROSPERO 2026 CRD420261377130. Available from crd.york.ac.uk.