Addressing Gender-Based Violence through Music – A Study of the Gospel Song ‘Isandla’ by Rebecca Malope
Gcinile Beauty Thwala 
& Sinoyolo Nokutywa
Issue: Vol.6 No.9 Article 21 pp.2035 – 2043
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256921 | Published online 28th August, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Released in 2005 by renowned South African gospel singer, the song ‘Isandla’ by Rebecca Malope remains relevant as GBV continues to persist in South Africa. Malope uses the metaphorical expression of hand ‘Isandla’ to illustrate its dual capacity for performing virtuous and harmful actions. The song highlights the positive deeds carried out by the hand before exposing its role in committing violent acts such as hitting, rape, and murder. In ‘Isandla,’ Malope calls for collective action to combat these issues. This paper, in light of this background, examined the gospel song ‘Isandla’ by Malope, focusing on its role in addressing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV). This paper emphasized the urgent need for national solidarity and critical examination of the problem. Malope’s plea for intervention reflects believers’ need for strengthened prayers. A qualitative research approach was adopted, with the analysis centring on the song. Data was collected through the examination of the song, journal articles, online newspapers, and books. The findings suggest that music has been instrumental in addressing societal issues, indicating that artists can significantly contribute to combating GBV. Support for artists on social media and live performances highlights the appreciation of music by the public. Therefore, the researchers recommend that if more artists use their music to tackle GBV, it could make a significant difference. Additionally, other creative media like poetry and television narratives should also focus on GBV to increase awareness and inspire change.
Keywords: Music, Isandla, Rebecca Malope, Domestic violence, Gender-abuse violence.
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Gcinile Beauty Thwala is a Lecturer in the Department of African Languages, in the School of Languages, Literature, and Media, at the University of Witwatersrand. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree specialising in the Senior and FET Phase, BA Honours degree in African Languages, a master’s degree in African Languages (with distinction), and PhD in African Languages from the University of Johannesburg. She is actively involved in academic work as a reviewer, supervisor, researcher, and member of the Editorial Team for SAFOS. Her research focuses on areas such as Oral Literature, Poetry, Teaching and Learning, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
Sinoyolo Nokutywa is an Academic and a Manager of the Languages and Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) Unit under the Directorate of Transformation and Languages at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). He also lectures on both Literature and Linguistics for undergraduates and postgraduates in the Department of African Languages at WSU. His research interests include Sociolinguistics, Applied Language Studies, and Oral Literature. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of South Africa (UNISA). He is the author of five literature books in isiXhosa and an accredited translator with the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI). He serves on three academic association boards, namely African Languages of Southern Africa (ALASA), the Southern African Folklore Society (SAFOS) and the Linguistics Society of South Africa (LSSA).
Gcinile, Thwala Beauty, and Nokutywa Sinoyolo . “Addressing Gender-Based Violence through Music – A Study of the Gospel Song ‘Isandla’ by Rebecca Malope,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 9 (2025): 2035 – 2043, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256921.
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
