Youth responses to political party messages on Social Media: a case study of Rhodes University students during the 3 August 2016 local government elections
- Authors: Pela, Noko Tshegofatso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes , Local elections -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media and young adults -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68308 , vital:29237
- Description: Rhodes University was awash with political tension and activity in the 2015 and 2016 academic years. The University had been the scene of radical protests and demands for change by students. The #RhodesMustFall, #FeesMustFall and the #RUReferenceList protests at Rhodes University started debates, conversations and public lectures amongst students and staff on and off social media on aspects of decoloniality, transformation, free education, issues of safety on campus and gender-based violence (Grocott’s Mail, 2015b). However, very little of this was reflected in the election campaigns of political parties and seemingly, in student engagement with political processes, at least as reflected in this election. The three biggest political parties in South Africa, and the only ones that contested Ward 12 (Rhodes) ANC, EFF, and the DA, were active on social media aiming to directly engage with constituents and draw citizens to the polls. All the parties had former and current Rhodes University students as candidates for councillor. There was a substantial engagement by students on social media, on the Rhodes SRC Facebook page, and on Twitter. However, only 39% of registered students, turned out to cast their vote on election day (IEC, 2016b). This study examines the interpretations and meaning-making amongst young people at Rhodes University, of the political party messages during the 3 August 2016 local government elections on social media. In addition, the study sought to understand whether youth at Rhodes (Rhodes University) actively sought out political party messages on social media (by following the ANC, DA, EFF Facebook and Twitter accounts), or were the messages incidental on their timelines (for example, following news organisations). Finally, the study sought to understand whether the media messages resonated with them and spoke to the issues faced by young people on the campus. The research used qualitative thematic content analysis and focus group discussions to examine the relationship between the content provided by the political party messages and the audience’s process of making sense and derived meaning from the content. Six focus group discussions were convened. This study found that young people are social media enthusiasts, they actively sought election related content on social media by following the Twitter and Facebook accounts of the parties, and from news organisations. Furthermore, the study discovered that, although, young people engaged with the political party messages on social media, they did not feel like the messages were targeted at them, and as such they felt the messages did not speak to them and the issues they face.
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- Date Issued: 2019
‘Jujutech’: exploring cultural and epistemological hybridity in African science fiction
- Authors: Stier, Jordan Daniel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Science fiction, African -- History and criticism , Tutuola, Amos. The palm-wine drunkard , Mkize, Loyiso, 1987- .Kwezi , Black Panther (Comic book) , Dila, Dilman, 1977-. A killing in the sun , Superheroes, Black , Mbvundula, Ekari. Montague's last
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96908 , vital:31346
- Description: This thesis aims to respond to the rise in the production of science fiction in Africa over the last decade, and to show how what I describe as the juju orientation of many of these works does not disqualify them from the genre of science fiction. Rather, I advocate for the recognition of juju ontologies as genuine sources of knowledge about the world, which have been overlooked by the globally dominant scientism that has informed science fiction theorisation to date. In my introduction I outline the theoretical frameworks of juju, science fiction and epistemology with which the thesis is in communication. In my second chapter I re-read Amos Tutuola’s novel The Palm-Wine Drinkard, showing the inherently science fictional structure of the juju-based storytelling that characterises colonial and pre-colonial African literature, as well as the essentiality of science fictional modes to Tutuola’s own prose. My third chapter considers Ian MacDonald’s theorisation of a jujutech aesthetic in African science fiction, wherein the speculations of the genres are rooted in both technoscientific and juju ontologies simultaneously. I account for the role this literary aesthetic plays in Ekari Mbvundula’s “Montague’s Last” to blur the divisions of worldly knowledge enforced by global epistemological inequalities, before showing how Dilman Dila’s A Killing in the Sun presents a critically frontier African epistemology in literary practice, and the value thereof. My fourth chapter considers the role of popular culture and consumption, and how the global literary industry resists juju-based texts. I conclude that juju-based nova and the jujutech aesthetic are not only essentially science fictional literary modes, but important players in science fiction’s role in being epistemologically productive in the future.
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- Date Issued: 2019
‘That mountain cannot be beautiful for nothing’: Zakes Mda’s aesthetics of liberation
- Authors: Dilinga, Siyamthanda Iribagiza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mda, Zakes -- Criticism and interpretation , South African fiction (English) -- History and criticism , South Africa -- In literature
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/70452 , vital:29662
- Description: Zakes Mda is a prominent post-apartheid black South African novelist whose style has been described as experimental. He also wrote plays intended to ‘rally people to action’ during the apartheid years. The changes in the political and social situation in South Africa since 1994 have had significant implications for those writers and artists who produced protest literature and art. The changes in Mda’s own practice and approach to art are themselves quite telling. His experimental novels place him among those African artists pioneering a new chapter for black South African art and the self-reflexive nature of his novels suggest that he is aware of the fact and is consciously forming and reforming his ideas about what it means to be an artist in post-apartheid South Africa. This study will unpack the role of the artist and the function of art in the becoming new South Africa as represented in Zakes Mda’s novels, thereby hypothesizing Mda’s aesthetic philosophy, as may be deduced from his practice, for what an African artist and art should be. This will be done first by locating Mda in the debates around art and literature within the sociopolitical context of a South Africa in transition. Despite the fact that when it comes to public action in the post-apartheid situation, Mda distinguishes between his own role in society as an artist who is a social activist and the role intended for his work, his own novels reveal a desire for the artefact (or artwork) to have a developmental, educational or conscientizing function. This is evident in representations of the effects of art in what this study proposes to be his extended South African black Kunstlerroman, which spans three novels. It is also demonstrated in his ekphrastic novel, The Madonna of Excelsior, in which visual art is interpreted in the process of description, thereby educating the reader. Not only that, but the reader is made into an ‘almost viewer’ and taught how to ‘see’ art. What emerges in the process of this study is Mda’s aesthetic philosophy or what may be termed his ‘aesthetics of liberation’ concerning the role of the artist in post-apartheid South Africa, a suitable African audience and how art works theoretically, as expressed through his fiction.
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- Date Issued: 2019
“Like walking barefoot on the gravel road”: the experience of caring for a child with physical disabilities
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nokanyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: PhotoVoice , Photography in the social sciences , Action research , Children with disabilites -- Care -- South Africa , Children with disabilites -- Care -- South Africa -- Case studies , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Case studies , Caregivers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72479 , vital:30057
- Description: The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of the experiences of caregivers of children with physical disabilities and to explore ways of improving this experience. Although there is a considerable amount of international research on the experiences of caring for children with disabilities, the focus of the methods of enquiry has mainly been on knowledge production and there is limited research conducted using an approach like participatory action research. Secondly, in South Africa, there is still inadequate information regarding the experiences of caregivers who are from low socio-economic backgrounds. It is for these reasons that the current study, which employed PhotoVoice, a participatory research data collection tool, to explore the lived experiences of caregivers of children with physical disabilities from low socio-economic backgrounds was embarked upon. The research methodology comprised two main parts: firstly, a study of relevant literature on the subject matter, in order to gain in-depth understanding of the field; and secondly, qualitative data collection, using PhotoVoice. A sample of six participants between the ages of 22-57 years was selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Cameras were distributed to participants and after processing of images narratives were shared around selected photographs and this was later followed by focused group discussions. This analysis process provided two master themes, which are supported by subordinate themes. The master themes are: 1) The challenges associated with the caregiving experience, 2) The positive side of the caregiving experience. Participants experienced a lack of resources, challenges of mobility, the hopelessness of the situation, loneliness of the experience and the financial burden of caring for a child with physical disabilities as challenges associated with the caregiving role. Whereas the joy brought about by support from family, the health service providers and the Association for People with Physical Disabilities personnel; precious moments shared with the child; and personal growth were associated with the positive side of the caregiving experience. These findings support and expand on the growing knowledge of caring for children with physical disabilities. This research culminated in a sharing of the narratives with stakeholders by caregivers themselves as a way of seeking to influence policy, enhance their well-being and engage in a discussion of exploring ways of improving their experience.
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- Date Issued: 2019
“New ways of telling”: African textual forms and dissemination in the age of digital media
- Authors: Friedemann, Oriole Megan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Digital media -- Africa , Self-publishing -- Africa , African literature , Literature publishing -- Technological innovations , Blog authorship -- Africa , African Storybook Reader , FunDza Literacy Project , Long Story SHORT
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115105 , vital:34078
- Description: In the age of digital media, creators are using the versatile nature of information and communication technologies and the ubiquity of the web to publish and distribute texts, circumventing traditional gatekeepers such as publishing institutions. In Africa, where web access and digitisation are relatively new, storytellers are eagerly exploring new mediums and the possibilities that they provide for African narratives and African representation. This thesis looks at the digital platforms of the African Storybook Reader, the FunDza Literacy Project, and Long Story SHORT, as well as Dudu Busani-Dube’s novel Hlomu the Wife, which first gained popularity on a blog platform. It examines three different web series, An African City, The Foxy Five, and Tuko Macho, as well as a transmedia documentary, Love Radio. The texts are grouped into literatures disseminated from digital platforms, localised narratives that explore the urban African woman, and narratives that make use of participatory culture. These are texts that make use of digital tools and platforms to create and disseminate African stories, making diverse and indigenous narratives more easily accessible to both local and global audiences. This thesis argues that digitisation and the global nature of the internet have created opportunities for Africans to become producers and exporters of indigenous information and representation, rather than passive consumers of imported knowledge, or subjects of external characterisation.
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- Date Issued: 2019
A content analysis of web-based reporting of corporate social responsibility in selected transport sector state owned entities
- Authors: Khomari, Jane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Business ethics Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31262 , vital:31349
- Description: Organisations today are experiencing immense pressure to act responsibly, both socially and ethically. Stakeholders expect organisations to operate with integrity, whilst still being profitable. This pressure is due to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) becoming increasingly a mark of good governance. Corporate performance is no longer measured by only financial statements, but CSR is deemed a corporate imperative for financial performance. This non-financial reporting has forced organisations to take cognisance of environmental, social and governance reporting, a process called Integrated Reporting. The purpose of this research was to explore website reporting of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the transport sector. The study explored the phenomenon through six questions: What are the titles used to communicate CSR on SOE websites? What are the CSR activities communicated on SOE websites? What are the similarities and differences of the CSR initiatives communicated on the websites? Who are the stakeholders reached through CSR? What are the reporting practices on the SOE website? What are the similarities and differences of the reporting practices on the SOE websites. This research study was carried out in two stages. The first phase was to examine the corporate websites of the SOEs. The second phase was to use the data collected from the websites to understand CSR representation in SOEs. The purpose is to explore the communication of CSR on the various websites of the SOEs. A key finding of the research is that SOEs use different strategies to communicate CSR on their websites. SOEs communicate CSR activities using multiple titles and use various media on their websites. Additionally, there are variances with the framing of information on the websites. The varying communication strategies indicate the multiple stakeholders targeted by the different CSR focus areas. The research concluded that the different titles made it difficult for stakeholders to access information on the websites. Standardisation of CSR terms and consistency of reporting would make it easier for readers to access information. Further research is recommended in the adoption of strategic communication models by SOEs, as this will assist in the framing of websites.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A critical discourse analysis of Nelson Mandela University’s Facebook page: a case of transformational communication
- Authors: Ndayi, Viwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Online social networks Internet marketing Communication in management Nelson Mandela University Metropolitan University -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32815 , vital:32366
- Description: The South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) calls for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop, execute and establish strategies for achieving transformed racial truths - inside and outside the classroom. In HEIs, the social media platform, and most particularly, Facebook, is increasingly being used as a platform to critically and rigorously engage students and universities. The study presents Facebook as a social media platform that can contribute towards the transformation agenda. To illustrate this, the Nelson Mandela University was used as a single case study. Using a qualitative research approach, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was used to analyse the Facebook posts that were shared by the university in 2015. This was done in consideration of the national Higher Education transformation themes, the university’s Vision 2020 strategic goals, as well as the university’s values. It was found that the institution partially uses the platform to address transformation. In addition to this, it was found that race representation for posts relating to excellence, student recruitment and protests reinforce race-based stereotypes. To address the gaps, the study recommends that the university includes posts that enhance engagement, race literacy, and race representation. The study contributes to the developing literature on the use of social media towards race transformation in South African HEIs.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A critical discourse analysis of the Daily Nation and the Standard’s news coverage of the 2007/2008 Kenyan elections
- Authors: Bradfield, Sarah-Jane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Elections -- Kenya Nairobi (Kenya) -- Newspapers Mass media -- Political aspects -- Kenya Kenya -- Politics and government , Discourse analysis Daily Nation (Nairobi, Kenya) Standard (Nairobi, Kenya)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63437 , vital:28411
- Description: This study investigates the Daily Nation and Standard’s news coverage of Kenya’s 2007/2008 general election and the unprecedented eruptions of violence which followed. This research responds to the question which came about as Kenyan print journalists and editors considered their role in possibly contributing to the violence, which took on an ethnic dimension. Vernacular radio has been fingered for having escalated longstanding ethnic tensions, but the role of the press has not been fully understood. In the aftermath of the violence, print journalists and editors met over a series of Round Table events in Nairobi to consider whether their conduct during the election could have encouraged violence. Although ten years have passed since this incidence, much of what happened within the Kenyan print media during and after the 2007/2008 general election remains unexplored and, largely, unexplained today. Although the pre- and post-election phases spanned months, my research is confined to purposive samples from a four-week period from 3 December 2007 to 4 January 2008. These four weeks were selected as they are roughly representative of the three phases of the national election which are considered significant to this study, namely the pre-election phase, the election, and the post-election violence. The research is concerned with analysing and understanding the coverage in the two dailies, the Daily Nation and Standard, and comparing the discursive work of the two, particularly in relation to identity and ethnicity. This study draws on cultural studies, critical discourse analysis and normative theories of the media to inform the research project. The critical discourse analysis explores the discourses articulated during and after the election, with a particular focus on issues of identity, ethnicity and incitement. Through this process the study found that both publications avoided references to ethnicity, despite this being an important factor in Kenyan politics and voter behaviour. In analysing these issues the study found that while the publications might claim to attempt to avoid fuelling tensions by not reporting on ethnicity, the disavowal comprised a silence which positioned the press in a collaborative role, in which it colluded with a powerful Kenyan state. Although a significant amount of time has gone by since the 2007/2008 elections, this study still considers the event significant in understanding the conduct of journalists during times of violence, and specifically for the future of journalism in Kenya.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A critique of multilingualism in South Africa’s post-democratic parliament with particular reference to the use of selected minority languages
- Authors: Masombuka, Elizabeth Lucy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Multilingualism -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Political aspects , Linguistic minorities -- South Africa , Linguistic rights -- South Africa , South Africa. Parliament (1994- ). Parliamentary Communication Services , Hansard Society Commission on the Communication of Parliamentary Democracy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61984 , vital:28092
- Description: Language is an essential tool in effecting transformation in a community, society as well as in a culturally diverse institution like the Parliament of South Africa. This study is undertaken to establish the progress made in the use of official languages in the Parliament of South Africa. This study critically looks at the use of eleven South African official languages by the Parliament of South Africa in its daily debates in ensuring transformation to a multilingual parliament. The focus of the study is on the publication of Hansard in all official languages, with specific reference to previously marginalised languages as declared by the Constitution. The study was done in the Language Service Section of the Parliament of South Africa. Firstly, the study looked at the History of Parliament and Hansard publications in relation to the sittings and debates of MP’s since the beginning of Parliament in South Africa. Secondly, a literature review was done on Language Policy implementation, monitoring and promotion of languages in South Africa. Review of legislative frameworks on language matters was undertaken in order to find out the compliance of parliament in using official languages in the publication of Hansard. The study evaluates the recognition of languages as well as the parliamentary in-House Language Policy (Operational Language Policy) in relation to the prescriptions of the Constitution. Findings of the study are indicated in chapter 5 of the thesis. The presentation of data comprises of the work experience of the languages practitioners in parliament, availability and critique of the Language Policy Operational Policy in Parliament, as well as findings in the published Hansard Volumes since the first parliament. The study further tries to look at challenges that hinder the use, and promotion of all languages in parliament, including the use of these languages in the publication of Hansard. The study focuses on minority languages and previously marginalised languages. Recommendations are provided as a means of helping to improve the situation regarding the implementation of the language policy that will assist parliament to transform in order to become truly multilingual. This will allow parliament to be in a position to develop previously marginalised languages.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A gender based analysis of the Amalima Programme in empowering married women within households in rural Gwanda, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Sibanda, Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province , Power (Social sciences) Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province , Women Zimbabwe Social conditions , Women's rights Zimbabwe , Patriarchy Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63682 , vital:28470
- Description: Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have occupied a prominent role in the socio-economic development of rural areas of Zimbabwe since the time of the country’s independence in 1980, including a focus on improving the conditions and status of women in communal areas. These NGOs adopt a participatory methodology in their development programmes and projects, as they try to ensure that the active participation of women in rural development facilitates women’s access to resources and the realisation of their rights. These initiatives are important given the pronounced system of patriarchy which exists in communal areas. In the context of local patriarchies, NGOs also often claim that they empower women. This thesis focuses on the work of one particular NGO programme, namely the Amalima programme, with a particular focus on three wards in the communal areas in Gwanda, Zimbabwe. From a gendered perspective concerned with questions of women’s empowerment, the main objective of the thesis is to provide a critical analysis of the Amalima programme with particular reference to married women in Gwanda. Based on original fieldwork (including interviews with men, women and NGO practitioners), the thesis concludes that the outcomes of the Amalima programme in empowering married women in Gwanda are uneven and that, overall, the local system of patriarchy (including at household level) remains largely intact.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A micro-ethnography: exploring relations between Somali and South African traders in Clarehill, Cape Town
- Authors: Solomon, Kelly Michelle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Immigrants South Africa , Immigrants Social conditions , Xenophobia South Africa , Social capital (Sociology) South Africa , Somalis Migrations , Identity (Philosophical concept) , South Africa Race relations
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61277 , vital:27999 , https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/61277
- Description: Xenophobia has become a dominant narrative in contemporary South Africa. In this thesis, I hone in on a micro, informal economic market that functions cohesively and convivially with both South African and Somali transmigrant traders in it. Religion is one of the key ways through which migrants are able to access social networks and social capital. Islam, the dominant practised religion in the market, thus forms a foundation for strong, emotionally supportive, caring relationships between Somali transmigrants and South Africans The relationships between South African traders and Somali transmigrants are mutually constitutive, as they lean on one another for stability during a time that is unstable for both groups. The closeness of their relationships is evident through the way in which they tease and joke with one another, and the many ways in which they offer intangible support to each other. This thesis illustrates that despite the dominant xenophobic narrative, a close social kinship is formed in the Roelof Street market between South Africans and Somali transmigrants.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A psychosocial reading of novice clinical psychologists’ talk about whiteness
- Authors: Kennedy, Brink
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Clinical psychology Practice South Africa , White people Race identity South Africa , White privilege (Social structure) South Africa , White people Race identity Psychological aspects , Intercultural communication , Psychoanalysis and racism South Africa , Mentalization Based Therapy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60212 , vital:27751
- Description: This research presents a case study report of interview encounters with two novice white South African clinical psychologists. A psychosocial research methodology is employed to examine the discursive strategies that participants engage in when speaking about whiteness in the context of their professional identity and practice, as well as to examine the ways in which these discursive strategies support or constrain ‘mentalizing’ in relation to raced experience. One case study highlights an individualistic discourse of ‘racial innocence’, which constructs the speaker as being free of racial enculturation and consciousness, eliding a broader social context. I argue that this discourse closes down mentalizing in relation to more difficult, intractable aspects of raced experience in clinical work, relating to differences in positionality as well as issues of inequality. I also propose that this discourse may be understood in terms of a ‘pretend’ mode of thought, where aspects of the wider social context and of race in particular are experienced as being unrelated to intimate personal experience. The other case study highlights a discourse of ‘uneasy whiteness’ that involves awareness of white positionality, and that is grounded in a constructionist sensibility. This positions the speaker as being inevitably implicated in white privilege and racism in ways that she may be ignorant of. I argue that the discourse facilitates a particular type of mentalizing that is sensitive to the interpellation of intimate personal experience with a wider social context that encompasses a range of discourses and practices. It closes down mentalizing, however, in so far as it allows a reified construction of whiteness. I find the concept of psychic equivalence, which equates external (concrete, factual) reality and internal (subjective, symbolic) reality, useful in terms of understanding this reification. Overall the research highlights the tension between constructionist and individualistic modes of thinking within clinical psychology research and practice in the South African context. At the level of methodology, it presents an example of how these modes may be integrated within research. At the level of content, it explores differences between constructionist and individualistic talk in relation to race and psychological practice.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A sociological investigation of popular music consumption among Nigerian youths living at Summerstrand and Humewood
- Authors: Uwuoruya, Osabuohien Clifford
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Popular culture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Music and youth -- Africa Africa -- In popular culture Music and globalization -- Africa Socialism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36738 , vital:34049
- Description: The focus of this research study is on investigating how certain Nigerian youths expression of their agency at consuming popular music as a cultural product could be constrained by certain identified institutions and their gender in Nigeria. Using General Systems Theory (GST) as a theoretical framework, the country is presented as a social system with identified institutions which function within it that guides and constrains the agency of the individuals who live in Nigeria. A review of academic narratives relevant to the research is presented in this dissertation to provide a context for the study. A critical realist epistemology is adopted for this exploratory study, within the qualitative research tradition. A sample of twenty Nigerian youths living at Summerstrand and Humewood, is selected by the researcher using purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews are conducted with these participants to gather their opinions and experiences regarding the research study. The narratives are analysed using thematic analysis, and the researcher presents an interpretation of these narratives under various topics in the dissertation. The findings from this study shows how some of these Nigerian youths believe their expression of agency at consuming popular music in Nigeria, to be constrained by certain institutions, and their gender in the country which they are part of, although this constraint could sometimes prove to be positive for some individuals. The recommendations from this research study are relevant to improving youth agency at consuming popular music in Nigeria, and advancing sociological inquiry into popular music and youth agency within an African context.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A sociological investigation of the community perception of females involved in criminal activities in Rosedale, Uitenhage
- Authors: Swartbooi, Eden Rivonia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Female offenders -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Public opinion , Women and the criminal justice system Deviant behavior Crime -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Public opinion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35807 , vital:33849
- Description: The purpose of this dissertation is to gather the community perception of females involved in criminal activities at Rosedale in Uitenhage. The main theory used in this study was the Poverty theory. The study was conducted by using the qualitative research design. Interviews were semi structured and conducted using an interview schedule.20 participants both male and female (youth and adults) were interviewed in Rosedale. The thematic data analysis method was used. The findings of this study revealed that the main reasons for female involvement in criminal activities in Rosedale is due to: drug and alcohol abuse there are too many people selling drugs in Rosedale which makes it easily accessible for the youth to purchase and practise use daily. There are too many shebeens and taverns in Rosedale and they allow under aged children to purchase and consume alcohol this causes negative toxic behaviour. Unemployment there are not enough employment opportunities available for the youth in Rosedale. Poverty, some families don’t have the basic needs to survive daily therefore they choose to turn to crime to support themselves and their families. Insufficient recreational activities, the youth do not have anything to do, there is a lack of recreational activities in the community therefore the youth turns to crime. The main challenges facing the youth in Rosedale is that there are a lot of drop outs or they choose not to attend school, unemployment was mentioned again, gangsterism, there are a lot of house breakings and robberies taking place to purchase drugs. All participants are against females being involved in criminal activities in Rosedale they do not agree with it and think that its’ unethical for a female to participate in criminal activities because females are the care givers, nurtures and providers of their families and the society. More police visibility, the death penalty and employment opportunities were highlighted as the main solutions.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A sociological investigation of the youth perceptions on HIV and aids in central, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Sandi, Fundiswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Research -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Sexual health -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34821 , vital:33456
- Description: the study which was conducted in Central, Port Elizabeth, mainly focusing on the youth perceptions towards HIV and AIDS. This chapter also gives an overall of the study, the literature review which is used on the study and the theory of Social Action which is used as a theoretical framework for this study. The chapter also includes the objectives and aims of the study, so as the research question which guided throughout the research and be able to reach the goal of this study. This chapter has also mentioned what has led to this particular topic and the fact that HIV and AIDS is a problem among the youth of South Africa so as Africa as a continent which needs to be controlled. Geographic maps of the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth and Central which the youth situated in are included in this chapter. The ethical consideration which also guided this study as to how to deal with human beings, which is important is also mentioned.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A sociological investigation on the perceptions of the educational aspect of male initiation among amaXhosa in KwaZakhele Township, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Jayiya, Ludwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Rites and ceremonies , Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Culture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30594 , vital:30973
- Description: People in different walks of life have previously and even currently trying hard to contribute in improving the situation regarding the longstanding tradition of male initiation. The expectation of the society, is that these young men should show that they have gone through the process of growth and they should reflect the education they received from the initiation school. The research objectives include, the investigation of the perceptions of people about male initiation in KwaZakhele, to contribute within the Sociology of Education particularly within the context of Xhosa culture in KwaZakhele and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the problems pertaining to male initiation within the context of Xhosa culture in KwaZakhele. This study has followed the qualitative approach which included among others individual interviews using an interview schedule containing the research questions. To supplement the interviews, texts, books and other relevant material were used.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A systematic review of intervention effectiveness for problem anger in an adult outpatient population
- Authors: von Ruben, Adriana
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Anger , Anger -- Treatment , Rational emotive behavior therapy , Personality assessment , Social psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36059 , vital:33886
- Description: Increasing levels of anger are becoming one of the major social problems of modern society, yet anger is one of the least understood emotions. Given the long-term consequences and the seriousness of the negative outcomes associated with anger, there is a pressing need for effective anger management interventions targeted at different populations experiencing various types of problem anger.The purpose of this dissertation was to conduct a systematic review of current qualitative and quantitative research regarding the status of anger reducing interventions within outpatient populations. The aim was to explore the efficacy of various psychological approaches utilised to reduce problem anger. Eligibility criteria included studies with samples that had problem anger defined psychometrically. The search of available literature revealed 16 relevant reports containing 15 studies. All located studies utilised intervention modalities derived from cognitive and behavioural approaches. Results indicated large to moderate improvements in problem anger for the participants receiving the treatment. Cognitive and behavioural anger interventions were found to produce reductions in trait anger, general anger, the negative expression and suppression of anger, anger related physiological arousal, and increased the positive, controlled anger experience. More large-scale studies are needed implementing other psychological approaches to test their effectiveness in reducing maladaptive anger. The dearth of anger research conducted within outpatient populations is discussed in the context of the emerged themes.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A thematic analysis of the challenges experienced by those living with tuberculosis
- Authors: Walaza, Robert Letsholo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis Patients South Africa , Tuberculosis Social aspects , South Africa Social conditions , Poor Health and hygiene South Africa , Poor Medical care South Africa , Social medicine South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61850 , vital:28068
- Description: Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) in his study, The condition of the working class in England, argued that the cause of illness and death amongst the working class was due to their living conditions such as poor housing, over-crowding, poor sanitation, food shortage, low paying jobs and a lack of material resources. The objective of the study was to understand the experiences of six South African individuals who have shared their experiences and challenges of living with TB on the TB&ME blog, and to show how TB is linked to the living conditions of these individuals. The study found that the challenges experienced by TB patient bloggers are of a social nature and confirms Engel’s study findings on the conditions of the working class in England. For example, a disease such as TB has a direct association with the living conditions of people, especially the poor. Thus, socio economic status of TB patient bloggers plays a role in the escalation of their ill health. Further, the study found that gender is central in understanding non-compliance to treatment. This is significant as it highlights the need to not only focus on issues of socioeconomics, but gender issues in fighting TB. Despite the negative consequences associated with living with TB, the bloggers have noted that the support from loved ones and other stakeholders in the fight against TB alleviates the challenges inherent in living with TB.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Agricultural development and emerging small-scale farmers in Mbizana Local Municipality
- Authors: Nxitywa, Nosithembiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small --South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33726 , vital:33006
- Description: The agricultural sector is among one of the sectors that contribute to the economy of the country, in job creation and food security to mention a few aspects. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the poorest provinces in the country where most people depend on small-scale agriculture as their major source of livelihood, particularly in the rural areas. This is mainly due to the challenges of poverty and unemployment. Small-scale farming is a key activity to eliminate poverty and unemployment. However, mainly obstacles prevail and this includes access to markets, support and skills development. This research study aims to investigate the sustainability of small-scale farmers. The data was collected by means of in depth interviews from Mbizana local Municipality. A total of 12 respondents were selected as a sample for this investigation as well as ensuring that data quality is attained. Causal layered analysis was used to analyse the results. The results indicate that small-scale farmers are faced with several challenges which include, finance, skilled contractors and land ownership. Furthermore, it is evident that small-scale farmers are struggling to obtain a sustainable economic return. Farmers can participate in high-value markets by obtaining the required food safety certifications, which otherwise would be inaccessible to them individually but as groups or cooperatives to enhance them to easily access markets. In local informal markets, for instance, smallholders often find their prices undercut by produce that informal traders buy from large-scale commercial farmers. Supermarket chains, on the other hand, provide a lucrative niche market for smallholders but these downstream linkages are limited to smallholders that meet product variety and quality standards.
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- Date Issued: 2018
An action research approach: developing intercultural competence in German Studies at Rhodes University
- Authors: Collins, Morgan Gwyneth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Action research in education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , German language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers , Cultural relations , Multicultural education , World citizenship
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63910 , vital:28505
- Description: The need to develop interculturally competent graduates is a concern for universities across the world. In South African universities this need is linked to globalization and increased diversity in terms of student demographics since 1994. Considering the legacy of apartheid, South African universities especially, and pressingly, need to respond to both global and national diversity concerns. ICC can play a significant role in creating more culturally inclusive spaces as students are provided with opportunities to “relate to and with people from vastly different cultural and ethnic backgrounds” (Spitzberg & Changnon, 2009, p. 4). In a similar way, Germany has faced, and continues to face, challenges relating to diversity especially in relation to migrants and as such, interculturality is a topic of debate in society and scholarly discourse. Therefore, ICC is as relevant to German society as it is South African society. Courses that explicitly deal with ICC are however, not common in South African universities and discourse, and as a result universities are “missing out on developing students’ intercultural competence” (Deardorff & Quinlan, 2016). This thesis aimed to address this gap by investigating the viability and necessity of introducing a module that deals explicitly with ICC into the German Studies course at Rhodes University. In doing so it contributed to the creation of disciplinary knowledge as well as furthering the aim of aiding the creation of responsible global citizenship, alongside ‘academic citizenship’, and aiding the internationalisation at home concept by encouraging the students to understand their own lived reality in a diverse society. This research made use of an action research approach to implementing a module and tracing its development. Student responses, as well as reflection and observation, found that a module dealing explicitly with ICC was viable and able to contribute to developing students’ sense of cultural self-awareness and their awareness of ICC as a set of transferrable skills and knowledges. This module aimed to serve as an introduction to ICC for students in order to begin to develop their intercultural competence and increase their awareness and critical approach to culture and intercultural encounters.
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- Date Issued: 2018