An analysis of perceived and operationalised team effectiveness in community-based organisations within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area: a case study
- Authors: Gititu, Diana Wambui
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Management committees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/908 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Management committees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Literature on effectiveness indicates the interest of researchers in the role that teams play within organisations. The conclusion is that different variables affect team performance effectiveness. A further analysis of literature on team effectiveness enabled the researcher to develop a matrix of assessment of team effectiveness from these variables to serve as a benchmark. In addition to this, a matrix consisting of perceived variables of team effectiveness was constructed from the outcome of in-depth interviews and focus group sessions with the members of management committees of community-based organisations (CBOs) based within Port Elizabeth townships. These matrixes were used by the researcher to assess the operationalisation of these variables within the CBO management committees. The research indicates that management committees either did not operationalise these variables within their teams or did not do so to their fullest capacity. The overall outcome of these assessments indicates the areas that require attention, and provides opportunity for group practitioners to assist CBO management committees to enhance their effectiveness as teams. It is suggested that group practitioners together with members of CBO management committees, embark as a task team project to develop a strategy to refine the perceived variables guided by those emphasised by experts within this field, to strategise a clear path towards enhanced team effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gititu, Diana Wambui
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Management committees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/908 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Management committees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Literature on effectiveness indicates the interest of researchers in the role that teams play within organisations. The conclusion is that different variables affect team performance effectiveness. A further analysis of literature on team effectiveness enabled the researcher to develop a matrix of assessment of team effectiveness from these variables to serve as a benchmark. In addition to this, a matrix consisting of perceived variables of team effectiveness was constructed from the outcome of in-depth interviews and focus group sessions with the members of management committees of community-based organisations (CBOs) based within Port Elizabeth townships. These matrixes were used by the researcher to assess the operationalisation of these variables within the CBO management committees. The research indicates that management committees either did not operationalise these variables within their teams or did not do so to their fullest capacity. The overall outcome of these assessments indicates the areas that require attention, and provides opportunity for group practitioners to assist CBO management committees to enhance their effectiveness as teams. It is suggested that group practitioners together with members of CBO management committees, embark as a task team project to develop a strategy to refine the perceived variables guided by those emphasised by experts within this field, to strategise a clear path towards enhanced team effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An analysis of the reporting on poverty and foreign aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis, in BBC online (Texts)
- Authors: Achu, Stella
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1257 , Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Description: Since 1929, the world economy has not encountered any financial crisis as severe as the case of the Great Depression, until 2007 when the fall of stock markets and the collapse of large financial institutions in the United States resulted in a worldwide recession. According to an IMF report, and as a result of the direct impact of the crisis, advanced economies such as those of the United States and Europe are suffering from a systemic banking crisis with economic output expected to contract by over 1 ¾ % in 2009. (Bourdin 2009:2) Although the crisis erupted in the United States, the effects quickly spread to countries worldwide. However, its effects are said to be more devastating for the poorest regions in the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. During the last few years, prior to the crisis, many Sub-Saharan African countries had enjoyed a growth rate of over 5%. This was partly as a result of sound economic policies and increased external support in the form of debt relief and higher inflows from economically powerful countries in the West. However, with the current financial crisis, wealthy nations have been forced to concentrate on sustaining their own economy. As a result, amongst changes like tighter immigration policies, skyrocketing oil prices and food prices, foreign aid is being withdrawn. (ibid 2009:3) According to foreign media reports, donor governments and the G8 are no longer as committed to aid as before the crisis. This research paper examines the evolution of aid to Africa in view of various contexts through a broad historical economic and political economy overview, and finally corroborates these observations with a discourse analysis of a sample of BBC online articles. The research project thus investigates in this last section, the BBC’s representation of poverty and aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Achu, Stella
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1257 , Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Description: Since 1929, the world economy has not encountered any financial crisis as severe as the case of the Great Depression, until 2007 when the fall of stock markets and the collapse of large financial institutions in the United States resulted in a worldwide recession. According to an IMF report, and as a result of the direct impact of the crisis, advanced economies such as those of the United States and Europe are suffering from a systemic banking crisis with economic output expected to contract by over 1 ¾ % in 2009. (Bourdin 2009:2) Although the crisis erupted in the United States, the effects quickly spread to countries worldwide. However, its effects are said to be more devastating for the poorest regions in the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. During the last few years, prior to the crisis, many Sub-Saharan African countries had enjoyed a growth rate of over 5%. This was partly as a result of sound economic policies and increased external support in the form of debt relief and higher inflows from economically powerful countries in the West. However, with the current financial crisis, wealthy nations have been forced to concentrate on sustaining their own economy. As a result, amongst changes like tighter immigration policies, skyrocketing oil prices and food prices, foreign aid is being withdrawn. (ibid 2009:3) According to foreign media reports, donor governments and the G8 are no longer as committed to aid as before the crisis. This research paper examines the evolution of aid to Africa in view of various contexts through a broad historical economic and political economy overview, and finally corroborates these observations with a discourse analysis of a sample of BBC online articles. The research project thus investigates in this last section, the BBC’s representation of poverty and aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An anthropological study of the experiences of exchange students in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Maganga, Stewart Martin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1007 , Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
- Description: This research study aims to investigate the exchange students' experiences with living in a foreign environment. Twenty students took part in this study and were made up of two categories namely study abroad students and student interns. The twenty students who took part in this study were mostly from industrialized countries namely Germany, the United States of America, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. Data were collected by means of individual semi-structured interviews as well as observational methods namely participant and simple observations. The results indicate that if sojourners are to gain a better understanding the South African culture, it is important that they interact with the host nationals. Given that most of the students highlighted the issue of crime as their main concern, their knowledge on how to survive in a crime-ridden country like South Africa would be essential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Maganga, Stewart Martin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1007 , Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
- Description: This research study aims to investigate the exchange students' experiences with living in a foreign environment. Twenty students took part in this study and were made up of two categories namely study abroad students and student interns. The twenty students who took part in this study were mostly from industrialized countries namely Germany, the United States of America, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. Data were collected by means of individual semi-structured interviews as well as observational methods namely participant and simple observations. The results indicate that if sojourners are to gain a better understanding the South African culture, it is important that they interact with the host nationals. Given that most of the students highlighted the issue of crime as their main concern, their knowledge on how to survive in a crime-ridden country like South Africa would be essential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An assessment of the practice of public relations practitioners in marketing the corporate image in selected organisations
- Authors: Lukusa, Adolphine Cama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009562 , Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
- Description: The profession of public relations has suffered negative associations and connotations as far as its role and practice are concerned. Alongside these, there are theories put forward within the field suggesting ways that could be used to assist public relations practitioners to become more successful in serving their organisations, marketing their organisation’s corporate image as well as reversing public relations’ negative legacy which has long existed as suggested by Steyn and Puth. This treatise argues that the real situation of the practice of public relations, its roles and the successes of PR practitioners in marketing the corporate image of their organisation might differ from what theories proposed. Thus this study seeks and intends to correlate what has been theorized with current practice in the profession. In addition, this study reflects and corroborates public relations practitioners’ roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations within the proposed new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. Finally, this study also helps establish required changes to the traditional roles of the practitioners with the aim of reflecting the current situations in the existing selected organisations. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the views and perceptions of public relations practitioners and managers of selected organisations were examined through a survey by questionnaire. This data was then analysed to determine their roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations in terms of the new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. The sample included public relations practitioners and chief executive officers of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Holdings (Pty) Ltd , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Transnet National Ports Authority. The findings seem to support the hypotheses of the study in concluding that: The strategic roles identified in theory such as the solution around the myth and allegory of success in the practice and profession of public relations might not be realised in current practice, and Public relations practitioners’ effectiveness in marketing the corporate image of their organisations is affected by the way their roles are perceived within organisations. It is the hope of the researcher that, the findings of this investigation will set foundations for further research on the assessment and estimation of the practice of the public relations practitioners in marketing the corporate image of organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Lukusa, Adolphine Cama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009562 , Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
- Description: The profession of public relations has suffered negative associations and connotations as far as its role and practice are concerned. Alongside these, there are theories put forward within the field suggesting ways that could be used to assist public relations practitioners to become more successful in serving their organisations, marketing their organisation’s corporate image as well as reversing public relations’ negative legacy which has long existed as suggested by Steyn and Puth. This treatise argues that the real situation of the practice of public relations, its roles and the successes of PR practitioners in marketing the corporate image of their organisation might differ from what theories proposed. Thus this study seeks and intends to correlate what has been theorized with current practice in the profession. In addition, this study reflects and corroborates public relations practitioners’ roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations within the proposed new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. Finally, this study also helps establish required changes to the traditional roles of the practitioners with the aim of reflecting the current situations in the existing selected organisations. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the views and perceptions of public relations practitioners and managers of selected organisations were examined through a survey by questionnaire. This data was then analysed to determine their roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations in terms of the new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. The sample included public relations practitioners and chief executive officers of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Holdings (Pty) Ltd , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Transnet National Ports Authority. The findings seem to support the hypotheses of the study in concluding that: The strategic roles identified in theory such as the solution around the myth and allegory of success in the practice and profession of public relations might not be realised in current practice, and Public relations practitioners’ effectiveness in marketing the corporate image of their organisations is affected by the way their roles are perceived within organisations. It is the hope of the researcher that, the findings of this investigation will set foundations for further research on the assessment and estimation of the practice of the public relations practitioners in marketing the corporate image of organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An exploration of the nature of a private general medical practice as a social system : a case study
- Authors: Visser, Henriette
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Physicians (General practice) , Physicians -- Family relationships , Family medicine , Physician and patient
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16146 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/884 , Physicians (General practice) , Physicians -- Family relationships , Family medicine , Physician and patient
- Description: This research study explores in general the nature of a private general medical practice [PGMP] and whether analysis of the PGMP as a social system can lead the Group Dynamics Practitioner towards developing interventions that will enhance group effectiveness in the PGMP support staff group. The main assumption is that, through the application of a framework of analysis based on that of G. C. Homans and the AGIL functional prerequisites developed by T. Parsons, a structured analysis of the external and internal variables that impact on the PGMP as a social system can be undertaken. The findings of the analysis would lead to the formulation of interventions that would improve the performance effectiveness of the PGMP as a social system. Following a two-questionnaire survey of 17 practices that provided demographic information as well as soft skills training needs, a single PGMP was identified for the case study. Data pertaining to the group as a social system were collected, and by using direct observation, content analysis and a sociometric test, the practice support staff sub-system, being the main focus of this research, could be analysed. By linking the findings to the elements of the framework of analysis, areas of ineffective group functioning could be identified and interventions suggested. This research indicates that the choice of soft skills is associated with the nature and size of the practice, as well as the dynamics of the sociometric patterns characteristic of the relations within the practice support staff subsystem; that while some practice support staff have preferences for sociometric task and socio-emotional relations outside their work clusters, these seem to serve as a buffer against clique forming, thus enhancing the function of integration within the social system as a whole; and that the physical practice layout, and the interaction dynamics that it creates, tend to hinder integration between the members of the practice support staff group, as a social subsystem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An exploration of the nature of a private general medical practice as a social system : a case study
- Authors: Visser, Henriette
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Physicians (General practice) , Physicians -- Family relationships , Family medicine , Physician and patient
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16146 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/884 , Physicians (General practice) , Physicians -- Family relationships , Family medicine , Physician and patient
- Description: This research study explores in general the nature of a private general medical practice [PGMP] and whether analysis of the PGMP as a social system can lead the Group Dynamics Practitioner towards developing interventions that will enhance group effectiveness in the PGMP support staff group. The main assumption is that, through the application of a framework of analysis based on that of G. C. Homans and the AGIL functional prerequisites developed by T. Parsons, a structured analysis of the external and internal variables that impact on the PGMP as a social system can be undertaken. The findings of the analysis would lead to the formulation of interventions that would improve the performance effectiveness of the PGMP as a social system. Following a two-questionnaire survey of 17 practices that provided demographic information as well as soft skills training needs, a single PGMP was identified for the case study. Data pertaining to the group as a social system were collected, and by using direct observation, content analysis and a sociometric test, the practice support staff sub-system, being the main focus of this research, could be analysed. By linking the findings to the elements of the framework of analysis, areas of ineffective group functioning could be identified and interventions suggested. This research indicates that the choice of soft skills is associated with the nature and size of the practice, as well as the dynamics of the sociometric patterns characteristic of the relations within the practice support staff subsystem; that while some practice support staff have preferences for sociometric task and socio-emotional relations outside their work clusters, these seem to serve as a buffer against clique forming, thus enhancing the function of integration within the social system as a whole; and that the physical practice layout, and the interaction dynamics that it creates, tend to hinder integration between the members of the practice support staff group, as a social subsystem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation into political apathy amongst students : a case study of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Breakfast, Ntsikelelo Benjamin
- Authors: Breakfast, Ntsikelelo Benjamin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Political participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/925 , Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Political participation
- Description: The primary motivation for this research was to examine political apathy amongst students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The secondary motivation was to question whether youth political apathy threatens the consolidation of democracy. More specifically, the purpose of the study was to critically analyze contemporary literature on the politics of young people in post apartheid South Africa, in order to identify its shortcomings and give an in-depth explanation for youth political apathy, and how it impacts democracy. The writer has employed a qualitative method. Four focus groups were arranged by the researcher at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. All participants of the study were Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) undergraduate and postgraduate black students aged 21-35. The sample of this study included fifty participants. Thus the researcher has utilized a purposive sampling technique. Participants were encouraged by the researcher to have maximum participation in the focus group deliberations. The researcher also made use of elite interviews in the study. The findings of this study suggest that political apathy amongst students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University does exist. Most of the participants in the focus groups indicated that young people in post-apartheid South Africa have no interest in politics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Breakfast, Ntsikelelo Benjamin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Political participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/925 , Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Political participation
- Description: The primary motivation for this research was to examine political apathy amongst students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The secondary motivation was to question whether youth political apathy threatens the consolidation of democracy. More specifically, the purpose of the study was to critically analyze contemporary literature on the politics of young people in post apartheid South Africa, in order to identify its shortcomings and give an in-depth explanation for youth political apathy, and how it impacts democracy. The writer has employed a qualitative method. Four focus groups were arranged by the researcher at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. All participants of the study were Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) undergraduate and postgraduate black students aged 21-35. The sample of this study included fifty participants. Thus the researcher has utilized a purposive sampling technique. Participants were encouraged by the researcher to have maximum participation in the focus group deliberations. The researcher also made use of elite interviews in the study. The findings of this study suggest that political apathy amongst students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University does exist. Most of the participants in the focus groups indicated that young people in post-apartheid South Africa have no interest in politics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation into the role of the school governing body in the formulation of a code of conduct for learners with specific reference to selected schools in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Khoboka, Mzikayise Freddie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1170 , School boards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: South African School Governing Bodies play a crucial role in the governing of schools. One of the key challenges facing the School Governing Bodies is to contribute towards the creation of an atmosphere which is conducive for effective learning and teaching. This, among other ways, could be done by formulating a code of conduct for learners. The purpose of this study was to find out the role of the School Governing Body in formulating the code of conduct for learners. The subjects of the study were the parent and teacher components of the School Governing Bodies. Data collection for this study included questionnaires which were completed by parents and teachers who are members of the School Governing Bodies. Such data has been used to analyze and interpret the role played by the School Governing Bodies in formulating the code of conduct for learners. Among others, the study found that some members of the School Governing Bodies were not aware about their respective roles in the formulation of codes of conduct for learners and the policy relating to the code of conduct for learners. However, some School Governing Bodies have adopted the Provincial guidelines on the code of conduct as the code of conduct for their schools. The study recommends that the members of the School Governing Bodies should be empowered through, among others, continuous training courses relating to their respective roles in school governance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Khoboka, Mzikayise Freddie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1170 , School boards -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: South African School Governing Bodies play a crucial role in the governing of schools. One of the key challenges facing the School Governing Bodies is to contribute towards the creation of an atmosphere which is conducive for effective learning and teaching. This, among other ways, could be done by formulating a code of conduct for learners. The purpose of this study was to find out the role of the School Governing Body in formulating the code of conduct for learners. The subjects of the study were the parent and teacher components of the School Governing Bodies. Data collection for this study included questionnaires which were completed by parents and teachers who are members of the School Governing Bodies. Such data has been used to analyze and interpret the role played by the School Governing Bodies in formulating the code of conduct for learners. Among others, the study found that some members of the School Governing Bodies were not aware about their respective roles in the formulation of codes of conduct for learners and the policy relating to the code of conduct for learners. However, some School Governing Bodies have adopted the Provincial guidelines on the code of conduct as the code of conduct for their schools. The study recommends that the members of the School Governing Bodies should be empowered through, among others, continuous training courses relating to their respective roles in school governance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation of social media as a dimension of the social identity formation among female adolescents in King William's Town
- Authors: Mbinjama, Adelina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online social networks , Social media -- South Africa -- King Williams Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1015 , Online social networks , Social media -- South Africa -- King Williams Town
- Description: According to Jensen (2000:215), though we talk of the growing digital divide between rich and poor countries, Africa has shown encouraging signs that it is rapidly adopting the Internet and making innovative use of the technology. Nevertheless, the continent is still well behind other developing regions of the world in taking advantage of the information and communication revolution. The main reasons for this are the limited and expensive telecommunication infrastructure, small markets, and lack of skills and awareness. At the end of 1996, just 11 of Africa’s 54 countries had local Internet access, but by February 2000 all of the continent’s countries had access in the capital cities (Jensen 2000:215). Excluding South Africa, the number of computers permanently connected to the Internet in Africa exceeded 10,000 early in 1999 (Jensen 2000:215). By January 2000, the total had increased to about 25,000, which means Africa, with an estimated population of 780 million people, has about as many Internet-connected computers (hosts) as Latvia, which only has a population of 2.5 million (Jensen 2000:215). Measuring the actual number of Internet users is difficult, but figures for the number of dial-up accounts supplied by Internet service providers (ISPs) show that Africa has more than 500,000 subscribers (Jensen 2000:215). Each computer with an Internet or e-mail connection supports an average of three users, a recent study by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has found (Jensen 2000:215). This puts current estimates of the number of African Internet users at somewhere around 1.5 million. Most are in South Africa with approximately 1 million (Jensen 2000:215). Apart from the widespread use of Internet for business and entertainment purposes, social networking sites are becoming widely popular in South Africa. Although there has been little academic research on social networking sites in South Africa, there have been a few articles on websites, newspapers, and magazines that have touched on this phenomenon. Social networking sites, particularly Facebook, have become very popular among the adult internet user population, as both business and private applications. BMW South Africa, for example, has a Facebook page where video posts of recent car models and photos of cars are placed. The Facebook page also has a link to the company’s website (www.bmw.co.za) on the profile which takes a user straight to the commercial website. FM Tech (www.fmtech.co.za) is technology industry news and opinion website edited by Duncan McLeod, associate editor at the Financial Mail, South Africa’s top-selling and best-read weekly business, technology and current affairs magazine. McLeod’s article, What SA Internet users searched for in 2008, revealed that “Facebook”, “Cape Town” and “games” are the terms that South African Internet users searched for most often in 2008. Farber (2008) suggests that this is according to the results of US Web search giant Google’s annual “Zeitgeist” survey of the top searches worldwide. Farber also includes the year’s list of fastest-rising search terms which showed an enormous interest in international social networking sites. 1.2 Articles from popular media The following four popular articles describe the nature of social networking sites and its influence on South African users. Article 1: Cathryn Reece (2007) wrote an article entitled Facebook fever grips SA. “Cape Town - South Africans have embraced the internet social networking revolution, with over 50 000 new users signing on to the local Facebook network. The Facebook "South Africa" network currently has over 87 000 members - up from 35 000 in May. When a user registers on the site, they are given a blank profile page which they can update with their personal information and are encouraged to join a network. Members can then search the site for their friends and link up to each other, re-creating their social circle on the internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mbinjama, Adelina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online social networks , Social media -- South Africa -- King Williams Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8393 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1015 , Online social networks , Social media -- South Africa -- King Williams Town
- Description: According to Jensen (2000:215), though we talk of the growing digital divide between rich and poor countries, Africa has shown encouraging signs that it is rapidly adopting the Internet and making innovative use of the technology. Nevertheless, the continent is still well behind other developing regions of the world in taking advantage of the information and communication revolution. The main reasons for this are the limited and expensive telecommunication infrastructure, small markets, and lack of skills and awareness. At the end of 1996, just 11 of Africa’s 54 countries had local Internet access, but by February 2000 all of the continent’s countries had access in the capital cities (Jensen 2000:215). Excluding South Africa, the number of computers permanently connected to the Internet in Africa exceeded 10,000 early in 1999 (Jensen 2000:215). By January 2000, the total had increased to about 25,000, which means Africa, with an estimated population of 780 million people, has about as many Internet-connected computers (hosts) as Latvia, which only has a population of 2.5 million (Jensen 2000:215). Measuring the actual number of Internet users is difficult, but figures for the number of dial-up accounts supplied by Internet service providers (ISPs) show that Africa has more than 500,000 subscribers (Jensen 2000:215). Each computer with an Internet or e-mail connection supports an average of three users, a recent study by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has found (Jensen 2000:215). This puts current estimates of the number of African Internet users at somewhere around 1.5 million. Most are in South Africa with approximately 1 million (Jensen 2000:215). Apart from the widespread use of Internet for business and entertainment purposes, social networking sites are becoming widely popular in South Africa. Although there has been little academic research on social networking sites in South Africa, there have been a few articles on websites, newspapers, and magazines that have touched on this phenomenon. Social networking sites, particularly Facebook, have become very popular among the adult internet user population, as both business and private applications. BMW South Africa, for example, has a Facebook page where video posts of recent car models and photos of cars are placed. The Facebook page also has a link to the company’s website (www.bmw.co.za) on the profile which takes a user straight to the commercial website. FM Tech (www.fmtech.co.za) is technology industry news and opinion website edited by Duncan McLeod, associate editor at the Financial Mail, South Africa’s top-selling and best-read weekly business, technology and current affairs magazine. McLeod’s article, What SA Internet users searched for in 2008, revealed that “Facebook”, “Cape Town” and “games” are the terms that South African Internet users searched for most often in 2008. Farber (2008) suggests that this is according to the results of US Web search giant Google’s annual “Zeitgeist” survey of the top searches worldwide. Farber also includes the year’s list of fastest-rising search terms which showed an enormous interest in international social networking sites. 1.2 Articles from popular media The following four popular articles describe the nature of social networking sites and its influence on South African users. Article 1: Cathryn Reece (2007) wrote an article entitled Facebook fever grips SA. “Cape Town - South Africans have embraced the internet social networking revolution, with over 50 000 new users signing on to the local Facebook network. The Facebook "South Africa" network currently has over 87 000 members - up from 35 000 in May. When a user registers on the site, they are given a blank profile page which they can update with their personal information and are encouraged to join a network. Members can then search the site for their friends and link up to each other, re-creating their social circle on the internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Obstacles faced by news journalists in investigative reporting: analysis of four Botswana newspapers, June 2008 - October 2008
- Authors: Pule, Kediretswe
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Investigative reporting , Journalism -- Political aspects , Journalists -- Legal status, laws, etc
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8398 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/869 , Investigative reporting , Journalism -- Political aspects , Journalists -- Legal status, laws, etc
- Description: In this research study, the researcher investigates obstacles faced by news journalists in investigative journalism in a democracy as experienced in Botswana. Investigative journalism and democracy have a symbiotic relationship. This relationship serves to make the public sensitive about, and aware of, injustices and undemocratic practices and it could, ultimately, contribute significantly to the process of democratization (Faure 2005: 155). Unfortunately, in their endeavor to keep up with the ethos of investigative journalism, journalists meet obstacles that range from legal to financial issues. The author investigates those factors that reporters in Botswana rate as having the greatest impact on their investigative efforts. The study also assesses the attitudes of journalists in the country towards the roles and responsibilities of the fourth estate, which supports investigative reporting. Investigative journalism is centered on disclosure, described by six elements: public interest, theme, accuracy, follow-up reports, consequences and questioning the status quo (Faure 2005:160; Marron 1995:1). The researcher interrogated the current practice of investigative journalism in newsrooms in the Botswana context, by means of a self-administered questionnaire. A cumulative sum of scores of each rank order for each obstacle was used to observe the one rated the most impeding by Botswana journalists. Elementary descriptive statistics in the form of percentages were used to assess attitudes of Botswana journalists towards investigative journalism. The same method was used to assess the proportion of investigative stories in four sampled Botswana newspapers. The contents of the respective newspapers were assessed against the five elements of investigative reporting that include: theme, public interest, questioning the status quo, accuracy, follow-up reports and consequences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pule, Kediretswe
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Investigative reporting , Journalism -- Political aspects , Journalists -- Legal status, laws, etc
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8398 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/869 , Investigative reporting , Journalism -- Political aspects , Journalists -- Legal status, laws, etc
- Description: In this research study, the researcher investigates obstacles faced by news journalists in investigative journalism in a democracy as experienced in Botswana. Investigative journalism and democracy have a symbiotic relationship. This relationship serves to make the public sensitive about, and aware of, injustices and undemocratic practices and it could, ultimately, contribute significantly to the process of democratization (Faure 2005: 155). Unfortunately, in their endeavor to keep up with the ethos of investigative journalism, journalists meet obstacles that range from legal to financial issues. The author investigates those factors that reporters in Botswana rate as having the greatest impact on their investigative efforts. The study also assesses the attitudes of journalists in the country towards the roles and responsibilities of the fourth estate, which supports investigative reporting. Investigative journalism is centered on disclosure, described by six elements: public interest, theme, accuracy, follow-up reports, consequences and questioning the status quo (Faure 2005:160; Marron 1995:1). The researcher interrogated the current practice of investigative journalism in newsrooms in the Botswana context, by means of a self-administered questionnaire. A cumulative sum of scores of each rank order for each obstacle was used to observe the one rated the most impeding by Botswana journalists. Elementary descriptive statistics in the form of percentages were used to assess attitudes of Botswana journalists towards investigative journalism. The same method was used to assess the proportion of investigative stories in four sampled Botswana newspapers. The contents of the respective newspapers were assessed against the five elements of investigative reporting that include: theme, public interest, questioning the status quo, accuracy, follow-up reports and consequences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Stereotypes, advertising and social identity : a theoretical study with reference to the university as a space of cultural negotiation
- Authors: Okombo, G. A
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Stereotypes (Social psychology) in advertising -- South Africa -- Port Elizaberth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Group identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/981 , Stereotypes (Social psychology) in advertising -- South Africa -- Port Elizaberth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Group identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study is an investigation into the stereotypes used in advertisements designed to appeal to university students’ sense of having a social identity, taking the situation at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) as being representative of university campuses as, among other things, social and cultural space. The study assumes that a university is a site of cultural negotiation, and as such may be viewed as a place where identities are formed and readjusted to conform to stereotypes popularised by influential social models as portrayed in the media. Moreover, with the process of globalization, which distributes stereotypical images globally, one would assume that advertising at NMMU functions in a similar way to its mode of functioning in most parts of the world. Although such media (advertisements) exist in various forms, the scope of the research for this study was limited to print advertisements. Advertisements relevant to the concerns of this study are found everywhere at South African universities. Today, the latest trend for companies like Mr. Price, Standard Bank, Truworths, Red Bull, and Axe, among others, is to sponsor university events, that way creating the opportunity to advertise their products or services to students. Moreover, the notice boards of South African universities are filled with posters advertising new products in the market. In addition to all this, the general South African goods and services market is flooded with magazines that contain stereotype-promoting advertisements targeting students or, in general, young adults. For the purposes of this study, a ‘stereotype’ is understood as an iconic site of identification which functions as a generalized model for social behaviour. In this sense, a ‘stereotype’ may also be understood as a representation of an ‘ideal self’. The purpose of this study is threefold: firstly, to show how and why students may be vulnerable to the stereotypes identified in terms of Lacan’s theory of the ‘mirror stage’; secondly, to identify and categorize the various stereotypes used in advertising to appeal to the student’s sense of social identity, and thirdly, to show that advertisements can be misleading in so far as stereotyping ignores the specificity of every student’s personal social situation and creates false expectations on the part of the target students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Okombo, G. A
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Stereotypes (Social psychology) in advertising -- South Africa -- Port Elizaberth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Group identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/981 , Stereotypes (Social psychology) in advertising -- South Africa -- Port Elizaberth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Group identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study is an investigation into the stereotypes used in advertisements designed to appeal to university students’ sense of having a social identity, taking the situation at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) as being representative of university campuses as, among other things, social and cultural space. The study assumes that a university is a site of cultural negotiation, and as such may be viewed as a place where identities are formed and readjusted to conform to stereotypes popularised by influential social models as portrayed in the media. Moreover, with the process of globalization, which distributes stereotypical images globally, one would assume that advertising at NMMU functions in a similar way to its mode of functioning in most parts of the world. Although such media (advertisements) exist in various forms, the scope of the research for this study was limited to print advertisements. Advertisements relevant to the concerns of this study are found everywhere at South African universities. Today, the latest trend for companies like Mr. Price, Standard Bank, Truworths, Red Bull, and Axe, among others, is to sponsor university events, that way creating the opportunity to advertise their products or services to students. Moreover, the notice boards of South African universities are filled with posters advertising new products in the market. In addition to all this, the general South African goods and services market is flooded with magazines that contain stereotype-promoting advertisements targeting students or, in general, young adults. For the purposes of this study, a ‘stereotype’ is understood as an iconic site of identification which functions as a generalized model for social behaviour. In this sense, a ‘stereotype’ may also be understood as a representation of an ‘ideal self’. The purpose of this study is threefold: firstly, to show how and why students may be vulnerable to the stereotypes identified in terms of Lacan’s theory of the ‘mirror stage’; secondly, to identify and categorize the various stereotypes used in advertising to appeal to the student’s sense of social identity, and thirdly, to show that advertisements can be misleading in so far as stereotyping ignores the specificity of every student’s personal social situation and creates false expectations on the part of the target students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The Darfur conflict from the perspective of the rebel justice and equality movement
- Authors: Heleta, Savo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Peace-building -- Sudan -- Darfur , Genocide -- Sudan -- Darfur , Sudan -- History -- Darfur Conflict, 2003-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8222 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/970 , Peace-building -- Sudan -- Darfur , Genocide -- Sudan -- Darfur , Sudan -- History -- Darfur Conflict, 2003-
- Description: In 2003, a conflict broke out in Darfur, Sudan’s western province, between the mainly “African” rebels and the government forces and their proxy “Arab” militias. It is estimated that about 200,000 people have so far died in the conflict from fighting, disease, and starvation. The UN and aid agencies estimate that over two million Darfurians, out of the population of about six million, are living in refugee camps. Even though the majority of all deaths in Darfur have occurred in 2003 and 2004, the conflict is nowhere near the end. Even after more than five years since the Darfur conflict began, there is hardly any comprehensive information about the rebels’ aims, objectives, and plans for the future. We cannot fully understand the conflict and plan peace negotiations between the warring parties if we do not know enough about the rebels. This study has critically explored the aims and perspectives of the Justice and Equality Movement, currently the most powerful Darfur rebel movement. The author has used the first-hand information gathered through interviews with the representatives of the rebel movement and additional data about the conflict and the rebels collected through an extensive literature analysis to portray the movement and its aims, perspectives, and plans for the future. Using the grounded theory approach as the data analysis tool, the author has presented key findings about the Darfur conflict from the perspective of the Justice and Equality Movement that have emerged from the data collected in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Heleta, Savo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Peace-building -- Sudan -- Darfur , Genocide -- Sudan -- Darfur , Sudan -- History -- Darfur Conflict, 2003-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8222 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/970 , Peace-building -- Sudan -- Darfur , Genocide -- Sudan -- Darfur , Sudan -- History -- Darfur Conflict, 2003-
- Description: In 2003, a conflict broke out in Darfur, Sudan’s western province, between the mainly “African” rebels and the government forces and their proxy “Arab” militias. It is estimated that about 200,000 people have so far died in the conflict from fighting, disease, and starvation. The UN and aid agencies estimate that over two million Darfurians, out of the population of about six million, are living in refugee camps. Even though the majority of all deaths in Darfur have occurred in 2003 and 2004, the conflict is nowhere near the end. Even after more than five years since the Darfur conflict began, there is hardly any comprehensive information about the rebels’ aims, objectives, and plans for the future. We cannot fully understand the conflict and plan peace negotiations between the warring parties if we do not know enough about the rebels. This study has critically explored the aims and perspectives of the Justice and Equality Movement, currently the most powerful Darfur rebel movement. The author has used the first-hand information gathered through interviews with the representatives of the rebel movement and additional data about the conflict and the rebels collected through an extensive literature analysis to portray the movement and its aims, perspectives, and plans for the future. Using the grounded theory approach as the data analysis tool, the author has presented key findings about the Darfur conflict from the perspective of the Justice and Equality Movement that have emerged from the data collected in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The identification and awareness level of students towards the new Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's brand
- Authors: Mpuya, Adeline Nkwimba
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Corporate image
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1024 , Corporate image
- Description: In the past fourteen years, mergers and takeovers have represented a major dimension of corporate identity changes in South African institutions of higher learning. This treatise firstly describes and then explores if students identify themselves with the NMMU corporate identity. Thereafter, it firstly explores and then describes the corporate identity awareness level of NMMU students. Design: An exploratory-descriptive research design was used. The researcher used two types of data. One was secondary data and the other one was primary data. The former were collected by means of an extensive review of the related literature. The latter were obtained by means of surveys. In addition this treatise has referred to The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Brand Strategy (2007) document that was prepared by the brand manager, Karen Coetzee. Findings: The level of brand awareness among students is considered to be low. There is a need to improve the corporate identity awareness level of these strategic stakeholders for the future success of the university. Limitations: This treatise has concentrated on the parent brand (NMMU). Furthermore, the sampling has been limited to students studying at NMMU (Port Elizabeth campuses). Significance: It is important to explore the corporate brand awareness level of the students. It is also essential to discover if students identify themselves with the new NMMU brand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mpuya, Adeline Nkwimba
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Corporate image
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1024 , Corporate image
- Description: In the past fourteen years, mergers and takeovers have represented a major dimension of corporate identity changes in South African institutions of higher learning. This treatise firstly describes and then explores if students identify themselves with the NMMU corporate identity. Thereafter, it firstly explores and then describes the corporate identity awareness level of NMMU students. Design: An exploratory-descriptive research design was used. The researcher used two types of data. One was secondary data and the other one was primary data. The former were collected by means of an extensive review of the related literature. The latter were obtained by means of surveys. In addition this treatise has referred to The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Brand Strategy (2007) document that was prepared by the brand manager, Karen Coetzee. Findings: The level of brand awareness among students is considered to be low. There is a need to improve the corporate identity awareness level of these strategic stakeholders for the future success of the university. Limitations: This treatise has concentrated on the parent brand (NMMU). Furthermore, the sampling has been limited to students studying at NMMU (Port Elizabeth campuses). Significance: It is important to explore the corporate brand awareness level of the students. It is also essential to discover if students identify themselves with the new NMMU brand.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The influence of feminist communication in creating social transformation : an analysis of the films Moolaadé (Ousmane Sembène) and Water (Deepa Mehta)
- Authors: Rubaba, Protas Pius
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Feminism and motion pictures , Motion pictures and women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8397 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/888 , Feminism and motion pictures , Motion pictures and women
- Description: In many societies in developing countries, women are not given a chance to communicate their issues. The organisation within these societies places men at the top, giving them the opportunity to make all the important decisions. This situation is reflected in the two films which fall under this study, namely, Water and Moolaadé both of which are fictional representations of the oppression of women. In this study, an attempt is made to explain communication struggles in the two films: Water, reflecting Indian society and Moolaadé, reflecting African society. To understand the outcome of these struggles against patriarchy, the study looks at two types of feminism: Indian feminism and African feminism and attempts to find the sense that characters in the film can be understood. The analysis also looks at what the women, who act as feminists in the films have achieved out of their struggles to break the silence and how their voices have influenced or sensitised the silenced majority of women in their societies. Feminist communication theories have been used to analyse the female voice in the films. In the conclusion, I have argued that in both films women have managed to transform their respective societies. However more potential to social transformation are revealed by women depicted in Moolaadé than in Water, where there is very slow pace of change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Rubaba, Protas Pius
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Feminism and motion pictures , Motion pictures and women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8397 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/888 , Feminism and motion pictures , Motion pictures and women
- Description: In many societies in developing countries, women are not given a chance to communicate their issues. The organisation within these societies places men at the top, giving them the opportunity to make all the important decisions. This situation is reflected in the two films which fall under this study, namely, Water and Moolaadé both of which are fictional representations of the oppression of women. In this study, an attempt is made to explain communication struggles in the two films: Water, reflecting Indian society and Moolaadé, reflecting African society. To understand the outcome of these struggles against patriarchy, the study looks at two types of feminism: Indian feminism and African feminism and attempts to find the sense that characters in the film can be understood. The analysis also looks at what the women, who act as feminists in the films have achieved out of their struggles to break the silence and how their voices have influenced or sensitised the silenced majority of women in their societies. Feminist communication theories have been used to analyse the female voice in the films. In the conclusion, I have argued that in both films women have managed to transform their respective societies. However more potential to social transformation are revealed by women depicted in Moolaadé than in Water, where there is very slow pace of change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The novel as cultural and historical archive: an examination of Marlene van Niekerk's Agaat (2006)
- Authors: Carvalho, Alyssa May
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Van Niekerk, Marlene , South Africa Fiction , Afrikaans fiction -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8454 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1224 , Van Niekerk, Marlene , South Africa Fiction , Afrikaans fiction -- 21st century
- Description: This research engages with a contemporary theoretical debate in the literary field, namely the ability of fictional texts to contribute to archival records. Contemporary research in archival discourse suggests that there are many intersections between fiction and the archive. Using Hamilton and others’ seminal text Refiguring the Archive (2002) and Pasco’s “Literature as Historical Archive” (2004) as point of departure, this dissertation offers an analysis of the South African English translation of Marlene van Niekerk’s Agaat (2004, translated 2006). In both form and function, the novel is viewed as a simulation of an archive. In Agaat, Van Niekerk has compiled a fictional archive of two indigenous South African cultures through her portrayal of the two main characters: Afrikaner culture during apartheid as embedded in the focalization of Milla de Wet and remnants of Khoi and/or San culture as emerge from the fictionalised subjectivity of her coloured housekeeper-nurse, Agaat. Through a conceptual and theoretical exploration of archival discourse, I argue that literary texts, such as Van Niekerk’s novel, have the potential to refigure (or creatively redefine) the archive and to enhance its scope and relevance, especially as South Africa undergoes transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Carvalho, Alyssa May
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Van Niekerk, Marlene , South Africa Fiction , Afrikaans fiction -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8454 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1224 , Van Niekerk, Marlene , South Africa Fiction , Afrikaans fiction -- 21st century
- Description: This research engages with a contemporary theoretical debate in the literary field, namely the ability of fictional texts to contribute to archival records. Contemporary research in archival discourse suggests that there are many intersections between fiction and the archive. Using Hamilton and others’ seminal text Refiguring the Archive (2002) and Pasco’s “Literature as Historical Archive” (2004) as point of departure, this dissertation offers an analysis of the South African English translation of Marlene van Niekerk’s Agaat (2004, translated 2006). In both form and function, the novel is viewed as a simulation of an archive. In Agaat, Van Niekerk has compiled a fictional archive of two indigenous South African cultures through her portrayal of the two main characters: Afrikaner culture during apartheid as embedded in the focalization of Milla de Wet and remnants of Khoi and/or San culture as emerge from the fictionalised subjectivity of her coloured housekeeper-nurse, Agaat. Through a conceptual and theoretical exploration of archival discourse, I argue that literary texts, such as Van Niekerk’s novel, have the potential to refigure (or creatively redefine) the archive and to enhance its scope and relevance, especially as South Africa undergoes transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The representation of materialist consumerism in film
- Authors: Fourie, Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) in motion pictures , Depersonalization , Group identity , Motion pictures -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/954 , Identity (Psychology) in motion pictures , Depersonalization , Group identity , Motion pictures -- Social aspects
- Description: People are constantly bombarded with the latest technology, the latest fashion, the latest ‘must have’ item. We are encouraged to buy things that promise to change our lives and give us satisfaction or even create happiness. Interestingly we often succumb to the temptation of these material things, which is not always a negative reaction; however it does become negative when our lives are controlled by material possessions and we give up certain aspects of who we are to enable us to obtain these possessions. Further more it becomes problematic when we start to rely on material possessions to define us in terms of our identity or to help us fit into particular groups within society. With the media playing such a large role in societies at present it is almost inevitable that the phenomenon of materialist consumerism will make its way into the media. The media however holds control, to an extent, over whether or not materialist consumerism is viewed in a negative or affirmative light. An analysis of the representation of materialist consumerism in selected instances of mainstream cinema will be the aim of my proposed study. The study will look at the representation of materialist consumerism in so far as it offers viewers a place to ‘fit’ into a particular group within society. The group I am referring to can be categorised as the upper-middle class of contemporary western society. I have thus selected films that represent this group specifically. For the purpose of the treatise ‘materialist consumerism’ is understood as a way of life, or alternatively, an ideology, which assumes that the accumulation of material wealth through consumption imparts meaning to human lives. The treatise will analyse both sides of the coin, or in other words films that support or promote materialist consumerism and those that either revolt against or criticise this form of consumerism. The study will explore different aspects of consumerism in so far as these are represented in the films, with an identifiable axiological bias.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Fourie, Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Identity (Psychology) in motion pictures , Depersonalization , Group identity , Motion pictures -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/954 , Identity (Psychology) in motion pictures , Depersonalization , Group identity , Motion pictures -- Social aspects
- Description: People are constantly bombarded with the latest technology, the latest fashion, the latest ‘must have’ item. We are encouraged to buy things that promise to change our lives and give us satisfaction or even create happiness. Interestingly we often succumb to the temptation of these material things, which is not always a negative reaction; however it does become negative when our lives are controlled by material possessions and we give up certain aspects of who we are to enable us to obtain these possessions. Further more it becomes problematic when we start to rely on material possessions to define us in terms of our identity or to help us fit into particular groups within society. With the media playing such a large role in societies at present it is almost inevitable that the phenomenon of materialist consumerism will make its way into the media. The media however holds control, to an extent, over whether or not materialist consumerism is viewed in a negative or affirmative light. An analysis of the representation of materialist consumerism in selected instances of mainstream cinema will be the aim of my proposed study. The study will look at the representation of materialist consumerism in so far as it offers viewers a place to ‘fit’ into a particular group within society. The group I am referring to can be categorised as the upper-middle class of contemporary western society. I have thus selected films that represent this group specifically. For the purpose of the treatise ‘materialist consumerism’ is understood as a way of life, or alternatively, an ideology, which assumes that the accumulation of material wealth through consumption imparts meaning to human lives. The treatise will analyse both sides of the coin, or in other words films that support or promote materialist consumerism and those that either revolt against or criticise this form of consumerism. The study will explore different aspects of consumerism in so far as these are represented in the films, with an identifiable axiological bias.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of culture in the translation of advertisements: a comparative investigation of selected texts with German as source language and South African English as target language
- Authors: Matviyenko, Olena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Target marketing Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Language , Comparative advertising -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8365 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1187 , Target marketing Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Language , Comparative advertising -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa Cross-cultural studies
- Description: The globalisation of economies and trade growth have made it necessary for international companies to communicate with consumers of different languages and cultures, since a major objective is to sell a standardised product to consumers with linguistic and cultural backgrounds which are different from those to which the manufacturers are accustomed. Once brought to a foreign country, the sales of a product must be promoted by way of advertising. To begin with, the method of advertising depends on the kind of product to be marketed. In addition, persuasive texts, which are characteristic of the language of advertising, not only employ particular pragmatic strategies, but are based on the values and cultural traditions of the relevant society. In different cultures different signs, symbols, names and customs will be used in different situations. In the case of the translation or localisation of advertisements, a translator must be very sensitive to the loss and gain of cultural elements. These could include objects, historical references, customs and habits that are unique to the source culture and not present in the target culture. The main focus of the research is on the culture-specific elements in advertising texts and their depiction in translation. This treatise investigates certain aspects of translation theory (such as theories of equivalence, Skopos theory and other similar theories) to form a basis for conducting this study and then adapts them to the process of translation. In addition, two main opposite techniques known as standardisation or localisation of the advertising message are discussed. The number of source texts (original) and target texts (localised) are examined closely to reveal any misrepresentations and to identify the method of translation applicable in each case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Matviyenko, Olena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Target marketing Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Language , Comparative advertising -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8365 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1187 , Target marketing Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Cross-cultural studies , Advertising -- Language , Comparative advertising -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa Cross-cultural studies
- Description: The globalisation of economies and trade growth have made it necessary for international companies to communicate with consumers of different languages and cultures, since a major objective is to sell a standardised product to consumers with linguistic and cultural backgrounds which are different from those to which the manufacturers are accustomed. Once brought to a foreign country, the sales of a product must be promoted by way of advertising. To begin with, the method of advertising depends on the kind of product to be marketed. In addition, persuasive texts, which are characteristic of the language of advertising, not only employ particular pragmatic strategies, but are based on the values and cultural traditions of the relevant society. In different cultures different signs, symbols, names and customs will be used in different situations. In the case of the translation or localisation of advertisements, a translator must be very sensitive to the loss and gain of cultural elements. These could include objects, historical references, customs and habits that are unique to the source culture and not present in the target culture. The main focus of the research is on the culture-specific elements in advertising texts and their depiction in translation. This treatise investigates certain aspects of translation theory (such as theories of equivalence, Skopos theory and other similar theories) to form a basis for conducting this study and then adapts them to the process of translation. In addition, two main opposite techniques known as standardisation or localisation of the advertising message are discussed. The number of source texts (original) and target texts (localised) are examined closely to reveal any misrepresentations and to identify the method of translation applicable in each case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of the private radio stations in promoting participatory democracry in Lesotho : the case of Moafrika FM, Catholic FM, Peoples's choice FM and Harvest FM
- Ramakhula, Abeloang Ramakhula
- Authors: Ramakhula, Abeloang Ramakhula
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Radio in politics , Radio broadcasting -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/859 , Radio in politics , Radio broadcasting -- Political aspects
- Description: This study is an exploratory assessment of the role of private radio stations in promoting participatory democracy in Lesotho. It seeks to describe the current situation of the role of radio in the country, including levels of rural development programming and community participation. There are eight private radio stations operating in the country. The emergence of the liberalised airwaves created an opportunity for people to have access to information, hence promotion of participatory democracy, though problem of freedom of expression and speech and absence of media policy hinders positive effective participation in issues affecting both journalists and society. The study will use a survey within the purposely selected media professionals to assess how citizens obtain and use information to make informed political choices as well as to measure the influence of private radio stations on political knowledge, attitudes and behavior. The field research will take place in the capital Maseru, where all the private radio stations are based. This will enable the researcher to draw inferences about the role of private radio stations and participatory democracy in Lesotho. The study explores changes that have occurred following the emergence of liberalisation of the radio airwaves in Lesotho from 1994, from almost a century of state owned and dominated national radio station. The central argument in this study is to establish if liberalisation of the airwaves in particular has a significant impact on the democratisation process in the country. Given the country’s limited literacy rate and historic role of broadcast media in Lesotho as a source of all major official information, private radio stations occupies a central role of mobilising and debating issues of national concern. The study, therefore, concludes that the emergence of the private radio stations in Lesotho has increased community participation in political and current affairs. The coverage of radio in the country and its pluralistic character suggest that the private radio stations will remain a crucial broadcast medium of communication in Lesotho, especially for the rural people whose access to television and print are inaccessible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Ramakhula, Abeloang Ramakhula
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Radio in politics , Radio broadcasting -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/859 , Radio in politics , Radio broadcasting -- Political aspects
- Description: This study is an exploratory assessment of the role of private radio stations in promoting participatory democracy in Lesotho. It seeks to describe the current situation of the role of radio in the country, including levels of rural development programming and community participation. There are eight private radio stations operating in the country. The emergence of the liberalised airwaves created an opportunity for people to have access to information, hence promotion of participatory democracy, though problem of freedom of expression and speech and absence of media policy hinders positive effective participation in issues affecting both journalists and society. The study will use a survey within the purposely selected media professionals to assess how citizens obtain and use information to make informed political choices as well as to measure the influence of private radio stations on political knowledge, attitudes and behavior. The field research will take place in the capital Maseru, where all the private radio stations are based. This will enable the researcher to draw inferences about the role of private radio stations and participatory democracy in Lesotho. The study explores changes that have occurred following the emergence of liberalisation of the radio airwaves in Lesotho from 1994, from almost a century of state owned and dominated national radio station. The central argument in this study is to establish if liberalisation of the airwaves in particular has a significant impact on the democratisation process in the country. Given the country’s limited literacy rate and historic role of broadcast media in Lesotho as a source of all major official information, private radio stations occupies a central role of mobilising and debating issues of national concern. The study, therefore, concludes that the emergence of the private radio stations in Lesotho has increased community participation in political and current affairs. The coverage of radio in the country and its pluralistic character suggest that the private radio stations will remain a crucial broadcast medium of communication in Lesotho, especially for the rural people whose access to television and print are inaccessible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The sense of coherence and coping resources of adult family caregivers of HIV/AIDS patients in the Kwazakhele area of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Naidoo, Sherina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships , Caregivers -- Family relationships , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Medical care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1021 , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships , Caregivers -- Family relationships , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Medical care -- South Africa
- Description: Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), which results in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), has many manifestations. Literature reveals that some of these manifestations may compromise the infected individual’s sense of well-being and negatively impact on health related quality of life. As the number of people living with HIV/AIDS disease grows, so does the need for their care. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, care was primarily handled by special agencies, hospitals and clinics. These agencies have been inundated with the demands of people living with HIV/AIDS, while their resources are shrinking. As it stands now, the total assistance given to people living with HIV/AIDS is provided by relatives and this responsibility of caregiving will more increasingly rest with families. This situation is particularly salient for the rural community in South Africa, which has been disproportionately affected by the AIDS epidemic. AIDS has a tremendous impact on the entire family system, particularly on the individual who has primary responsibility for caregiving. The caregiver must cope with many circumstances that are frustrating and often beyond their control. Caring for a Person Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) appears to be a major stressor in the lives of caregivers, and can be very demanding, impacting on carers financially, physically, emotionally and socially. Given the lack of research on HIV/AIDS family caregiving from a salutogenic approach, this study aimed to explore and describe the sense of coherence and coping of family caregivers of HIV/AIDS patients in the Kwazakhele area in Port Elizabeth. The sample consisted of 50 participants aged between 21 and 65 years, recruited via the Kwazakhele Masizakhe Project. An exploratory-descriptive design was employed. Data was obtained by a biographical questionnaire, the Coping Resources Inventory (CRI) and the Sense of Coherence (SOC-29) Questionnaire. A non-probability convenience sample of adult male and female family caregivers were sampled. Descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients were utilized to describe and explore the coping and sense of coherence of the family caregivers and the correlation between these constructs, respectively. The data obtained from the biographical questionnaire was analysed by using descriptive statistics and frequency counts. Key findings include the following: Results from the coping resources measure indicated that this sample perceived themselves as having an average level of coping resources. The sample tended to rely more readily on spiritual resources and less on cognitive resources. Results from the SOC-29 revealed fairly high mean scores. There is no positive relationship between the SOC-29 and the CRI for the current sample. No significant relationship existed between the SOC and the subscales of the CRI. Suggestions are made for future research, the limitations and value of research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Naidoo, Sherina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships , Caregivers -- Family relationships , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Medical care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1021 , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships , Caregivers -- Family relationships , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Medical care -- South Africa
- Description: Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), which results in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), has many manifestations. Literature reveals that some of these manifestations may compromise the infected individual’s sense of well-being and negatively impact on health related quality of life. As the number of people living with HIV/AIDS disease grows, so does the need for their care. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, care was primarily handled by special agencies, hospitals and clinics. These agencies have been inundated with the demands of people living with HIV/AIDS, while their resources are shrinking. As it stands now, the total assistance given to people living with HIV/AIDS is provided by relatives and this responsibility of caregiving will more increasingly rest with families. This situation is particularly salient for the rural community in South Africa, which has been disproportionately affected by the AIDS epidemic. AIDS has a tremendous impact on the entire family system, particularly on the individual who has primary responsibility for caregiving. The caregiver must cope with many circumstances that are frustrating and often beyond their control. Caring for a Person Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) appears to be a major stressor in the lives of caregivers, and can be very demanding, impacting on carers financially, physically, emotionally and socially. Given the lack of research on HIV/AIDS family caregiving from a salutogenic approach, this study aimed to explore and describe the sense of coherence and coping of family caregivers of HIV/AIDS patients in the Kwazakhele area in Port Elizabeth. The sample consisted of 50 participants aged between 21 and 65 years, recruited via the Kwazakhele Masizakhe Project. An exploratory-descriptive design was employed. Data was obtained by a biographical questionnaire, the Coping Resources Inventory (CRI) and the Sense of Coherence (SOC-29) Questionnaire. A non-probability convenience sample of adult male and female family caregivers were sampled. Descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients were utilized to describe and explore the coping and sense of coherence of the family caregivers and the correlation between these constructs, respectively. The data obtained from the biographical questionnaire was analysed by using descriptive statistics and frequency counts. Key findings include the following: Results from the coping resources measure indicated that this sample perceived themselves as having an average level of coping resources. The sample tended to rely more readily on spiritual resources and less on cognitive resources. Results from the SOC-29 revealed fairly high mean scores. There is no positive relationship between the SOC-29 and the CRI for the current sample. No significant relationship existed between the SOC and the subscales of the CRI. Suggestions are made for future research, the limitations and value of research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Van dagboek tot reisjoernaal : 'n literêre ondersoek na intertekstualiteit in Bidsprinkaan (2005) van André P. Brink
- Authors: Nagel, Amilinda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Brink, André Philippus, 1935-2015. Bidsprikaan , Afrikaans fiction -- 21st century -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8457 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1050 , Brink, André Philippus, 1935-2015. Bidsprikaan , Afrikaans fiction -- 21st century -- History and criticism
- Description: The dissertation offers a reception study followed by a critical analysis of Bidsprinkaan by André P. Brink [Praying Mantis, 2005], as well as a careful study of the relevant historical and anthropological intertexts pertaining to the text. This research adds to a fuller understanding of the history of Cupido Kakkerlak and the missionaries. Brink encoded the novel with certain historical and anthropological codes, well-hidden beneath the surface of his fictional writing, thus achieving a finely balanced interaction between fact and fiction in his novelistic construct. This novelistic amalgam of the imaginative world with the historical and anthropological material, gives multidimensionality to the text which is not visible at a first superficial reading. Failing to recognize the traces to these intertexts, would result in a lesser understanding of the conflicting fields in which the main character is positioned, specifically between indigenous belief and Christianity, as well as between indigenous culture and mythology on the one hand, and western culture on the other hand. The author ‘encodes’ the novel (to use the terminology of Jakobson’s communication model) with these historical and anthropological intertexts, which the reader has to ‘decode’ in order to unlock the novel. One central technique therefore, is that of interwoven fact and fiction. This is a technique employed in most of Brink’s novels, such as ‘n Oomblik in die wind, 1975 [An Instant in the Wind], Houd-den-Bek, 1982 [A chain of voices,], Die eerste lewe van Adamastor, 1986 [The First Life of Adamastor, 1993], Inteendeel, 1993 [On the Contrary, 1993] and Duiwelskloof, 1998 [Devil’s Valley, 1998]. Khoi and San history, culture and identity also figure centrally in these novels. A further aspect of my hypothesis is suggested by the politically correct Afrikaans title, Bidsprinkaan (the common nomenclature for the praying mantis is “hotnotsgot”, which roughly translates as “hottentots’ god”, with obvious racial pejorative suggestion). Brink’s use of “bidsprinkaan” for his title, alerts the reader to contemporary political sensitivity, thus contrasting the society of two centuries ago with the present. The more sophisticated reading process followed here compares colonial and postcolonial South African societies, and attempts to tease out the implied ideological facet embedded in the novel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nagel, Amilinda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Brink, André Philippus, 1935-2015. Bidsprikaan , Afrikaans fiction -- 21st century -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8457 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1050 , Brink, André Philippus, 1935-2015. Bidsprikaan , Afrikaans fiction -- 21st century -- History and criticism
- Description: The dissertation offers a reception study followed by a critical analysis of Bidsprinkaan by André P. Brink [Praying Mantis, 2005], as well as a careful study of the relevant historical and anthropological intertexts pertaining to the text. This research adds to a fuller understanding of the history of Cupido Kakkerlak and the missionaries. Brink encoded the novel with certain historical and anthropological codes, well-hidden beneath the surface of his fictional writing, thus achieving a finely balanced interaction between fact and fiction in his novelistic construct. This novelistic amalgam of the imaginative world with the historical and anthropological material, gives multidimensionality to the text which is not visible at a first superficial reading. Failing to recognize the traces to these intertexts, would result in a lesser understanding of the conflicting fields in which the main character is positioned, specifically between indigenous belief and Christianity, as well as between indigenous culture and mythology on the one hand, and western culture on the other hand. The author ‘encodes’ the novel (to use the terminology of Jakobson’s communication model) with these historical and anthropological intertexts, which the reader has to ‘decode’ in order to unlock the novel. One central technique therefore, is that of interwoven fact and fiction. This is a technique employed in most of Brink’s novels, such as ‘n Oomblik in die wind, 1975 [An Instant in the Wind], Houd-den-Bek, 1982 [A chain of voices,], Die eerste lewe van Adamastor, 1986 [The First Life of Adamastor, 1993], Inteendeel, 1993 [On the Contrary, 1993] and Duiwelskloof, 1998 [Devil’s Valley, 1998]. Khoi and San history, culture and identity also figure centrally in these novels. A further aspect of my hypothesis is suggested by the politically correct Afrikaans title, Bidsprinkaan (the common nomenclature for the praying mantis is “hotnotsgot”, which roughly translates as “hottentots’ god”, with obvious racial pejorative suggestion). Brink’s use of “bidsprinkaan” for his title, alerts the reader to contemporary political sensitivity, thus contrasting the society of two centuries ago with the present. The more sophisticated reading process followed here compares colonial and postcolonial South African societies, and attempts to tease out the implied ideological facet embedded in the novel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
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