A field of rooms and doors: exploring unbelonging in the works of queer poets and my artistic practice
- Authors: Human, Micaela
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Homosexuality in art , Homosexuality and art , Art, Modern -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72264 , vital:79203
- Description: This practice as research study, comprising a thesis and installation, explores the queer experience of unbelonging using liminality and the uncanny as key concepts. Losing one’s sense of belonging is something that many queer individuals experience after coming out. This unseen threshold between belonging and losing belonging is where unbelonging takes place. It will be argued that it is a liminal process, one in which queer individuals are continuously fluctuating within heteronormative society. Furthermore, this paper explores the way queer individuals both experience and embody the uncanny. On one level, within heteronormative society, queer individuals are perceived through an uncanny lens, as familiar and recognisable, yet strange and unsettling. Additionally, there is a dichotomy that occurs within queerness and the concept of the closet. When an individual is in the closet, their identity occupies the tenuous space of the ‘open secret’, thereby evoking a feeling of the uncanny within themselves. Due to its visuality and other sympathetic attributes, poetry will be considered as a valuable medium to express the nuances within the queer experience of unbelonging. The work of three queer poets will be analysed, namely Ocean Vuong, Richard Siken and Chen Chen. Finally, Dan Nadaner’s concept of ‘crossover’ (1993) will also be addressed to explain how my own work has been informed by the works of these poets, as well as underpin the relationship between poetry and the visual arts in general. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
An analysis of the portrayal and representation of African societies in colonial transition in Sol Plaatje’s novel Mhudi
- Authors: Mahula, Neo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Plaatje, Sol. T. -- (Solomon Tshekisho), -- 1876-1932. -- Mhudi , Historical fiction, South African (English) -- History and criticism , South African fiction (English) -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72324 , vital:79210
- Description: This thesis aims to position Mhudi as a text in the discipline of sociology in Africa. In it, Plaatje centralises the history of the Barolong from a period where their societies were mainly oral. The text is significant because it is a form of sociological analysis of transitions from an African perspective in the context of pre-industrial South Africa. The key argument of this thesis is that Mhudi provides invaluable insight into African perspectives on sociological thought because Plaatje used it as a type of rear-view mirror through which he examined the early to mid-19th century when indigenous Africans who lived in the interior of South Africa crossed paths with the settler Boers and created alliances with them. Plaatje attributed some of the problems plaguing indigenous South Africans during the early 20th century to those alliances formed by the settler Boers and the indigenous South Africans in the 19th century. The problems included indigenous people being forced to relocate to underdeveloped areas known as the reserves, as well as a prohibition on the purchasing or leasing of land outside of the reserves which led to overpopulation and heightened levels of poverty among indigenous people. The three key contributions of Sol Plaatje’s Mhudi to our understanding of social transitions in the 19th century are the following: A) Social structures and institutions such as marriage, gender, and family underwent seismic transitions owing to the absence of key people due to the largescale massacres that were taking place. B) The arrival of the Voortrekkers introduced ethnic conflict in Thaba Nchu and that further destabilised the indigenous communities there, as well as others surrounding them. C) Due to having no conception of race relations and racial politics elsewhere in the world, the indigenous communities, through their alignment with the Boers, played key roles in the corrosion of their power which led to their subjugation. Lastly, this thesis concludes that for a positive forward movement in the discipline of sociology in South Africa, we need to go beyond the existing canon and use early African writers to begin to form an African perspective of how change occurred. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
An assessment of factors affecting staff turnover in the Eastern Cape provincial treasury
- Authors: Mda, Sinethemba
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- Government employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72357 , vital:79215
- Description: This study assessed the multifaceted factors contributing to staff turnover in the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury. Turnover occurs when employees’ services are terminated. The process of staff turnover is a component of the human resource management function and refers to the in-and-out movement of employees within an organisation, manifesting through the beginning or end of an employment contract (Toni, 2007). The Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury Annual Reports for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years indicate a growing turnover rate in the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury. High employee turnover presents substantial challenges for organisations, disrupting service delivery and organisational effectiveness. This study adopted a qualitative research method. Data collection was conducted through a literature review and the use of relevant official documents. Journal articles, published and unpublished treatises and dissertations, and credible Internet sources, including the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury website, were used to gather data for the research. The turnover rate in the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury rose from 13.9% in 2021/2022 to 14.8% in 2022/2023 despite a slight increase in the workforce. This upward trend highlights escalating challenges in employee retention, potentially stemming from job dissatisfaction, competitive labour markets, and internal management practices. The increase in turnover rates signals potential operational disruptions and heightened expenses related to recruitment and training. The Provincial Treasury can address turnover by offering clear career progression pathways, competitive salaries, and performance-based incentives to retain skilled employees (Ndlovu & Ngcobo, 2023; Sithole & Mabuza, 2022). Fostering an inclusive and supportive culture that values contributions, promotes work-life balance, and recognises achievements is crucial (Mazibuko, 2017). Strengthening leadership through training and transparent communication can enhance management effectiveness (Mthembu & Ngcobo, 2023). Improving job security and creating pathways for contract employees to transition to permanent roles, alongside regular feedback mechanisms, will further boost employee satisfaction and retention (Mkhize, 2023). , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
An assessment of the management of vocational and training programmes in selected technical and vocational education training colleges in Gqeberha, South Africa
- Authors: Mongwe, Sibongile Dolly
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Vocational education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Technical education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Educational leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72400 , vital:79220
- Description: Globally, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are acknowledged as a crucial resource for achieving sustainable economic growth and development. Third-world countries require skilled workers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world regarding technology. TVET is a crucial component of any nation’s educational system, preparing students for success in the labour market. Most developing countries have acknowledged the need to establish TVET institutions to mitigate the shortage of the required manpower. In its quest to meet labour demand across various industries, South Africa introduced TVET in all provinces. This study assessed the opportunities and challenges faced in managing TVET college programmes in alignment with the government’s goal of achieving developed nation status by 2030. A descriptive research methodology helped identify the drawbacks and benefits of managing TVET colleges in Gqeberha, South Africa. The investigator employed desktop research to collect relevant data, drawing on various secondary sources from online scholarly databases. These sources included local government reports, newspaper and online articles, research studies, agency reviews, community reports, international firms’ reports, foreign government publications, research scholars’ findings, and universities and research groups’ materials. Content analysis, a qualitative method, was employed to analyse the emerging themes and patterns. The findings revealed that opportunities in TVET management include emerging technologies, collaborations and international engagements, partnerships with industry, and various support services. However, the findings indicated that TVET colleges in South Africa face challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, misaligned and negative perceptions, shortages of experienced and qualified lecturers and support staff, and poor governance. This study serves as a strong foundation for enhanced knowledge and improved TVET management. The study, which relied on secondary qualitative data, advances the development of an evidence-driven understanding of the state of TVET in South Africa and provides a foundation for future strategic interventions. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Science, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
An ethnographic study of coloured women’s perceptions of violence in the Northern areas, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Welcome, Chantelle Leslie
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Women, Coloured -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Violence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender based violence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72575 , vital:79239
- Description: This study seeks to investigate coloured women’s perceptions of violence and seeks to add to the growing body of work on women and violence in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth; namely Arcadia, Salt Lake, and Helenvale. In doing so, the study investigates the tactics women use to avoid participation in violence and crime and how they build and maintain resilience to violence. Crime and violence are normalised in the everyday life of residents of the Northern areas. Residents must contend with gangsterism and violence in public and domestic spaces. Violence is also pervasive in the everyday life of the youth. High unemployment rates, crime rates, and historical structural inequality are a few of the contributing factors to the occurrence and persistence of social deviance among the youth in these communities. This study seeks to ethnographically explore the perceptions of women in both domestic and public spaces by emphasizing the female perspective of everyday life within violent communities. The study investigates socio-economic issues such as violence, “broken” family structures, inequality, and poverty, and their contribution to pervasive violence within these communities. It seeks to explore the role that coloured women play in their dysfunctional communities and the tactics used to circumvent violence, especially violence in the form of gangsterism. Existing literature focuses on men and their participation in violence while women and their perceptions of violence fall into the backdrop of these dominant discourses. Therefore, this study attempts to rethink women’s (non-)involvement in violence and address their perceptions and tactics used to foster resilience to violence within their communities. The study also seeks to explore the positionality of women within their communities, and the factors which influence participation in or resilience to violence. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
Exploring principles for translating vulgar lexical items from English to Sepedi in literary texts and fictional films
- Authors: Maboke, Emmanuel
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sepedi language, Vulgar -- Grammar, Historical , Translating and interpreting , Translation studies
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72309 , vital:79209
- Description: This study explores translation principles for effectively rendering vulgar lexical items from English to Sepedi, with a focus on strategies and procedures applied in literary texts and fictional films. It investigates how linguistic and cultural competence contribute to achieving functional equivalence while preserving Sepedi’s stylistic and cultural integrity. Drawing on functional equivalence and the Skopos theory, the research examines strategies such as direct and oblique methods and procedures including cultural substitution, euphemistic expression, neutralisation and semantic modulation. The study contextualises vulgarity within the Bapedi culture, where principles of mutual respect and adherence to social norms often require careful handling of offensive language. It addresses the challenges of authentically translating vulgar expressions while respecting cultural sensitivities, particularly in a globalised context where the prevalence of vulgar lexical items in media and literature continues to grow. Using a multi-case study design, the research analyses examples of vulgar lexical items in various literary genres and film subtitles. Through comparative analysis and translation with commentary it identifies shortcomings in existing translations, such as over-reliance on euphemism or neutralisation, which can dilute meaning and emotional impact. The findings highlight the importance of balancing cultural appropriateness with the source text's intended meaning to maintain its functional equivalence. This study contributes to translation studies by offering a robust framework for translating culturally sensitive content in ways that respect both the source and target cultures. It advances practical translation methodologies for subtitling, literary translation and educational materials, supporting the preservation of Sepedi and aligning with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 and constitutional goals of language equality. The research underscores the translator’s pivotal role in bridging linguistic and cultural divides, providing critical insights into the complexities of translating vulgar lexical items while fostering the growth and standardisation of South Africa’s indigenous languages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
Exploring visual representations of black tax as ubuntu and social cohesion in South African townships
- Authors: Msipa, Wandile
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Classism , Art, Modern -- 21st century -- Themes, motives , Visual perception
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72419 , vital:79222
- Description: The point of departure for this paper uses a personal narrative, told to highlight the complexities and realities of living in a South African Township. The narrative is also used to highlight the existence of both family and communal support. The paper recognizes that the accepted definition for this support as being termed Black Tax, by popular media and various academics. Black Tax is described as “both financial and economic support” from employed members of families, either given to “nuclear or extended family members” (Mhlongo, 2019: 191). I use both personal narrative and other academic sources to redefine the term Black Tax as formally described, to the tax that Black individuals have had to pay for existing since the colonial period, Apartheid, until the very writing of this dissertation. I use various artist’s works to understand the depictions and meaning behind the everyday interactions of Black South Africans, which influenced the making of my own work. This work focuses on the value we, as black individuals, bring to each other’s lives through these daily interactions. This study evolves out of the rupture I experienced, and continue to experience, having moved from township living to urban environments. The behavioural and cultural and social norms which I had thought were about building community were brought into question. The study explores a self-narrative whereby there is an intrinsic need to have a relatable sense of cohesion and connection to the people I have grown up with, and the ideological space of higher learning and social upward mobility. , Thesis (MVA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
Identity expression in language use by amaXhosa on YouTube
- Authors: Ngcungca, Nkazimlo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sociolinguistics -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Language and culture
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72454 , vital:79226
- Description: The study investigates how amaXhosa individuals express their cultural and social identity in English-dominated online spaces, particularly focusing on their language use. Typically, cultural identity is not only expressed through visible markers, such as clothing and rituals but also significantly through language. This tendency is even prevalent in online spaces, dominated by English, like YouTube and other social platforms. Unlike in-person interactions, where cultural ties can be conveyed through attire and spoken dialogue, online communication relies heavily on written text. In these digital spaces, English often emerges as the prevailing lingua franca, posing unique challenges for individuals striving to assert their cultural identity. This research assumes that amaXhosa individuals continue to find alternative ways to express their identities through language, which can be identified through studying their language practices on online platforms, such as YouTube comments. Thus, this study sets out to investigate how amaXhosa use language as a tool to express their cultural identity on English-dominated platforms, such as YouTube. A pilot study evaluated the usability of the South African Language Identification tool where comments from ten YouTube videos were used. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube texts, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Consequently, 80 videos were mined from YouTube, using Python 3 and a YouTube Application Programming Interface (API). The videos were selected based on certain criteria, including the minimum number of 50 comments and multiple languages in the comments. The mined comments were then converted into a text file and pre-processed through tokenisation using Ucto, a language-independent command-line tool for text tokenisation. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Overall, I categorise the results on language strategies that indicate isiXhosa cultural and social identities into two broad categories: explicit and implicit categories. On the one hand, explicit strategy only includes self-categorisation as an identity marker. On the other hand, implicit categories include pronouns as identity markers, expressions of ownership and solidarity, self-identification by group affiliation, distinctions between in-group and out-group members, social comparison language reflecting pride, geographical references, such as the Eastern Cape, and culturally specific linguistic strategies. The findings in this study demonstrate a clear relationship between the isiXhosa language and possible social and cultural isiXhosa identity, highlighting how language fosters solidarity and unity among amaXhosa. In other words, commenters employ various expressive strategies to index and position themselves linguistically. Thus, this research not only reinforces existing studies on identities but also contributes significantly to language and identity studies in South Africa. As far as it could be ascertained for this study, the dissertation, which investigates language and identity on YouTube, using comments from content consumers, pioneers corpus-based studies of amaXhosa identities. It lays a methodological groundwork for future research while providing practical insights regarding current tools and platform policies. Furthermore, this study advances the understanding of language and identity by exploring digital methods for extracting and analysing YouTube comments. It supports ongoing investigations into the relationship between language and identity among amaXhosa individuals while identifying new methods to address challenges, associated with studying multilingual and multicultural interactions on digital platforms. The methodology also included creating reusable scripts for mining YouTube comments, contributing to open science through accessible code that could assist other researchers, interested in using YouTube comment data for studying language and identity or the identities of speakers from various linguistic backgrounds on the platform. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
Indima edlalwa ngumdlalo okhethiweyo wesixhosa kumabonakude ekuphuhliseni nasekulondolozeni Isixhosa
- Authors: Ntshwanti, Awodwa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Television programs -- South Africa , Language obsolescence -- South Africa , Xhosa language -- South Africa
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72476 , vital:79228
- Description: Kule nkulungwane yamashumi amabini ananye sele kuthenjelwe kwizixhobo ezithile ezifana noomabonakude, iincwadi noonomathotholo njengezona zixhobo zokulondoloza ulwimi lungafi. Kwakhona ukufundwa kweencwadi sele kudodobala ngamandla kuba abantu bachitha ixesha elide bebukele amabalana kwimiboniso bhanyabhanya efana noomabonakude. Esi simo senza ukufundwa kweencwadi kungathathelwa ngqalelo ingako. Ababhali beencwadi bebesenza ngako konke okusemandleni abo ukugcina iilwimi zikumgangatho onguwo. Ngoku umabonakude ngoyena udlala indima enkulu kulwimi kuba indlela abadlali abasebenzisa ngayo ulwimi kwiinkqubo zabo ithi ibe nefuthe elimandla ekusetyenzisweni kolo lwimi lwaloo mdlali ngababukeli abamthandayo. Ukuba umdlali usebenzisa izinto ezithile ukuhombisa iintetha zakhe, loo nto ingenza ukuba ababukeli basebenzise ezo zinto nabo. Ezi nkqubo zikamabonakude zithi zibe nefuthe elimandla ekusetyenzisweni kolwimi. Olu phando lukhangela ukuba yeyiphi indima edlalwa ngumdlalo okhethiweyo wesiXhosa kumabonakude ekuphuhliseni nasekulondolozeni isiXhosa xa kujongwa ulwimi olusetyenziswayo, iindlela zokuthetha kwakunye nemiba echaphazela inkcubeko. Kwiziphumo uphando lufumanise ukuba umdlalo okhethiweyo awenzi ngokwaneleyo ukuphuhlisa nokulondoloza isiXhosa. Uphando luqhutywe kusetyenziswa indlela yophando eluhlahlelo hlobo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
Interpreted justice: Exploring the use and experiences of court interpreters in Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal
- Authors: Tom, Zizipho
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Law and legislation , Language services -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Language
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72538 , vital:79235
- Description: The language of record in the South African justice system has been English since 2017, after the decision of the Heads of Court. The majority of South Africans, however, do not speak English. Since South Africa is a multilingual and multicultural society with twelve official languages, interpreters mitigate communication issues during court proceedings. This study investigates the language and communication challenges interpreters encounter and how justice proceedings are affected by said challenges. This research was conducted at the Empangeni Magistrates’ Court in KwaZulu Natal. It was qualitative research that used exploratory-descriptive research methods to reach its objectives. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which was then analysed through thematic and discourse analysis. This study took into account various ethical considerations by the university ethics committee. The dissertation used a social justice approach advanced by Fraser's integrated justice theory and outlined how she approached the question of participation. Using Fraser's understanding of participation and the complexity of monolingualism in South Africa’s judicial system will assist in mapping out clearly how the issue of language is central to understanding matters of justice in South Africa. Additionally, since South Africa is a former colonial state, the question of decoloniality is posed to properly speak to the question at hand in its full political context. This research found that, indeed, there are challenges that court interpreters face in court. These challenges were language, cultural, emotional and professional challenges. This study also revealed that court interpreters have mechanisms in place to mitigate the challenges they face to ensure a good service for their community. Additionally, this study showed that the training mechanism offered to court interpreters has slightly improved from the previous studies. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
People and the sea in Mpondoland: an analysis of culture, provisioning, and accessibility to ocean and coastal services
- Authors: Laqwela, Bayanda
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Pondo (African people) -- Research , Culture -- Research -- South Africa , Sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72278 , vital:79205
- Description: South Africa can be characterised as a marine country due to its location at the interface of three oceans: The Atlantic Ocean, Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the country boasts the third-longest coastline in Africa, approximately 3,000 km long. This coastline stretches from the borders of Namibia, across four provinces, to the border with Mozambique. The ocean surrounding South Africa is not only home to extensive marine biodiversity, but also supports a range of diverse coastal cultures, with people interacting with the ocean and its coasts in various ways. Some individuals enjoy engaging in water sports along the Eastern Cape shorelines, while others view the ocean as a space to practice indigenous customs and as a residence for communities whose primary source of sustenance is fishing and other marine resources. The study sought to understand human-ocean interactions, the benefits the people of Mpondoland derive from these interactions, and the dynamics involved in accessing those benefits. To achieve its goal and objectives, the study employed a multi-sited ethnographic approach, with fieldwork conducted in three communities—two in Port St. Johns and one in Lusikisiki. Observations, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 41 participants. The key findings of the study are; i)There are cultural, religious, and spiritual convictions that play a significant role in how the people of Mpondoland interact with the ocean; ii) The study further found that the ocean plays an important economic provisioning role for the people of Mpondoland, providing food, spaces to hustle, and marine species used as indigenous medicine to treat animals, people, and the land/soil; iii) Finally, the study revealed that current government legislation limits access to sea resources and the coast, which is perceived as oppressive. The study further found that structural and relational factors, such as a lack of capital and technology to optimize access to marine resources, also contribute to the inaccessibility of sea/coastal services. The scholarly issues addressed by this research were informed by ongoing conversations within and outside of academic spaces, both globally and nationally. These discussions emphasise the need for scientific research on various cultural and indigenous peoples to document and understand their knowledge and behaviours in relation to the ocean. Such knowledge has the potential to contribute to sustainable solutions for the environmental problems faced by contemporary society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
Temas en tendense in die poësie van Clinton v. du Plessis
- Authors: Milborrow, Selwyn
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Afrikaans poetry -- 20th century , Afrikaans poetry -- 21st century , Afrikaans literature
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72377 , vital:79217
- Description: The aim of this study is to explore themes and trends in the poetry of Clinton V. du Plessis, with specific focus on selected texts. Du Plessis, a coloured Afrikaans poet, is known for his disapproval of the Afrikaans mainstream publishing industry, and his critical attitude towards the Afrikaans literary canon. This positioning serves as an essential starting point for understanding his work. His debut collection, Geloofsbelydenis van ’n kluisenaar, was published by Perskor in 1984. His self-publications include Flitse (2012), Rangeer (2013), Woorde roes in die water (2014), Verslag (2019), 60 op 60 (2022) and Kaartjies, asseblief (2024). Du Plessis states that a sense of estrangement set in after his debut with Perskor. He reveals to Pearce (2012) that he decided to publish his own work due to the maintenance of a “master narrative” by the Afrikaans literary establishment. He began to self-publish. Nowadays, he posts his poems on Facebook, a social media platform. This shift has gradually led to a movement away from his marginal status. In an interview with Janse Van Rensburg (2018), he confesses that an outsider status holds its own appeal for him, but that it will become increasingly difficult to maintain. Despite his status as a marginal figure, he has crossed the threshold of the canon four times. These paradoxes in Du Plessis’ career cannot be overlooked. While he deliberately adopted the role of a marginal figure, he has received increasing recognition for his poetry over the past decade, including awards, exposure to a broader readership on social media, as well as publications with mainstream publishers. This context creates a canvas on which the themes and trends in Du Plessis’ poetry will be explored. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
The economic empowerment of women in rural arts and crafts making: the case of Cegcuwana village
- Authors: Sitoto, Khanyisa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Empowerment -- Women , Arts and craft movement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72519 , vital:79234
- Description: This study focuses on the contribution of arts and crafts projects to the Cegcuwana Village in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape. The key research questions are as follows: Which challenges are women facing with regard to arts and crafts projects in Cengcuwana? What is the relationship between these projects and women's empowerment in the village? How do women make sense of these projects, and how do they respond to the fact that they work in a space dominated by men? In this study, the data were collected using a qualitative research method. This involved conducting interviews with 15 participants from the Cegcuwana Village in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape. The interviews were conducted physically; with the researcher going into the field to interact with the participants to observe and engage them while they were creating their products. The data were recorded in IsiXhosa and transcribed into English. The conceptual framework is used to understand the challenges facing women in the Cegcuwana Village regarding gender inequality. Finally, the study reveals that these arts and crafts projects provide them with economic freedom; they also assist them in preserving and promoting their heritage to maintain their identity. It is recommended that further research is necessary to investigate the challenges facing these projects , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Science, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
The effect of language policy on language experiences of students in higher education micro spaces
- Authors: Dani, Zizipho Paillis
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Language planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72240 , vital:79201
- Description: This study explored how the implementation of language policies or lack thereof within micro spaces in educational institutions can affect the language experience of the students in these spaces. The micro spaces that this study refers to are classrooms, social spaces, and residences in institutions of higher education and learning. Institutions of higher education and training have developed language policies that are in place, but these policies concentrate more on the corporate and pedagogical side of the institutions, excluding the micro spaces, although they still exist in the institution. In addition, the study explored matters about language policy in the academic spaces of Basic and Higher Education Institutions. It investigated the effect of the implementation of the institutional language policies of South African higher education institutions on the micro spaces that form part of the institution and how it has affected students living in these spaces who have experienced it. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide evidence of the growing need for research focused on language in these spaces. The participants of the study were aged from 18–65, because the age range covered both the lecturers who teach using English as the main mode of instruction, as per their institutional language policies, and the students who are taught using English as a Second or First Additional Language. The questionnaire was disseminated via social media outlets, garnering responses from 70 participants, while those interviewed consisted of 18 participants comprising nine lecturers and nine students. The study uses belonging as a lens through which the language experiences are analysed of South African students in educational spaces. The findings of this study indicate that the National Language Policy, which was formulated to promote multilingualism, advocates for equality of all the official languages and upholds the redress measures that are set out in the Constitution of South Africa, has not been implemented, monitored and evaluated effectively within Higher Education. This lack of implementation can be attributed to the lack of monitoring and evaluation, resources and knowledge surrounding the policies. The concept of multilingualism under the guidelines taken from the policies of different higher education institutions and the DHET language policy is discussed as a possible solution or gateway to bridging what many may refer to as an identified gap. Multilingual tools such as translanguaging, code-switching and code-meshing are already being utilised in some classrooms and spaces but cannot be utilised as the only solution in the long run. The study has also identified the need for language policies that are specific to domestic and social spaces in the institutions as means to mitigate confusion, bullying, esteem issues and the risks that may arise from having one dominant language in such spaces. Some learners are of the belief that their academic journey would have had a more positive impact if they had been able to express themselves better in English or if they had been taught in their native language. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communications, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
The effect of regional integration on socio-economic development in countries of the Southern African customs union: the case of South Africa and Botswana 2000-2020
- Authors: Liwela, Ncumisa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Customs unions -- South Africa , Customs unions -- Botswana , Economic development -- Africa -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72298 , vital:79208
- Description: Globally, regional integration is becoming extensively important and significant, particularly in developing economies like those in Africa. The primary reason for its broad and wide adoption is its capacity to uphold and promote long-term improvements in economic productivity and living standards, boost economic growth, facilitate trade and enhance access to crucial and significant resources. Regional integration is an intrinsic aspect of developing economies and is considered a feasible policy alternative in modern literature for addressing various political, economic and sociological concerns. This study looks into the effect of regional integration in the context of socio- economic development in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), focusing on South Africa and Botswana from the year 2000 to 2020. Socio- economic development in this context refers to economic growth, employment levels, income distribution, poverty reduction and overall improvements in living standards. The research investigates how SACU’s regional integration framework- through trade policies, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and economic cooperation- has influenced these socio-economic indicators in the two countries. A quantitative research design is employed, utilising secondary data analysis to measure the impact of SACU’s policies on key socio-economic variables. Economic indicators such as GDP growth, employment rates, trade flows and income disparities are analysed to assess the extent to which regional integration has contributed to sustainable development and economic convergence. The findings reveal that while SACU has facilitated trade and economic collaboration, persistent structural inequalities, policy misalignments and external economic challenges have and still constrains its effectiveness in fostering equitable socio-economic development. The study concludes with policy recommendations to enhance regional integration’s role in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth within SACU. This research contributes to the understanding of regional integration’s potential to drive socio-economic development in Southern Africa and offers insights for future policy directions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences,2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
Uphononongonzulu ngokungabhalwa kweemviwo zezembali nezenzululwazi yobomi ngolwimi lwesixhosa ngabafundi kwizikolo ezikhethiweyo zamabanga aphakamileyo zomasipala uMbhashe
- Authors: Bidi, Buhle
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Native language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education-Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Examinations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72226 , vital:79199
- Description: Olu phandonzulu lugxile ekuphononongeni ngokungabhalwa kweemviwo zezeMbali nezeNzululwazi zoBomi ngolwimi lwesiXhosa ngabafundi kwizikolo ezikhethiweyo zamabanga aphakamileyo zoMasipala uMbhashe kwiimviwo ezandulela ezokuphela konyaka wama2020. Umphandi wehle amahlongwana phezulu komba wokubhalwa kweemviwo kusetyenziswa iilwimi ezimbini (isiXhosa nesiNgesi). Esi sifundo sisebenzise indlela yophando entlantlu mbini (mixed method) kuba luyisebenzisile indlela yophando yohlahlelo hlobo (qualitative method) nendlela yophando lobungakanani (quantitative method). Kolu phandonzulu kusetyenziswe iingcingane ezimbini, ingcingane engundoqo yeyosetyenziso lweelwimi ezininzi (multilingualism) kuze esekelayo ibe yingcingane yentlanganisela yeelwimi (translanguaging). Ingcingane yeelwimi ezininzi ithetha ukuvumeleka ukusebenzisa iilwimi ezininzi ngokwengingqi umntu akuyo, isizathu sokuchongwa kwale ngcingane kolu phando kungokuba ihambelana nomxholo wolu phando ophonononga ukungabhalwa kweemviwo ngesiXhosa kwizikolo ezintathu ezityunjiweyo kuMasipala uMbhashe. Le ngcingane iyangqamana nomxholo wophando ngokuba ijonga ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezininzi ekufundiseni, ukufunda nokubhala iimviwo. Ingcingane yesibini nesekelayo yeyentlanganisela yeelwimi kwimfundo neyathi yaqulunqwa ngowe-1994 nguCen Williams welizwe laseWales apho wayejonga ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi ezimbini (isiNgesi neWelsh) kwisifundo esinye. Esona sizathu sokuchongwa kwale ngcingane kukuba igxile ekusetyenzisweni kweelwimi ezimbini ngocwangciso ekufundeni nasekufundiseni phakathi kwigumbi elinye lokufundisa. Abaphandi abaninzi abaqwalasela intsebenziswano kwiilwimi ezingaphezulu kwesibini (multilingualism) kwigumbi lokufundisa basebenzisa ibinzana elithi “translanguaging” ukuchaza ukuxutywa kweelwimi ekuthetheni nasekubhaleni. Luye uphando lwahlalutywa kusetyenziswa imixholo (thematics). Isizathu soku kukuba imixholo isetyenziswa apho kuhlalutywa iingcinga (opinions), amava (experiences) kunye nexabiso okanye ukuxabiseka kwento umzekelo, ulwimi ngokolu phando. Umphandi uye wasebenzisa le ndlela yokuhlalutya ephicotha ulwazi athe waluqokelela ukuze akhuphe eyona mixholo igqamileyo kwizimvo zabathathinxaxheba. Kuye kwasetyenziswa udliwano ndlebe oluvuleka-luvaleka (semi-structured) ukuqokelela iinkcukacha kwiinqununu, iintloko zamasebe ezikolweni nootitshala ababefundisa ezeMbali neNzululwazi yoBomi ngo2020. Kuphindwe kwasetyenziswa iphepha lemibuzo elivulekileyo ukuqokelela iinkcukacha kubafundi ababesenza ezeMbali neNzululwazi yoBomi kwiSigaba 12 ngo2020 kwizikolo ezikhethiweyo. Kwaze kwagqityeliswa ngokusetyenziswa iNvivo software ukuqokelela iinkcukacha zabahlali kwinqaku lephephandaba le-Ilisolezwe lesiXhosa elifumaneka kuFacebook. Olu phando lufumanise ukuba owona nobangela wokungabhalwa kwezeMbali neNzululwazi yoBomi ngesiXhosa kwizikolo ezikhethiweyo zoMasipala uMbashe kwiimviwo ezandulela ezokuphela konyaka wama2020 kwiSigaba 12: Lulwimi lokubhala, ukufundisa nokufunda (isiNgesi) oluthi lusetyenziswe kwezi zikolo; ukungaqeqeshwa ngokwaneleyo kootitshala; ubunzima bolwimi (lwesiXhosa) olusetyenziswe kumaphepha emviwo ezeMbali neNzululwazi yoBomi; ukungahambelani kokubhalwa kweemviwo ngesiXhosa nezoqoqosho; ulwimi ebekufundiswa ngalo kwizigaba ezisezantsi nokulungela kweeyunivesithi zoMzantsi Afrika ukufundisa abafundi ababhala iimviwo ngesiXhosa. Ngaba nobangela abadala abafundi beSigaba 12 ngo2020 bangazibhali iimviwo zezeMbali neNzululwazi yoBomi ngesiXhosa kwiimviwo ezandulela ezokuphela konyaka kwizikolo ezikhethiweyo zoMasipala uMbhashe. Ngenxa yezi zizathu zibalulwe ngasentla, olu phandonzulu lunezindululo zokuba iSebe leMfundo eSiseko eMpuma Kapa libambisene nezikolo zoMasipala uMbhashe malihlaziye iSouth African Schools Act (1996) nePolisi yoLwimi kwiMfundo (1997) ukuze kube lula kwizikolo ezichongiweyo ukuhlaziywa kwepolisi yazo yolwimi kwimfundo ethi makufundwe, kufundiswe ze kubhalwe kusetyenziswa iilwimi zeMveli (isiXhosa), iilwimi ezininzi nentlanganisela yeelwimi kwimfundo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
“I be African man original”: a study of the vernacular intellectual contribution of Fela Anikulapo Kuti in post-colonial Nigeria
- Authors: Uwuoruya, Osabuohien Clifford
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Fela, -- 1938-1997 -- Political and social views , Fela, -- 1938-1997 -- Philosophy , Afrobeat -- Nigeria -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72564 , vital:79238
- Description: This thesis investigates the intellectual legacies of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. In positioning him as a ‘vernacular intellectual’ within the postcolonial Nigerian landscape, this study applies endogenous approaches (Orunmilaist perspective and Ti’bi-t’ire logic), which are complimented by Grant Farred's (2003) concept of the vernacular intellectual. The intersection of these three approaches forms this study's Trifocal lens approach as a conceptual and methodological framework. Influenced by the post-colonial Nigerian setting, this study argues that Fela's music transcends mere entertainment but is an important vehicle for conscientizing the Nigerian community for social change. Incorporating insights from the literature on the global impact of popular music, the study situates Fela alongside other musicians and intellectuals who have historically mobilised societal transformation. The research foregrounds Fela’s discography, employing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to decode the socio-political ideologies embedded within his songs. These narratives are contextualised with historical and contemporary issues in Nigeria, demonstrating Fela's relevance in critiquing power, politics, and identity construction. Additionally, the thesis underscores the importance of oral traditions and vernacular relationality (Eze, 2008) in understanding Fela’s role as a cultural and intellectual figure who challenged oppressive regimes and inspired collective consciousness among Nigerians. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was supplemented by interviews with family, friends and figures deeply connected to Fela’s music and philosophy. Through these interviews, the study found that Fela’s politics and agency as a vernacular intellectual are shaped by language, community, and historical moments. The research study maps Fela’s discursive strategies against Nigeria’s post-colonial challenges while highlighting his enduring intellectual impact on contemporary social movements. This thesis hopes to contribute to the growing body of African sociological thinking in excavating the vernacular concepts in understanding the impact of music, arts, and popular culture in shaping societal change. , Thesis (Phd) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
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- Date Issued: 2025-04
A critical analysis of representations of disability on South African public university websites
- Authors: Ndayi, Viwe
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: People with disabilities in mass media , Web sites , Public universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70368 , vital:78343
- Description: Since the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994, the dominant discourses in South African higher education have pertained to redressing historical injustices and imbalances. Digital media are among the tools that have been used to communicate, promote and advance transformation in higher education. However, when compared to race and gender, there have been minimal attempts to problematise the representation of disabilities on higher education media platforms. This potentially leaves a substantial number of students, prospective students, their parents and support systems, on the outside of institutional processes that seemingly aim to create a sense of unity and belonging. The process potentially renders persons with disabilities as either invisible or represented in ways that are often uncritically imposed from dominant discourses about disability. This study aimed to determine how disabilities are represented on South African public university websites. The analysis of the representational dynamics in these virtual spaces during the National Disability Rights Awareness Months in 2019 and 2020, sought to contribute to the expansion of the discourses about disability in the South African higher education sector. Although data were collected from all 26 of the public universities in South Africa, only 13 included disability-related content during the awareness months. Therefore, the findings reflect website representations from these 13 public universities. The representations of the provisions of reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities was found to be a dominant frame that the universities used to represent disabilities on their websites. Photographs, illustrations and textual content, worked together to construct a representation pattern about disability as that which requires reasonable accommodations, and that must be researched, designed and provided for by (other) members of the university community. This study draws attention to the under-theorisation of disability in higher education and the need for critical engagement with institutional media representations of disabilities in higher education. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-12
A critical analysis of the music educator’s role in managing adolescent music performance anxiety
- Authors: McLachlan, Elanie
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Music -- Physiological aspects , Music -- Instruction and study -- Psychological aspects , Music -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70342 , vital:78341
- Description: Music performance anxiety (MPA hereafter) has been widely reported in adolescent musicians (Braden, Osborne & Wilson, 2015; Dempsey & Comeau, 2019; Fehm & Schmidt, 2006; Kenny & Osborne, 2006; Osborne & Kenny, 2008; Papageorgi, 2021; 2022; Patston & Osborne, 2016; Rae & McCambridge, 2004; Thomas & Nettelbeck, 2014). Even though adolescent musicians experience MPA, research indicates that music educators do not necessarily discuss MPA with them (Fehm & Schmidt, 2006; Gill, Osborne & McPherson, 2022; MacAfee & Comeau, 2022; Ryan, Boucher & Ryan, 2021). Music educators have also indicated that they are rarely taught about MPA in tertiary courses (Moura & Serra, 2021; Norton, 2016). However, adolescents have expressed wanting more assistance managing MPA from their music educators (Fehm & Schmidt, 2006). Since adolescents expressed the need for assistance from music educators in managing MPA, my interest grew in researching the music educator’s role as depicted in literature, hence the motivation for this research study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to critically analyse the role of music educators in managing MPA in adolescent musicians. The role of music educators in managing adolescents’ MPA was addressed through the following primary research question: How does literature reflect the role of the music educator in managing adolescent MPA? In addition, the following sub-question was developed: Which coping strategies and treatments are mentioned in literature to assist music educators in managing adolescent MPA? An integrative literature review was chosen as the study’s methodology to critique and synthesise literature on the topic. Critical analysis and synthesis were used to identify aspects of adolescent MPA, music educators and MPA management that have been omitted or partially addressed in past research to form a new perspective. The critical analysis yielded areas in which new knowledge is needed. These results highlight the need for school music curriculums to contain guidelines regarding MPA and that music educators should be equipped with relevant knowledge to manage MPA effectively in adolescents. A research agenda was created to address the identified shortcomings. The research agenda demonstrates that information about MPA could be included in the school music curriculum in South Africa. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-12
A historical study of Motherwell with specific reference to the development of segregated housing in the city of Port Elizabeth from 1980 onwards
- Authors: Yola, Siyabonga
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Elizabeth , Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Port Elizabeth , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/70434 , vital:78352
- Description: This study focuses on the development of Motherwell Township from 1983 to 1986. Motherwell conveniently and justifiably serves as a good case study of the apartheid government’s response to black housing shortage and squatting in Port Elizabeth. Designed to accommodate victims of the 1977 floods that displaced ‘squatter residents’ of Soweto and Veeplaas. Yet, there is an apparent lack of documentation of the history of Motherwell as a specific place embedded with design profoundly influenced by apartheid urban planning. Despite the significance of this black township founded in 1983, there is a lack of historical detail around challenges experienced by developers and the role of individuals involved in the development of Motherwell. For example, we lack knowledge on how the white propertied class of the surrounding suburbs of Bluewater Bay, Swartkops and Redhouse, poignantly and quite distinctly, came to the fore in resisting the development of the new black township in their neighbourhood. They used environmental discourse to oppose the development of Motherwell. Apart from the environmental impact on the Swartkops estuary, the ratepayers associated the development of Motherwell with squalor, diseases and crime. In addition, there is a lack of a substantial account of how white landowners opposed the expropriation of land where Motherwell was established. This thesis also highlights the fact that the lack of housing started long before the old black locations, such as Strangers, and other locations that were removed from the city in the turn of the nineteenth century. It demonstrates that urban housing crisis was later intensified by the gap created by the local government in the 1970s. During this decade the city council did not show any interest in providing proper housing for urban blacks. With the lack of new township during this period and the deprivation of blacks from buying a freehold land in the city, black housing shortage became a serious crisis. As a result, black residents, particularly those who did not qualify for urban housing rented backyard rooms in townships, such as New Brighton, Zwide and other local townships. Some migrants opted for informal settlements that mushroomed on the periphery of the local township, such as Zwide. Living or rather squatting in areas such as Soweto and Veeplaas was not acceptable. These areas lacked every conventional element, such as paved roads, electricity, and private toilets. Besides, they constantly suffered floods and fire disasters. In order to solve squatting problem, the local authorities developed Motherwell. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2024
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- Date Issued: 2024-12