Academic readiness of students for higher education: a case for academic support at Rhodes University
- Authors: Khoza, Lebogang Peter
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: College student development programs -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Dropouts -- Prevention , College students -- South Africa-- Makhanda -- Social conditions , School failure -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Academic achievement-- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student adjustment -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Counseling in higher education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student Integration Model , Conceptual Framework Model , Geometric Design of Student Persistence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147848 , vital:38678
- Description: The worrying existence of incidences of student retention, poor pass rates and an increase in repetition rates is a cause for concern for institutions of higher learning in South Africa. The problem of student retention is not new in our institutions of higher learning. Support structures, strategies, and policies need to be developed for different academic and social challenges that students face daily. This study explores the need for academic support at Rhodes University; it also explores the internal and external problems that students face, the perceptions and experiences of students on academic support available to them. The study implemented a narrative research approach implanted within a qualitative research framework. Data was collected through a questionnaire, and narrative interviews. Tinto’s Student Integration Model was used to analyse the data in this study and was supplemented by Louw’s conceptual framework model and Swail’s Geometric Design of Student Persistence. These three models position the student experience as the foundation for academic support programmes and development. The study argues that as long as effective and adequate academic support is lacking, students will continue to experience difficulties in completing their studies. The findings from the study reveal that at present, Rhodes University provides support to students who are in extended studies. However, this support system disadvantages many students, notably those not in the extended studies programme. As a result, such students are not supported through strategies and structures that extended studies students receive. Furthermore, the data generates internal and external problems that student face daily, as a result, the findings showed that there is a need for academic support at Rhodes. The study recommends that Rhodes University must establish an academic unit that will provide academic support to all students registered in the university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Khoza, Lebogang Peter
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: College student development programs -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Dropouts -- Prevention , College students -- South Africa-- Makhanda -- Social conditions , School failure -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Academic achievement-- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student adjustment -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Counseling in higher education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student Integration Model , Conceptual Framework Model , Geometric Design of Student Persistence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147848 , vital:38678
- Description: The worrying existence of incidences of student retention, poor pass rates and an increase in repetition rates is a cause for concern for institutions of higher learning in South Africa. The problem of student retention is not new in our institutions of higher learning. Support structures, strategies, and policies need to be developed for different academic and social challenges that students face daily. This study explores the need for academic support at Rhodes University; it also explores the internal and external problems that students face, the perceptions and experiences of students on academic support available to them. The study implemented a narrative research approach implanted within a qualitative research framework. Data was collected through a questionnaire, and narrative interviews. Tinto’s Student Integration Model was used to analyse the data in this study and was supplemented by Louw’s conceptual framework model and Swail’s Geometric Design of Student Persistence. These three models position the student experience as the foundation for academic support programmes and development. The study argues that as long as effective and adequate academic support is lacking, students will continue to experience difficulties in completing their studies. The findings from the study reveal that at present, Rhodes University provides support to students who are in extended studies. However, this support system disadvantages many students, notably those not in the extended studies programme. As a result, such students are not supported through strategies and structures that extended studies students receive. Furthermore, the data generates internal and external problems that student face daily, as a result, the findings showed that there is a need for academic support at Rhodes. The study recommends that Rhodes University must establish an academic unit that will provide academic support to all students registered in the university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The role of flexible working in achieving a work-life balance: a case study of information technology consultants of Kestrel Business Solutions – London, United Kingdom
- Authors: Nyamujara, Tinashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Kestrel Business Solutions , Flexible work arrangement -- Case studies , Work-life balance , Flexitime , Telecommunting , Telecommunting -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167245 , vital:41459
- Description: This research was a Case Study on the role of Flexible Working in achieving a Work – Life Balance, based on the Information Technology Consultants of Kestrel Business Solutions – a company based in London, the United Kingdom. The study set out to determine what aspects of flexible working can reduce work - related stress; home - related stress; improve personal wellbeing; identify the pitfalls of flexible working, and to recommend mitigating actions. The literature review identified five different, but complimentary theories that included: The Spill over Theory; Balanced Theory; Resource Based Theory; Compensation Theory and the Wellness Theory to unpack and explore the concept of Work - Life Balance. The study followed a predominantly qualitative methodology approach and used thematic analysis to identify key ideas from the data. Interviews and questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents, in addition to being a data triangulation exercise. From a population of 10 subjects - purposeful sampling was used to select a sample of 10 respondents - made up of 3 males and 7 females. All respondents were employees of Kestrel Business Solutions. 6 respondents were interviewed and given questionnaires to fill out. 6 face to face interviews were conducted, and 6 questionnaires completed until saturation was achieved - indicating a survey response rate of 100%. The results from the data collection generally showed how aspects of flexible working like telecommuting, flexitime and homeworking ultimately helped the employees to achieve a Work-Life Balance - by primarily influencing how they balanced their work, home, and personal commitments. Importantly, the study also identified pitfalls of flexible working; like employees feeling isolated and the pressure to perform. Potential mitigating efforts identified in the study included, providing more company support and education for flexible working initiatives. The study concluded by acknowledging the limitations of the study, which included time constraints and the small population, and sample size of the study. In its conclusion, the study identified recommendations for future studies like: increasing the population and sample size, and devoting more time to the study, for more generalized and conclusive findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nyamujara, Tinashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Kestrel Business Solutions , Flexible work arrangement -- Case studies , Work-life balance , Flexitime , Telecommunting , Telecommunting -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167245 , vital:41459
- Description: This research was a Case Study on the role of Flexible Working in achieving a Work – Life Balance, based on the Information Technology Consultants of Kestrel Business Solutions – a company based in London, the United Kingdom. The study set out to determine what aspects of flexible working can reduce work - related stress; home - related stress; improve personal wellbeing; identify the pitfalls of flexible working, and to recommend mitigating actions. The literature review identified five different, but complimentary theories that included: The Spill over Theory; Balanced Theory; Resource Based Theory; Compensation Theory and the Wellness Theory to unpack and explore the concept of Work - Life Balance. The study followed a predominantly qualitative methodology approach and used thematic analysis to identify key ideas from the data. Interviews and questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents, in addition to being a data triangulation exercise. From a population of 10 subjects - purposeful sampling was used to select a sample of 10 respondents - made up of 3 males and 7 females. All respondents were employees of Kestrel Business Solutions. 6 respondents were interviewed and given questionnaires to fill out. 6 face to face interviews were conducted, and 6 questionnaires completed until saturation was achieved - indicating a survey response rate of 100%. The results from the data collection generally showed how aspects of flexible working like telecommuting, flexitime and homeworking ultimately helped the employees to achieve a Work-Life Balance - by primarily influencing how they balanced their work, home, and personal commitments. Importantly, the study also identified pitfalls of flexible working; like employees feeling isolated and the pressure to perform. Potential mitigating efforts identified in the study included, providing more company support and education for flexible working initiatives. The study concluded by acknowledging the limitations of the study, which included time constraints and the small population, and sample size of the study. In its conclusion, the study identified recommendations for future studies like: increasing the population and sample size, and devoting more time to the study, for more generalized and conclusive findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Falling towards the centre
- Authors: Maluleke, Vuyelwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142878 , vital:38125
- Description: I am interested in the poem as a textual body that is able to collect the ruptures, silences, music, and wounds of the body, Ukuzithutha, in order to perform their address. I seek to assemble these disfigured and fractured bodies, of which I am one, onto the page. And thus create an experimental, non-linear lyric of repetitions and fragmentations arranged into a memory text, to hold these stories against what Audre Lorde calls 'the tyranny of silence'. My thesis is influenced by Ntozake Shange's choreopoem, 'for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow was enough', Claudia Rankine's 'Don't let me be Lonely', Sindiswa Bukusu's 'Loud and yellow laughter'. And Fiona Benson’s ‘Vertigo and Ghost’ whose form and lyric is a strong influence on the shape of the manuscript, and the construction of its mythologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maluleke, Vuyelwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142878 , vital:38125
- Description: I am interested in the poem as a textual body that is able to collect the ruptures, silences, music, and wounds of the body, Ukuzithutha, in order to perform their address. I seek to assemble these disfigured and fractured bodies, of which I am one, onto the page. And thus create an experimental, non-linear lyric of repetitions and fragmentations arranged into a memory text, to hold these stories against what Audre Lorde calls 'the tyranny of silence'. My thesis is influenced by Ntozake Shange's choreopoem, 'for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow was enough', Claudia Rankine's 'Don't let me be Lonely', Sindiswa Bukusu's 'Loud and yellow laughter'. And Fiona Benson’s ‘Vertigo and Ghost’ whose form and lyric is a strong influence on the shape of the manuscript, and the construction of its mythologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An analysis of purple truths: an alternative history of the school of journalism and media studies at Rhodes University. Exploring the possibilities of digital media for telling history through multiple voices
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Jesamé
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media and history -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Public history -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Digital media -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Digital humanities , User-generated content -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media -- Authorship , Rhodes University. School of Journalism and Media Studies -- History , Purple Truths
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142293 , vital:38066
- Description: In theory, notions of public history and participatory journalism signal the ability of users to become active collaborators in the journalistic process with a degree of agency and authority over media content. Similarities in public history and participatory journalism are manifested in audience participation where the traditional and hegemonic boundaries between readers and journalists/historians are challenged. In this thesis, I present Purple Truths, a digital public history website about the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, that highlights multivocality and plurality. It allowed for democratisation of the historical narrative by inviting audience participation to historical inquiry on a digital platform. It was constructed as a case study for the thesis to investigate participatory processes. Using a five-dimensional model developed by Netzer et al. (2014) for the construction of participation on news websites, I identified five major participation features that revealed how and where participation was happening on the website. The features were mapped and tabulated according to Carpentier’s (2011) maximalist/minimalist dimensions of participation (access, interaction and ‘real’) to determine the degrees of participation in this study towards the aim of using the Purple Truths website to democratise the historical narrative. My findings suggest that despite a diversity of strategies, the study did have to rely on existing norms and practices of editorial decision-making, even in the context of digital media, and significant stages of the news-production process (selection/filtering) remained in the hands of researcher/editor. Maximalist participation, demonstrated as equalised power relations in decision-making, has a utopian dimension and is difficult to translate into practice. However, participation research requires further investigation in the digital humanities in South Africa to explore notions of democratisation of the narrative in academic and social praxis as sites of interdisciplinary democratic renewal
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Geldenhuys, Jesamé
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media and history -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Public history -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Digital media -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Digital humanities , User-generated content -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Social media -- Authorship , Rhodes University. School of Journalism and Media Studies -- History , Purple Truths
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142293 , vital:38066
- Description: In theory, notions of public history and participatory journalism signal the ability of users to become active collaborators in the journalistic process with a degree of agency and authority over media content. Similarities in public history and participatory journalism are manifested in audience participation where the traditional and hegemonic boundaries between readers and journalists/historians are challenged. In this thesis, I present Purple Truths, a digital public history website about the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, that highlights multivocality and plurality. It allowed for democratisation of the historical narrative by inviting audience participation to historical inquiry on a digital platform. It was constructed as a case study for the thesis to investigate participatory processes. Using a five-dimensional model developed by Netzer et al. (2014) for the construction of participation on news websites, I identified five major participation features that revealed how and where participation was happening on the website. The features were mapped and tabulated according to Carpentier’s (2011) maximalist/minimalist dimensions of participation (access, interaction and ‘real’) to determine the degrees of participation in this study towards the aim of using the Purple Truths website to democratise the historical narrative. My findings suggest that despite a diversity of strategies, the study did have to rely on existing norms and practices of editorial decision-making, even in the context of digital media, and significant stages of the news-production process (selection/filtering) remained in the hands of researcher/editor. Maximalist participation, demonstrated as equalised power relations in decision-making, has a utopian dimension and is difficult to translate into practice. However, participation research requires further investigation in the digital humanities in South Africa to explore notions of democratisation of the narrative in academic and social praxis as sites of interdisciplinary democratic renewal
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Chinatown
- Authors: Kamfer, Ronelda S.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Afrikaans poetry -- 21st century
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142375 , vital:38074
- Description: Creative work portfolio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kamfer, Ronelda S.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Afrikaans poetry -- 21st century
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142375 , vital:38074
- Description: Creative work portfolio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An investigation into the tax consequences for individuals performing work abroad
- Authors: De Ponte, Celeste Lidia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141235 , vital:37955
- Description: This thesis considered the income tax implications for South African tax resident individuals who render services abroad. The research included an analysis of the impact that the amendment to the section 10(1)(o)(ii) exemption has on individuals rendering services abroad and companies who send their employees abroad. In doing so, this thesis sought to highlight the key factors for consideration, for both employers and individuals. A doctrinal methodology was applied, and an analysis was carried out of relevant tax legislation, commentary of experts in the field of tax law and the relevant case law of South Africa, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and the United States of America (US), where relevant. It was established that residency is key to determining the tax liability of a person and has an impact on the relief mechanisms that are available where double taxation arises. In addition, the amendment to section 10(1)(o)(ii) was considered. It was concluded that when rendering services abroad, both the employer and employee need to consider the tax consequences that may arise and highlights the factors which may be relevant. The thesis illustrates that, whilst the R1 million exemption alleviates the double tax consequences to a certain extent, further guidance is needed as to how the R1 million threshold will be calculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: De Ponte, Celeste Lidia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141235 , vital:37955
- Description: This thesis considered the income tax implications for South African tax resident individuals who render services abroad. The research included an analysis of the impact that the amendment to the section 10(1)(o)(ii) exemption has on individuals rendering services abroad and companies who send their employees abroad. In doing so, this thesis sought to highlight the key factors for consideration, for both employers and individuals. A doctrinal methodology was applied, and an analysis was carried out of relevant tax legislation, commentary of experts in the field of tax law and the relevant case law of South Africa, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and the United States of America (US), where relevant. It was established that residency is key to determining the tax liability of a person and has an impact on the relief mechanisms that are available where double taxation arises. In addition, the amendment to section 10(1)(o)(ii) was considered. It was concluded that when rendering services abroad, both the employer and employee need to consider the tax consequences that may arise and highlights the factors which may be relevant. The thesis illustrates that, whilst the R1 million exemption alleviates the double tax consequences to a certain extent, further guidance is needed as to how the R1 million threshold will be calculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The South African income tax implications of a Stokvel
- Authors: Matshego, Katlego
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rotating credit associations -- South Africa. , Taxation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143094 , vital:38201
- Description: The term “Stokvel” originates from the rotating cattle auctions of English settlers in the Eastern Cape during the nineteen century. A Stokvel is defined as a credit union where a group of people agree to contribute a fixed amount of money to a common pool and is referred to as a rotating savings and credit association, where the contributions to a fund are given in whole or in part to each member. The goal of the thesis was to determine the “gross income” implications of the fund and its members, as well the deductibility of their expenses. An interpretative research approach was used in the research as it sought to understand and describe. No interviews were conducted for this research and the data used for the research are publicly available. The tax implications of five different types of a Stokvel were considered in relation to the research goals through the application of legislation and case law principles. The study established that a collection burial society, where funds are contributed after death, does not beneficially receive funds and it is not entitled to any deductions. The same applies to the member of that society. A contributing burial society, where funds are contributed over time, beneficially receives funds, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. The receipt by the member is exempt and deductions are prohibited by section 23(f). An entertainment Stokvel does not receive the contributions on its own behalf and benefit. No deductions are available to it. However, the member beneficially receives the contributions from the Stokvel, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. A purchasing power group, where items are purchased on behalf of members, does not receive the funds beneficially and no deductions are available to it. The members simply receive the goods they have paid for. Lastly an investment Stokvel, which invests contributions for the members, beneficially receives contributions and qualifies for various deductions. The member receives the share of income from the Stokvel for his/her own benefit. However, no deductions are available in respect of contributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Matshego, Katlego
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rotating credit associations -- South Africa. , Taxation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143094 , vital:38201
- Description: The term “Stokvel” originates from the rotating cattle auctions of English settlers in the Eastern Cape during the nineteen century. A Stokvel is defined as a credit union where a group of people agree to contribute a fixed amount of money to a common pool and is referred to as a rotating savings and credit association, where the contributions to a fund are given in whole or in part to each member. The goal of the thesis was to determine the “gross income” implications of the fund and its members, as well the deductibility of their expenses. An interpretative research approach was used in the research as it sought to understand and describe. No interviews were conducted for this research and the data used for the research are publicly available. The tax implications of five different types of a Stokvel were considered in relation to the research goals through the application of legislation and case law principles. The study established that a collection burial society, where funds are contributed after death, does not beneficially receive funds and it is not entitled to any deductions. The same applies to the member of that society. A contributing burial society, where funds are contributed over time, beneficially receives funds, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. The receipt by the member is exempt and deductions are prohibited by section 23(f). An entertainment Stokvel does not receive the contributions on its own behalf and benefit. No deductions are available to it. However, the member beneficially receives the contributions from the Stokvel, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. A purchasing power group, where items are purchased on behalf of members, does not receive the funds beneficially and no deductions are available to it. The members simply receive the goods they have paid for. Lastly an investment Stokvel, which invests contributions for the members, beneficially receives contributions and qualifies for various deductions. The member receives the share of income from the Stokvel for his/her own benefit. However, no deductions are available in respect of contributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Exploring Quinolinyl-Thiazolidinedione hybrid compounds as potential anti-tubercular agents
- Authors: Mtshare, Thanduxolo Elihle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Quinoline , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Tuberculosis -- Chemotherapy , Plasmodium falciparum , Thiazolidinedione
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143314 , vital:38232
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. According to the World Health Organization, TB is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide ranking above HIV/AIDS. This high mortality rate of TB begs the questions about the efficiency of the current therapy and raises an urgent need to create novel anti-tuberculosis agents which will aid in curbing this burden. Quinoline containing compounds have remarkable biological activities across a wide spectrum of diseases including anti-tuberculosis. On the other hand, thiazolidinedione containing compounds possess a broad spectrum of biological properties. In this study, we rationally designed compounds containing these pharmacophoric units and investigated them for their potential biological activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Considering antimalarial activity of quinoline-based compounds, the compounds achieved were also cross-screened for their activity against the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, a causative agent of malaria. In all the synthesized compounds, compound 2.6a, 2.6b and 2.7b emerged as most active compounds against the H37Rv strain with MIC₉₀ values ranging in between of 1.08 – 17.1 μM. In addition, none of the compounds showed any inhibitory activities against the 3D7 strain of P. falciparum parasite. All the compounds prepared in this study showed no significant human cytotoxic effects as measured by HeLa cell line.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mtshare, Thanduxolo Elihle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Quinoline , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Tuberculosis -- Chemotherapy , Plasmodium falciparum , Thiazolidinedione
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143314 , vital:38232
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. According to the World Health Organization, TB is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide ranking above HIV/AIDS. This high mortality rate of TB begs the questions about the efficiency of the current therapy and raises an urgent need to create novel anti-tuberculosis agents which will aid in curbing this burden. Quinoline containing compounds have remarkable biological activities across a wide spectrum of diseases including anti-tuberculosis. On the other hand, thiazolidinedione containing compounds possess a broad spectrum of biological properties. In this study, we rationally designed compounds containing these pharmacophoric units and investigated them for their potential biological activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Considering antimalarial activity of quinoline-based compounds, the compounds achieved were also cross-screened for their activity against the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, a causative agent of malaria. In all the synthesized compounds, compound 2.6a, 2.6b and 2.7b emerged as most active compounds against the H37Rv strain with MIC₉₀ values ranging in between of 1.08 – 17.1 μM. In addition, none of the compounds showed any inhibitory activities against the 3D7 strain of P. falciparum parasite. All the compounds prepared in this study showed no significant human cytotoxic effects as measured by HeLa cell line.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The meanings selected Rhodes University student-fans of hip-hop make of the gendered scenarios portrayed in designated South African commercial hip-hop music videos
- Mtengwa, Tamuka Phumelela Msawenkosi Misheck
- Authors: Mtengwa, Tamuka Phumelela Msawenkosi Misheck
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa , Misogyny -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap (Music) -- South Africa , Rap (Music) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Hip-hop -- Influence , Violence in music , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Rape culture -- South Africa , Rap music fans-- South Africa -- Makhanda , Misogyny in music , #RapeCultureMustFall , #RUReferenceList
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148305 , vital:38728
- Description: Hip-hop is frequently linked to misogyny and other forms of violence. This link, in many instances, is often presented outside of a critical understanding of complex underlying societal and gender dynamics. South Africa’s high rates of violence against women make it necessary to understand how hip-hop videos interact with society, as hip-hop, in its commercial form, has become a growing music genre in South Africa. Rhodes University, which has a notable student following of hip-hop, has experienced concerning levels of gender-based tensions as evidenced by the rise of the “fallist” movement’s #RapeCultureMustFall, #RUReferenceList and the suicide of Khensani Maseko, at the instigation of an alleged incident of rape, perpetrated by her boyfriend and fellow student. It is therefore of interest to investigate how a select group of Rhodes University student-fans of hip-hop make meaning out of selected South African commercial hip-hop music videos. The hip-hop music videos chosen for the study, hence Pitbull Terrier (Die Antwoord), Pearl Thusi (Emtee), Dlala ka yona (L’Tido), All eyes on me (AKA featuring Burna Boy, Da L.E.S and JR) and Ragga Ragga (Gemini Major featuring Casper Nyovest, Riky Rick and Nadia Nakai), were selected on the strength of their popularity and uniquely gendered scenarios. This study draws on qualitative research methods, thus qualitative thematic content analysis, focus group and in-depth interviews. The study establishes that despite gender being a contentious issue at Rhodes University, students make meaning out of the gendered portrayals based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop. This study seeks to understand how selected student-fans of hip-hop read the gendered portrayals of the music videos, based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values, and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mtengwa, Tamuka Phumelela Msawenkosi Misheck
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa , Misogyny -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap (Music) -- South Africa , Rap (Music) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Hip-hop -- Influence , Violence in music , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Rape culture -- South Africa , Rap music fans-- South Africa -- Makhanda , Misogyny in music , #RapeCultureMustFall , #RUReferenceList
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148305 , vital:38728
- Description: Hip-hop is frequently linked to misogyny and other forms of violence. This link, in many instances, is often presented outside of a critical understanding of complex underlying societal and gender dynamics. South Africa’s high rates of violence against women make it necessary to understand how hip-hop videos interact with society, as hip-hop, in its commercial form, has become a growing music genre in South Africa. Rhodes University, which has a notable student following of hip-hop, has experienced concerning levels of gender-based tensions as evidenced by the rise of the “fallist” movement’s #RapeCultureMustFall, #RUReferenceList and the suicide of Khensani Maseko, at the instigation of an alleged incident of rape, perpetrated by her boyfriend and fellow student. It is therefore of interest to investigate how a select group of Rhodes University student-fans of hip-hop make meaning out of selected South African commercial hip-hop music videos. The hip-hop music videos chosen for the study, hence Pitbull Terrier (Die Antwoord), Pearl Thusi (Emtee), Dlala ka yona (L’Tido), All eyes on me (AKA featuring Burna Boy, Da L.E.S and JR) and Ragga Ragga (Gemini Major featuring Casper Nyovest, Riky Rick and Nadia Nakai), were selected on the strength of their popularity and uniquely gendered scenarios. This study draws on qualitative research methods, thus qualitative thematic content analysis, focus group and in-depth interviews. The study establishes that despite gender being a contentious issue at Rhodes University, students make meaning out of the gendered portrayals based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop. This study seeks to understand how selected student-fans of hip-hop read the gendered portrayals of the music videos, based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values, and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Discursive constructions of alcohol use and pregnancy among participants in intervention aimed at reducing Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
- Authors: Msomi, Nqobile Nomonde
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- South Africa , Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects , Reproductive rights -- South Africa , Reproductive health -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140374 , vital:37883
- Description: South Africa’s socio-cultural and political history has had significant effects on maternal and reproductive health. The hazardous alcohol use patterns in the country have affected alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Antenatal exposure to alcohol may result in Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The levels of FASD in particular areas of the country are the highest recorded in the world. Epidemiological studies have dominated pregnancy and FASD research in South Africa; however, recently critical scholarship seeking to contextualise the issue of drinking alcohol during pregnancy is emerging. This study forms part of a developmental/formative assessment of an alcohol and pregnancy intervention. Assessment is an important part of pilot interventions, and discourse is a key area of focus due to its constitutive role for the subjectivity of human beings and legitimation of institutional practices. Using a reproductive justice perspective and a Foucauldian approach to analysis, I identified five prominent discursive constructions of alcohol use during pregnancy produced during interviews with community educators. These interviews were conducted following training workshops with the community educators. Participants constructed their living environments as ‘wholly bad’ and ‘issue-ridden’ and positioned alcohol consumption as ‘a destroyer!’, ‘king’ and a social lubricant. They interpellated the foetus, the ‘FASD child’ and pregnant women into this context. They positioned themselves as transformed subjects able to effect change. The foetus was constructed as ‘vulnerable and important’, as opposed to the ‘defiled FASD child’. Pregnant women were constructed as ‘ignorant, preoccupied and unreceptive to knowledge’. These constructions hinged on so-called ‘scientific knowledge’ of biological processes in utero, demonstrating Foucault’s conception of the power/knowledge nexus and how its dynamics transforms knowledge of human beings. Whereas this ‘knowledge’ transformed alcohol consumption and the foetus into powerful and vulnerable subjects respectively, the circulating discourses had objectivising effects on pregnant women. The discourses of responsibilisation, the personification of the foetus, ‘the problem’ category of FASD, the discourse of difference, and the discourse of alcohol consumption as an entrenched practice were circulating around pregnant women. I suggest alterations to the identified constructions using principles of community psychology, the harm reduction model, a social model of disability and the reproductive justice perspective
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Msomi, Nqobile Nomonde
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- South Africa , Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects , Reproductive rights -- South Africa , Reproductive health -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140374 , vital:37883
- Description: South Africa’s socio-cultural and political history has had significant effects on maternal and reproductive health. The hazardous alcohol use patterns in the country have affected alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Antenatal exposure to alcohol may result in Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The levels of FASD in particular areas of the country are the highest recorded in the world. Epidemiological studies have dominated pregnancy and FASD research in South Africa; however, recently critical scholarship seeking to contextualise the issue of drinking alcohol during pregnancy is emerging. This study forms part of a developmental/formative assessment of an alcohol and pregnancy intervention. Assessment is an important part of pilot interventions, and discourse is a key area of focus due to its constitutive role for the subjectivity of human beings and legitimation of institutional practices. Using a reproductive justice perspective and a Foucauldian approach to analysis, I identified five prominent discursive constructions of alcohol use during pregnancy produced during interviews with community educators. These interviews were conducted following training workshops with the community educators. Participants constructed their living environments as ‘wholly bad’ and ‘issue-ridden’ and positioned alcohol consumption as ‘a destroyer!’, ‘king’ and a social lubricant. They interpellated the foetus, the ‘FASD child’ and pregnant women into this context. They positioned themselves as transformed subjects able to effect change. The foetus was constructed as ‘vulnerable and important’, as opposed to the ‘defiled FASD child’. Pregnant women were constructed as ‘ignorant, preoccupied and unreceptive to knowledge’. These constructions hinged on so-called ‘scientific knowledge’ of biological processes in utero, demonstrating Foucault’s conception of the power/knowledge nexus and how its dynamics transforms knowledge of human beings. Whereas this ‘knowledge’ transformed alcohol consumption and the foetus into powerful and vulnerable subjects respectively, the circulating discourses had objectivising effects on pregnant women. The discourses of responsibilisation, the personification of the foetus, ‘the problem’ category of FASD, the discourse of difference, and the discourse of alcohol consumption as an entrenched practice were circulating around pregnant women. I suggest alterations to the identified constructions using principles of community psychology, the harm reduction model, a social model of disability and the reproductive justice perspective
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Zundiqondisise!: investigating voice, visibility and agency in the work of Xhosa women crafters who work in community art centres in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tutani, Zodwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Art centers -- Eastern Cape , Community arts projects -- Eastern Cape , Women artists, Black -- Eastern Cape , Ethnic art -- Eastern Cape , Agent (Philosophy) , Art and society -- Eastern Cape , Voice (Philosophy) , Critical discourse analysis , Postcolonialism and the arts , Feminism and art , Curatorship -- Eastern Cape , Art, Xhosa -- Conservation and restoration , Gompo Community Art Centre , Nomzamo Old Age Centre
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146546 , vital:38535
- Description: A curatorial practice, Zundiqondisise! Reclaiming Our Voice is a twofold study comprised of curatorial practice and a written thesis, both of which are interdependent, examining the significance of space, agency, voice, and visibility in the works of Xhosa women crafters from the Eastern Cape. The study explores ways of reading and displaying indigenous art, as well as the archiving and inserting of these essential but neglected creative works of black women into the discourse of South African contemporary visual arts. This scholarship takes into account the social, cultural, and labour conditions that give rise to the perceived voicelessness in the ‘craft’ work of Xhosa women who work from community art centres. Through collaborating with two groups of women from two Eastern Cape art centres, namely Gompo Community Art Centre in East London and Nomzamo Old Age Centre in Ilitha Township, the study undertakes to locate, highlight and authorise these women’s voices and agency. This undertaking is carried out through a textual inquiry and curated exhibition, two interdependent components of this study, working with black feminist and postcolonial theories that enable me to formulate a critical discourse and practice towards a reflective scholarship on black women’s ‘craft’ work. It is a scholarship whose various chapters and curatorial interventions are tailored to excavate ancient Xhosa wisdom found in folklore and cultural practices of the everyday. This scholarship also provides new understandings that demonstrate and appreciate the fertile and significant though marginalised indigenous ways of creative expressions and knowledge production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Tutani, Zodwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Art centers -- Eastern Cape , Community arts projects -- Eastern Cape , Women artists, Black -- Eastern Cape , Ethnic art -- Eastern Cape , Agent (Philosophy) , Art and society -- Eastern Cape , Voice (Philosophy) , Critical discourse analysis , Postcolonialism and the arts , Feminism and art , Curatorship -- Eastern Cape , Art, Xhosa -- Conservation and restoration , Gompo Community Art Centre , Nomzamo Old Age Centre
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146546 , vital:38535
- Description: A curatorial practice, Zundiqondisise! Reclaiming Our Voice is a twofold study comprised of curatorial practice and a written thesis, both of which are interdependent, examining the significance of space, agency, voice, and visibility in the works of Xhosa women crafters from the Eastern Cape. The study explores ways of reading and displaying indigenous art, as well as the archiving and inserting of these essential but neglected creative works of black women into the discourse of South African contemporary visual arts. This scholarship takes into account the social, cultural, and labour conditions that give rise to the perceived voicelessness in the ‘craft’ work of Xhosa women who work from community art centres. Through collaborating with two groups of women from two Eastern Cape art centres, namely Gompo Community Art Centre in East London and Nomzamo Old Age Centre in Ilitha Township, the study undertakes to locate, highlight and authorise these women’s voices and agency. This undertaking is carried out through a textual inquiry and curated exhibition, two interdependent components of this study, working with black feminist and postcolonial theories that enable me to formulate a critical discourse and practice towards a reflective scholarship on black women’s ‘craft’ work. It is a scholarship whose various chapters and curatorial interventions are tailored to excavate ancient Xhosa wisdom found in folklore and cultural practices of the everyday. This scholarship also provides new understandings that demonstrate and appreciate the fertile and significant though marginalised indigenous ways of creative expressions and knowledge production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
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