Purchasing determinants of food insercurity conditions amongst shoppers in Klipplaat
- Ballantine, Nicole Marguerite
- Authors: Ballantine, Nicole Marguerite
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Food -- Safety measures , Food supply -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Households -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Klipplaat
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/835 , Food -- Safety measures , Food supply -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Households -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Klipplaat
- Description: This study sought to investigate the purchasing determinants of food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat, in the Eastern Cape. The study comprised a pilot study and main study (n=459) making use of an adapted version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. It was found that food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat were high, with most households experiencing food insecurity conditions between three and ten times per month. Income level was found to have a significant effect on food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat. The availability of efficient transport and refrigeration was also found to significantly influence the experience of food insecurity conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Ballantine, Nicole Marguerite
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Food -- Safety measures , Food supply -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Households -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Klipplaat
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9404 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/835 , Food -- Safety measures , Food supply -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Households -- South Africa -- Klipplaat , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Klipplaat
- Description: This study sought to investigate the purchasing determinants of food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat, in the Eastern Cape. The study comprised a pilot study and main study (n=459) making use of an adapted version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. It was found that food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat were high, with most households experiencing food insecurity conditions between three and ten times per month. Income level was found to have a significant effect on food insecurity conditions in Klipplaat. The availability of efficient transport and refrigeration was also found to significantly influence the experience of food insecurity conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An evaluation of the application of specific conflict management mechanisms in the South African transition to democracy, 1985-2004 : a conflict resolution perspective
- Authors: Bradshaw, Gavin John
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/482 , Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has always been cited as an example of protracted social conflict by the analytical conflict resolution school. Given that appellation, the conflict, in terms of the understanding of that school of thought, would not have been amenable to resolution, and yet many observers hail the South African democratic transition as a miracle of transformation. This thesis, using a detailed application of the various elements of protracted or deep-rooted social conflict, demonstrates that South Africa is indeed an example of protracted social conflict. Given the application of pre-negotiation initiatives, and the establishment of a unique National Peace Accord, negotiations were enabled, and successfully delivered a democratic election, and so far, also a sustainable democracy. The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was the result of a realization on the part of a wide spectrum of South African leadership and conflict resolution professionals, that negotiation alone would not provide conflict resolution for South Africans, and that there was therefore an additional need to deal with the deeper issues of conflict, if the settlement were to prove sustainable. The question remains whether ours represents a successful resolution of the conflict from the theoretical perspective of the analytical conflict resolution school. A close examination of South African socio-political issues across a number of domains regarded by the analytical conflict resolution school as important, indicates that while the requirements for conflict resolution were indeed met in the South African case, their more advanced stage of resolution; conflict provention has not been satisfied. That explains the fact that many tensions, much violence and intolerance remain. South Africa’s democracy has not been infused with analytical conflict management institutions, basic human needs have not been substantially met and valued relationships remain elusive. Because protracted social conflict is cyclical, we can expect high-levels of conflict behaviour to haunt, and even threaten our fledgling democracy. It is argued here that a coherent theoretical approach to the South African conflict management process would have produced a more sustainable outcome, and we recommend the continued use and institutionalization of analytical conflict provention processes to secure the future of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Bradshaw, Gavin John
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/482 , Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has always been cited as an example of protracted social conflict by the analytical conflict resolution school. Given that appellation, the conflict, in terms of the understanding of that school of thought, would not have been amenable to resolution, and yet many observers hail the South African democratic transition as a miracle of transformation. This thesis, using a detailed application of the various elements of protracted or deep-rooted social conflict, demonstrates that South Africa is indeed an example of protracted social conflict. Given the application of pre-negotiation initiatives, and the establishment of a unique National Peace Accord, negotiations were enabled, and successfully delivered a democratic election, and so far, also a sustainable democracy. The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was the result of a realization on the part of a wide spectrum of South African leadership and conflict resolution professionals, that negotiation alone would not provide conflict resolution for South Africans, and that there was therefore an additional need to deal with the deeper issues of conflict, if the settlement were to prove sustainable. The question remains whether ours represents a successful resolution of the conflict from the theoretical perspective of the analytical conflict resolution school. A close examination of South African socio-political issues across a number of domains regarded by the analytical conflict resolution school as important, indicates that while the requirements for conflict resolution were indeed met in the South African case, their more advanced stage of resolution; conflict provention has not been satisfied. That explains the fact that many tensions, much violence and intolerance remain. South Africa’s democracy has not been infused with analytical conflict management institutions, basic human needs have not been substantially met and valued relationships remain elusive. Because protracted social conflict is cyclical, we can expect high-levels of conflict behaviour to haunt, and even threaten our fledgling democracy. It is argued here that a coherent theoretical approach to the South African conflict management process would have produced a more sustainable outcome, and we recommend the continued use and institutionalization of analytical conflict provention processes to secure the future of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation into the challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999 as amended by Act 29 of 1999) int the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works
- Authors: Buso, Luthando Gilbert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011903 , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999 as amended by Act No. 29 of 1999) in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works. The research study has been conducted in such a manner that the reason to send a team of experts by the DPSA on approval by the President to come to the Eastern Cape and assist the ailing administrations of four departments is determined. The four departments that had a problem were: 1. Department of Roads and Public Works 2. Department of Health 3. Department of Education and 4. Department of Social Development The roads function of the Department of Roads and Public Works was later transferred to the Department of Transport and the Department of Roads and Public Works changed the name to Department of Public Works in September 2004. The team that was sent to the Eastern Cape together with the Director-General of the Province and the Superintendent-General of the Provincial Treasury formed up the IMT. The objective was to introduce turnaround strategies that would enable the four departments to effectively and efficiently implement the PFMA to the best interest of the South African Government. The PFMA is part of the broader strategy on improving public financial management in the public sector in the Republic of South Africa. It prescribes measures to ensure responsibility, accountability and transparency in national and provincial departments. Qualified Auditor-General’s reports for the previous financial years compelled the President in 2002 to establish Interim Management Team (IMT) in the Eastern Cape, comprising of experts from national government, to assist the ailing administration in four provincial departments, including the Department of Roads and Public Works. Questionnaires to employees, Auditor-General, Provincial Director-General, Superintendent-General of Provincial Treasury and as well as to the Accounting Officer of the Department of Public Works, were designed and issued out for completion. Interviews were also conducted to some of the employees. The assumption is that the majority of employees do not understand policies and procedures of the department and they displayed this by remaining neutral in questions asked and disagreed with some of the statements. During the interview process, the majority emphasised their protest against over usage of consultants by the department. Preference given to candidates from outside the department when senior posts are advertised instead of looking for excellently performing candidates from the internal ranks of serving employees, has been outlined as one of the elements contributing to low moral and low productivity in the workplace. Over usage of consultants and a big number of employees who disagreed with statements and remained neutral signify incapacity of the management to perfectly implement the PFMA for sound public financial management in the department. It has been established that regular risk assessments are not conducted, poor organisational structure with many posts that are not filled, no Anti-Corruption Unit to implement Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy and, no clear managerial lines of accountability due to poor planning, ineffective internal controls and procedures, all render the department incapable of becoming one of the best provincial departments that get unqualified audit report from the Auditor-General. The findings provide clear indication that drastic transformation of the department into an institution that can perfectly implement the PFMA is necessary. The implication is that mismanagement of financial resources and fraud and corruption defeat service delivery objectives. Strategic objectives of the department are not achieved. The Eastern Cape Provincial Departments are obliged to align their strategic plans to the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (2004 – 2014). Therefore the implication is that, poor performance by the Department of Public Works impacts negatively to this provincial objective. Lack of effective control systems has negative implications on the administration of the department and renders it vulnerable to fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Buso, Luthando Gilbert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011903 , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999 as amended by Act No. 29 of 1999) in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works. The research study has been conducted in such a manner that the reason to send a team of experts by the DPSA on approval by the President to come to the Eastern Cape and assist the ailing administrations of four departments is determined. The four departments that had a problem were: 1. Department of Roads and Public Works 2. Department of Health 3. Department of Education and 4. Department of Social Development The roads function of the Department of Roads and Public Works was later transferred to the Department of Transport and the Department of Roads and Public Works changed the name to Department of Public Works in September 2004. The team that was sent to the Eastern Cape together with the Director-General of the Province and the Superintendent-General of the Provincial Treasury formed up the IMT. The objective was to introduce turnaround strategies that would enable the four departments to effectively and efficiently implement the PFMA to the best interest of the South African Government. The PFMA is part of the broader strategy on improving public financial management in the public sector in the Republic of South Africa. It prescribes measures to ensure responsibility, accountability and transparency in national and provincial departments. Qualified Auditor-General’s reports for the previous financial years compelled the President in 2002 to establish Interim Management Team (IMT) in the Eastern Cape, comprising of experts from national government, to assist the ailing administration in four provincial departments, including the Department of Roads and Public Works. Questionnaires to employees, Auditor-General, Provincial Director-General, Superintendent-General of Provincial Treasury and as well as to the Accounting Officer of the Department of Public Works, were designed and issued out for completion. Interviews were also conducted to some of the employees. The assumption is that the majority of employees do not understand policies and procedures of the department and they displayed this by remaining neutral in questions asked and disagreed with some of the statements. During the interview process, the majority emphasised their protest against over usage of consultants by the department. Preference given to candidates from outside the department when senior posts are advertised instead of looking for excellently performing candidates from the internal ranks of serving employees, has been outlined as one of the elements contributing to low moral and low productivity in the workplace. Over usage of consultants and a big number of employees who disagreed with statements and remained neutral signify incapacity of the management to perfectly implement the PFMA for sound public financial management in the department. It has been established that regular risk assessments are not conducted, poor organisational structure with many posts that are not filled, no Anti-Corruption Unit to implement Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy and, no clear managerial lines of accountability due to poor planning, ineffective internal controls and procedures, all render the department incapable of becoming one of the best provincial departments that get unqualified audit report from the Auditor-General. The findings provide clear indication that drastic transformation of the department into an institution that can perfectly implement the PFMA is necessary. The implication is that mismanagement of financial resources and fraud and corruption defeat service delivery objectives. Strategic objectives of the department are not achieved. The Eastern Cape Provincial Departments are obliged to align their strategic plans to the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (2004 – 2014). Therefore the implication is that, poor performance by the Department of Public Works impacts negatively to this provincial objective. Lack of effective control systems has negative implications on the administration of the department and renders it vulnerable to fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation into e-learning acceptance in selected South African companies
- Chinyamurindi, Willie Tafadzwa
- Authors: Chinyamurindi, Willie Tafadzwa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Electronic learning , Employees -- Training of -- Computer-assisted instruction , Internet in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011908 , Computer-assisted instruction , Electronic learning , Employees -- Training of -- Computer-assisted instruction , Internet in education
- Description: The study investigated the acceptance of electronic (e-learning) based instruction in selected South African companies based upon the dominants of e-learning acceptance that included computer self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioral intention to use. A quantitative research methodology was conducted on a sample of male and female trainees in selected South African companies using e-learning as a mode of instruction (N=191) using the “E-learning Acceptance Measure” by Ong and Lai (2006). Analysis of variance was used to determine whether the biographical characteristic of gender could account for any differences towards the determinants of e-learning acceptance. Multiple stepwise regression was used to determine differences between dominants of e-learning acceptance and gender. The results of the study showed that there were no statistically significant differences in mean between men’s rating of computer self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioral intention than that of women. In terms of influences, the results show the existence of influence between certain dominants of e-learning acceptance however no gender differences were found in influence. Recommendations were made based upon these results on how South African companies can help trainees accept and use e-learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Chinyamurindi, Willie Tafadzwa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction , Electronic learning , Employees -- Training of -- Computer-assisted instruction , Internet in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011908 , Computer-assisted instruction , Electronic learning , Employees -- Training of -- Computer-assisted instruction , Internet in education
- Description: The study investigated the acceptance of electronic (e-learning) based instruction in selected South African companies based upon the dominants of e-learning acceptance that included computer self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioral intention to use. A quantitative research methodology was conducted on a sample of male and female trainees in selected South African companies using e-learning as a mode of instruction (N=191) using the “E-learning Acceptance Measure” by Ong and Lai (2006). Analysis of variance was used to determine whether the biographical characteristic of gender could account for any differences towards the determinants of e-learning acceptance. Multiple stepwise regression was used to determine differences between dominants of e-learning acceptance and gender. The results of the study showed that there were no statistically significant differences in mean between men’s rating of computer self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioral intention than that of women. In terms of influences, the results show the existence of influence between certain dominants of e-learning acceptance however no gender differences were found in influence. Recommendations were made based upon these results on how South African companies can help trainees accept and use e-learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Working in the city: the design of a vehicle technology research centre for Volkswagen SA in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Danev, Anton V
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Research institutes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Arcitecture
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52834 , vital:44235
- Description: Volkswagen AG is the second largest vehicle manufacturer worldwide with a factory plant located in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Major part of their [technological] research has in the last 10 years shifted towards a sustainability outlook along a environmentally friendly end-user products approach. A great market is emerging where environmentally sensitive vehicles and equipment are at the forefront of technological development. Volkswagen currently has a limited number of Vehicle Technology Research facilities worldwide and is looking to establish firm positions locally, in line with its company ethics of sustainability and energy consciousness. Part of this initiative is to locate into the CBD of Port Elizabeth aiming to revitalise derelict [inner-city] urban space and promote environmentally sensitive development. Consequently this thesis seeks to explore the possibility of introducing a ( technology) research facility and office space, as part of a mixed-use development, into Port Elizabeth’s inner city and investigate the architectural challenges thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Danev, Anton V
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Research institutes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Arcitecture
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52834 , vital:44235
- Description: Volkswagen AG is the second largest vehicle manufacturer worldwide with a factory plant located in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Major part of their [technological] research has in the last 10 years shifted towards a sustainability outlook along a environmentally friendly end-user products approach. A great market is emerging where environmentally sensitive vehicles and equipment are at the forefront of technological development. Volkswagen currently has a limited number of Vehicle Technology Research facilities worldwide and is looking to establish firm positions locally, in line with its company ethics of sustainability and energy consciousness. Part of this initiative is to locate into the CBD of Port Elizabeth aiming to revitalise derelict [inner-city] urban space and promote environmentally sensitive development. Consequently this thesis seeks to explore the possibility of introducing a ( technology) research facility and office space, as part of a mixed-use development, into Port Elizabeth’s inner city and investigate the architectural challenges thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The origins, developments, and current performance practices of African neo-traditional choral music of Southern Africa
- Authors: De Beer, Rudolf
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Choral music -- Africa, Southern , Music -- Performance -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DMus
- Identifier: vital:8514 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011781 , Choral music -- Africa, Southern , Music -- Performance -- Africa, Southern
- Description: This study deals with African neo-traditional choral music of sub-Saharan- and Southern Africa, with specific reference to extemporisation. The research focussed on the evolution of this music through an amalgamation of western choral music and African indigenous and traditional musical practices of sub- Saharan and Southern Africa. Specific reference to the syncretism of western music, which came to Africa through colonisation, and the way African indigenous musical traditions influenced it, is preceded by descriptions on African indigenous musical practices and western choral music traditions. The incorporation of traditional folk songs into African makwaya, or “choir music”, was inevitable. This development saw the birth of African neotraditional choral music as a formal part of many choirs’ programmes. A description of five sample choirs engaging with this music was followed by a case study on the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. The way these choirs deal with different aspects regarding the preparation and performance of this music highlighted many parallels with African indigenous traditions. It also emphasises the important role of this music in choral performance, as well as choral education. As a genre in evolution, one aspect of this music, namely extemporisation, was studied in more detail in order to suggest another way of engaging with this music. Not only is choral extemporisation a possibility in African neo-traditional choral music of Southern Africa, but it is also a flourishing art form in Scandinavia. In Norway and Sweden it also utilises characteristics and techniques of folk music, which raised the status of this music to be a major art form. This notion prompted the suggested application of choral extemporisation to African neo-traditional choral music of Southern Africa. Even if any method of extemporisation may be utilised, it is proposed that characteristics of African sub- Saharan- and Southern African indigenous music be applied. This may result in the incorporation of more of these African indigenous elements in the neo-traditional choral music discussed than the current western harmonic emphasis. However, the suggestion is seen as a next step in the evolution of this music, which corresponds with international practices, and not to return to indigenous practices as such.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: De Beer, Rudolf
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Choral music -- Africa, Southern , Music -- Performance -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DMus
- Identifier: vital:8514 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011781 , Choral music -- Africa, Southern , Music -- Performance -- Africa, Southern
- Description: This study deals with African neo-traditional choral music of sub-Saharan- and Southern Africa, with specific reference to extemporisation. The research focussed on the evolution of this music through an amalgamation of western choral music and African indigenous and traditional musical practices of sub- Saharan and Southern Africa. Specific reference to the syncretism of western music, which came to Africa through colonisation, and the way African indigenous musical traditions influenced it, is preceded by descriptions on African indigenous musical practices and western choral music traditions. The incorporation of traditional folk songs into African makwaya, or “choir music”, was inevitable. This development saw the birth of African neotraditional choral music as a formal part of many choirs’ programmes. A description of five sample choirs engaging with this music was followed by a case study on the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. The way these choirs deal with different aspects regarding the preparation and performance of this music highlighted many parallels with African indigenous traditions. It also emphasises the important role of this music in choral performance, as well as choral education. As a genre in evolution, one aspect of this music, namely extemporisation, was studied in more detail in order to suggest another way of engaging with this music. Not only is choral extemporisation a possibility in African neo-traditional choral music of Southern Africa, but it is also a flourishing art form in Scandinavia. In Norway and Sweden it also utilises characteristics and techniques of folk music, which raised the status of this music to be a major art form. This notion prompted the suggested application of choral extemporisation to African neo-traditional choral music of Southern Africa. Even if any method of extemporisation may be utilised, it is proposed that characteristics of African sub- Saharan- and Southern African indigenous music be applied. This may result in the incorporation of more of these African indigenous elements in the neo-traditional choral music discussed than the current western harmonic emphasis. However, the suggestion is seen as a next step in the evolution of this music, which corresponds with international practices, and not to return to indigenous practices as such.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The hybridization of African identities in African film
- Authors: Inocencio, Jessica Lynn
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Motion pictures -- Africa , Motion pictures -- Africa -- History , Africa -- In motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/828 , Motion pictures -- Africa , Motion pictures -- Africa -- History , Africa -- In motion pictures
- Description: This paper traces the construction of African identities in A Reasonable Man (South Africa 1999), Chikin Biznis: The Whole Story (South Africa 1998), Fools (South Africa/France 1997), Hyènes (1992), Le cri du coeur (Burkina Faso/France 1994), Pièces d'Identités (France/Congo/Belgium 1998), Une couleur café (France 1997), and Xala (Senegal 1975) based on an analysis of race, ethnicity, tradition, modernization, Westernization, and cultural hybridity theories; as a way of contextualizing African history in general, this paper also explores the significance of colonialism, postcolonialism, and forms of neo-colonialism. I argue that nineteenth century perceptions of “race” that arose during the Enlightenment era are mistaken. Instead, African identities presented in film should be re-conceived based on concepts of ethnicity and culture and not simplistic racial constructions—for example “white,” “black,” or “mulatto” to name a few—since such interpretations inevitably surrender to problematic analysis. However, I also contend that neither a typical conception of fixed identities nor cultures can be applied to the understanding of contemporary African identities expressed in African film. The conception of African identities can and ought to be reconsidered as a fluid, social construction based on changing historical phenomena. As an alternative, I suggest that tradition, modernization, and Westernization processes contribute to the overall fluidity of contemporary African identities, which can be elucidated by cultural hybridity theories. Therefore, I ultimately propose that the hybridization of African identities is specifically linked to forms of modernization and Westernization—the practice of Western medicine, beliefs in monogamy, and entrepreneurial aspirations—that have also been filtered through traditional African value systems such as polygamy, traditional healing, patriarchy, communitarianism, and traditional religions within various African communities depicted in African film. Thus, a fixed “African” category that we strive to define—against either Western or African points of reference—is actually neither a fully Westernized nor entirely African distinction but a hybridized identity of traditional, modernized, and Westernized elements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Inocencio, Jessica Lynn
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Motion pictures -- Africa , Motion pictures -- Africa -- History , Africa -- In motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/828 , Motion pictures -- Africa , Motion pictures -- Africa -- History , Africa -- In motion pictures
- Description: This paper traces the construction of African identities in A Reasonable Man (South Africa 1999), Chikin Biznis: The Whole Story (South Africa 1998), Fools (South Africa/France 1997), Hyènes (1992), Le cri du coeur (Burkina Faso/France 1994), Pièces d'Identités (France/Congo/Belgium 1998), Une couleur café (France 1997), and Xala (Senegal 1975) based on an analysis of race, ethnicity, tradition, modernization, Westernization, and cultural hybridity theories; as a way of contextualizing African history in general, this paper also explores the significance of colonialism, postcolonialism, and forms of neo-colonialism. I argue that nineteenth century perceptions of “race” that arose during the Enlightenment era are mistaken. Instead, African identities presented in film should be re-conceived based on concepts of ethnicity and culture and not simplistic racial constructions—for example “white,” “black,” or “mulatto” to name a few—since such interpretations inevitably surrender to problematic analysis. However, I also contend that neither a typical conception of fixed identities nor cultures can be applied to the understanding of contemporary African identities expressed in African film. The conception of African identities can and ought to be reconsidered as a fluid, social construction based on changing historical phenomena. As an alternative, I suggest that tradition, modernization, and Westernization processes contribute to the overall fluidity of contemporary African identities, which can be elucidated by cultural hybridity theories. Therefore, I ultimately propose that the hybridization of African identities is specifically linked to forms of modernization and Westernization—the practice of Western medicine, beliefs in monogamy, and entrepreneurial aspirations—that have also been filtered through traditional African value systems such as polygamy, traditional healing, patriarchy, communitarianism, and traditional religions within various African communities depicted in African film. Thus, a fixed “African” category that we strive to define—against either Western or African points of reference—is actually neither a fully Westernized nor entirely African distinction but a hybridized identity of traditional, modernized, and Westernized elements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An analysis of the representation of female athletes in selected South African print media from February 2006 to June 2006
- Authors: Jooste, Carlien
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Women athletes -- South Africa , Athletes in mass media -- South Africa , Mass media and sports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/528 , Women athletes -- South Africa , Athletes in mass media -- South Africa , Mass media and sports -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis attempts to analyse the representation of professional female sport persons in selected South African media. The field of study is located within the ambit of gender and media studies with specific attention to the power of the latter to not only reflect, but actually shape realities and attitudes. Carolyn Byerly and Karen Ross (2004) comment that “the media have the potential not only to reinforce the status quo in power arrangements in society, but also to contribute to new, more egalitarian ones” (2004:24). The core question, then, is to determine whether traditional gender roles are confirmed, or positively shaped, by the way in which the selected media reported on professional women athletes in various sporting codes. As this is a neglected topic in South Africa, the study relied heavily on the research done by various American and European academics. Academics such as Pamela Creedon (1994) and Susan Birrell and Cheryl Cole (1994), found that female athletes are marginalised and stereotyped by the media. Their research also denotes that female athletes are objectified and judged on their looks and dress code instead of their sporting abilities. Female athletes are continuously stereotyped according to societal induced feminine traits. These representations alienate women who do not possess feminine qualities as “the other”, namely falling outside the desirability as determined by sponsorship and an assumed male viewing / reading public. The media further focus more on beautiful, glamorous athletes than female athletes that are less feminine, but with no less achievement and ability. Extensive examples are provided in the treatise of how the selected South African print media misrepresented women in the six month period that was studied. The conclusion is unambiguous: The South African media unfortunately follow the international trend of objectifying women according to male stereotypes. The media that were studied therefore missed an opportunity to shape gender attitudes as they collude with the powerful forces of sponsorship and viewer-ship to reinforce the status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Jooste, Carlien
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Women athletes -- South Africa , Athletes in mass media -- South Africa , Mass media and sports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8374 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/528 , Women athletes -- South Africa , Athletes in mass media -- South Africa , Mass media and sports -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis attempts to analyse the representation of professional female sport persons in selected South African media. The field of study is located within the ambit of gender and media studies with specific attention to the power of the latter to not only reflect, but actually shape realities and attitudes. Carolyn Byerly and Karen Ross (2004) comment that “the media have the potential not only to reinforce the status quo in power arrangements in society, but also to contribute to new, more egalitarian ones” (2004:24). The core question, then, is to determine whether traditional gender roles are confirmed, or positively shaped, by the way in which the selected media reported on professional women athletes in various sporting codes. As this is a neglected topic in South Africa, the study relied heavily on the research done by various American and European academics. Academics such as Pamela Creedon (1994) and Susan Birrell and Cheryl Cole (1994), found that female athletes are marginalised and stereotyped by the media. Their research also denotes that female athletes are objectified and judged on their looks and dress code instead of their sporting abilities. Female athletes are continuously stereotyped according to societal induced feminine traits. These representations alienate women who do not possess feminine qualities as “the other”, namely falling outside the desirability as determined by sponsorship and an assumed male viewing / reading public. The media further focus more on beautiful, glamorous athletes than female athletes that are less feminine, but with no less achievement and ability. Extensive examples are provided in the treatise of how the selected South African print media misrepresented women in the six month period that was studied. The conclusion is unambiguous: The South African media unfortunately follow the international trend of objectifying women according to male stereotypes. The media that were studied therefore missed an opportunity to shape gender attitudes as they collude with the powerful forces of sponsorship and viewer-ship to reinforce the status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An evaluation of the implementation of budgetary control measures by the provincial treasury with specific reference to the province of the Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Authors: Kalashe, Mzukisi Harrington
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Education -- Appropriations and expenditures , Expenditures, Public , Fiscal policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8249 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/530 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011681 , South Africa. Dept. of Education -- Appropriations and expenditures , Expenditures, Public , Fiscal policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Budget control is a process of financial monitoring to ensure effective allocation, collection and efficient utilizing of public funds. It is a process that is aimed at ensuring the accomplishment of public policy objectives. Budget control is regulated by financial legislation as well as regulations and procedures which guide public financial administrators. Continuous monitoring is needed once appropriation is allowed by parliament or provincial legislatures to ensure effective service rendering as well as tax and user charges collection. This study investigates the reported ineffective budget control measures implemented by the provincial treasury in the Province of the Eastern Cape particularly in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (George, 2004). Ineffective budget control may be associated with the implementation of unstable fiscal policy by the provincial treasury that led to deficit spending in the Department of Education during the 2004/5 financial year. The purpose of this study is to show that the implementation of stable fiscal policy instruments by the provincial treasury would lead to effective budget control in provincial departments such as the Eastern Cape Department of Education. Governments in many instances encounter various challenges in controlling their expenditures on an annual basis as well as in the medium term. This is due to the notion that once the government exceeds the current year’s budget, it consumes the forthcoming budget. Borrowing is by nature an implicit consumption of future unplanned revenue. This makes the Medium Term Revenue Framework in the province immaterial as the provincial own revenue is insignificant. The relative uncontrollability of government expenditure stems from the notion that the provision of, for instance, primary education and social welfare is intertwined with legal entitlement within prescribed parameters. Allocative efficiency embodies recognition of legal entitlement that is reflected in the distribution imperatives if the provincial treasury is to be effective in the budget control function. The National Norms and Standards for School Funding of 2006 state explicitly that public spending in public schools is targeted at increasing the literacy levels of the poor. Intergovernmental fiscal relations play a pivotal role in modelling the fiscal policy of the province. This stems from the fact that expected national collected revenue is distributed as an equitable share to national, provincial and local spheres of government. The criteria for revenue sharing are based on economic disparities and demographics in each sphere of government. It is imperative to note in intergovernmental relations that there are functional areas of concurrent national and provincial competencies. The budget control function of the provincial treasury is implemented within the framework of various administrative processes which are aimed at ensuring effective transactional activities. The disbursement of funds and various other financial processes are subject to the delegation of powers as prescribed in the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999), as amended by Act 29 of 1999. The provincial governments’ fiscal policies are modelled to be consistent with the macro-economic objectives of the national government. It is for the purpose of macro-economic stability that only national government is eligible to borrow to finance a budget deficit. Provinces are legally prohibited from overspending their budgets. If the fiscal policies of the provinces materially and unreasonably prejudice the national economic policies, the relevant provincial treasury is responsible for taking appropriate steps to place the financial administration on a sound footing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kalashe, Mzukisi Harrington
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Education -- Appropriations and expenditures , Expenditures, Public , Fiscal policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8249 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/530 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011681 , South Africa. Dept. of Education -- Appropriations and expenditures , Expenditures, Public , Fiscal policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Budget control is a process of financial monitoring to ensure effective allocation, collection and efficient utilizing of public funds. It is a process that is aimed at ensuring the accomplishment of public policy objectives. Budget control is regulated by financial legislation as well as regulations and procedures which guide public financial administrators. Continuous monitoring is needed once appropriation is allowed by parliament or provincial legislatures to ensure effective service rendering as well as tax and user charges collection. This study investigates the reported ineffective budget control measures implemented by the provincial treasury in the Province of the Eastern Cape particularly in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (George, 2004). Ineffective budget control may be associated with the implementation of unstable fiscal policy by the provincial treasury that led to deficit spending in the Department of Education during the 2004/5 financial year. The purpose of this study is to show that the implementation of stable fiscal policy instruments by the provincial treasury would lead to effective budget control in provincial departments such as the Eastern Cape Department of Education. Governments in many instances encounter various challenges in controlling their expenditures on an annual basis as well as in the medium term. This is due to the notion that once the government exceeds the current year’s budget, it consumes the forthcoming budget. Borrowing is by nature an implicit consumption of future unplanned revenue. This makes the Medium Term Revenue Framework in the province immaterial as the provincial own revenue is insignificant. The relative uncontrollability of government expenditure stems from the notion that the provision of, for instance, primary education and social welfare is intertwined with legal entitlement within prescribed parameters. Allocative efficiency embodies recognition of legal entitlement that is reflected in the distribution imperatives if the provincial treasury is to be effective in the budget control function. The National Norms and Standards for School Funding of 2006 state explicitly that public spending in public schools is targeted at increasing the literacy levels of the poor. Intergovernmental fiscal relations play a pivotal role in modelling the fiscal policy of the province. This stems from the fact that expected national collected revenue is distributed as an equitable share to national, provincial and local spheres of government. The criteria for revenue sharing are based on economic disparities and demographics in each sphere of government. It is imperative to note in intergovernmental relations that there are functional areas of concurrent national and provincial competencies. The budget control function of the provincial treasury is implemented within the framework of various administrative processes which are aimed at ensuring effective transactional activities. The disbursement of funds and various other financial processes are subject to the delegation of powers as prescribed in the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999), as amended by Act 29 of 1999. The provincial governments’ fiscal policies are modelled to be consistent with the macro-economic objectives of the national government. It is for the purpose of macro-economic stability that only national government is eligible to borrow to finance a budget deficit. Provinces are legally prohibited from overspending their budgets. If the fiscal policies of the provinces materially and unreasonably prejudice the national economic policies, the relevant provincial treasury is responsible for taking appropriate steps to place the financial administration on a sound footing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Factors influencing the utilization of voluntary counselling and testing services amongst employees of the Lobatse Town Council in Botswana
- Authors: Komanyane, Lorato
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Diagnosis -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Coucil , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Employees -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/535 , HIV infections -- Diagnosis -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Coucil , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Employees -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Botswana
- Description: In this study both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to find out to what extent the Lobatse Town Council employees used Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) HIV and AIDS services, the reasons for using or not using the services, the preferred service providers reasons for choosing a service provider. Lastly recommendations were made on how the uptake HIV and AIDS VCT services could increased amongst the employees. A sample of 200 respondents was selected from the employees of the Lobatse Town Council, and it was established that 65.5 percent of the respondents had used VCT. Females had a higher testing participation rates than males, white collar respondents had a higher testing participation than the blue collar respondents. There was a higher rate amongst the married than the single respondents and the older ages of 30 and above than the young ages of 29 years and under. In the study it was also established that the majority of the respondents considered voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS as being important. However there were some groups that were more positive than others regarding the importance of testing. More females than males were positive regarding the importance of testing, and also amongst the employment categories the white collar respondents were more positive than the blue collar respondents regarding the importance of HIV and AIDS testing. Furthermore it was established that the most important reason for testing amongst the employees that did test for HIV and AIDS was that they felt that they needed to undergo testing before they tested. The respondents that did not test for HIV and AIDS indicated that the most important reason for not testing was that they were scared the results could not be kept confidential. The research also showed that the most preferred service provider was Tebelopele. Tebelopele was the most used and preferred service provider amongst both gender and age groups, all marital groups and the blue collar group in the employment categories. However, for the white collar group the most preferred service provider was the private practitioners. The most common reason for choosing a service provider was confidentiality and privacy. Lastly, the research makes recommendations on what needs to be done to increase the uptake of VCT HIV and AIDS testing amongst the Lobatse Town Council employees. One of the recommendations is that there was a need to educate the employees of the Lobatse Town Council and that the education should be specific for each group. For example from the group discussion the participants felt that the reason to why males did not want to utilise HIV and AIDS VCT was because they lacked knowledge on the importance of testing. Also the respondents indicated that there was a need to remove stigma and discrimination through removing confidentiality attached to HIV and AIDS. It was also, recommended that the Lobatse Town Council formulate and implements a workplace policy on HIV and AIDS
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Komanyane, Lorato
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Diagnosis -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Coucil , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Employees -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/535 , HIV infections -- Diagnosis -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Coucil , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Employees -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Botswana
- Description: In this study both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to find out to what extent the Lobatse Town Council employees used Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) HIV and AIDS services, the reasons for using or not using the services, the preferred service providers reasons for choosing a service provider. Lastly recommendations were made on how the uptake HIV and AIDS VCT services could increased amongst the employees. A sample of 200 respondents was selected from the employees of the Lobatse Town Council, and it was established that 65.5 percent of the respondents had used VCT. Females had a higher testing participation rates than males, white collar respondents had a higher testing participation than the blue collar respondents. There was a higher rate amongst the married than the single respondents and the older ages of 30 and above than the young ages of 29 years and under. In the study it was also established that the majority of the respondents considered voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS as being important. However there were some groups that were more positive than others regarding the importance of testing. More females than males were positive regarding the importance of testing, and also amongst the employment categories the white collar respondents were more positive than the blue collar respondents regarding the importance of HIV and AIDS testing. Furthermore it was established that the most important reason for testing amongst the employees that did test for HIV and AIDS was that they felt that they needed to undergo testing before they tested. The respondents that did not test for HIV and AIDS indicated that the most important reason for not testing was that they were scared the results could not be kept confidential. The research also showed that the most preferred service provider was Tebelopele. Tebelopele was the most used and preferred service provider amongst both gender and age groups, all marital groups and the blue collar group in the employment categories. However, for the white collar group the most preferred service provider was the private practitioners. The most common reason for choosing a service provider was confidentiality and privacy. Lastly, the research makes recommendations on what needs to be done to increase the uptake of VCT HIV and AIDS testing amongst the Lobatse Town Council employees. One of the recommendations is that there was a need to educate the employees of the Lobatse Town Council and that the education should be specific for each group. For example from the group discussion the participants felt that the reason to why males did not want to utilise HIV and AIDS VCT was because they lacked knowledge on the importance of testing. Also the respondents indicated that there was a need to remove stigma and discrimination through removing confidentiality attached to HIV and AIDS. It was also, recommended that the Lobatse Town Council formulate and implements a workplace policy on HIV and AIDS
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
A comparative analysis of the environmental impact of selected low-income housing developments in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Kumm, Simon
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/539 , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has a shortage of affordable housing for its poor. In order to overcome the shortage, a large number of houses need to be built. The bulk building of these houses has an effect on the environment and it is important to note whether or not this impact will be a lasting positive one or not. Governmental policies have recognised the need to create positive, sustainable settlement environments. The degree to which settlements are sustainable and reflect a positive environment is, however, a point of concern. This dissertation analyses and compares four low-income housing developments in the Eastern Cape in order to make proposals on how future low-income developments can impact more positively on their settlement environments, reduce their impact on non-renewable resources and better implement the ideals of the Development Facilitation Act. This was done in order to meet the expectations put in place by Government policies and to correct the historical shortcomings of South Africa’s low-income settlement provision. The method used was to determine, through literature study, a set of factors that most prominently impacted on low-income settlement environments. These were then compiled into a model, which was then used to analyse and compare existing settlements. This elicited a set of conclusions based on the findings and provided strategies for future settlements to follow to meet the research’s stated ideals. The literature study revealed a myriad of important principles that fell into six main categories that impacted on settlement environments. Furthermore, it was discovered that each of these principles should be assessed in the context of their human and natural environments as well as their effect at the scale of the unit, the settlement and the city. The analysis and comparison of the settlements revealed that all six of the model’s categories performed poorly in at least two of the four settlements analysed, a strong indication that the implementation of the model’s principles was not being successfully achieved in low-income settlements. It further revealed specific areas requiring attention in future developments. The analysis also revealed positive areas of implementation from each settlement that can be used in future settlements to meet the stated ideals of creating a positive impact on their settlement environments, reducing their impact on non-renewable resources and better implementing the ideals of the Development Facilitation Act. The study recommends that future settlements avoid the negative practices identified in these settlements and implement the positive strategies proposed for the benefit of future settlement environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kumm, Simon
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/539 , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has a shortage of affordable housing for its poor. In order to overcome the shortage, a large number of houses need to be built. The bulk building of these houses has an effect on the environment and it is important to note whether or not this impact will be a lasting positive one or not. Governmental policies have recognised the need to create positive, sustainable settlement environments. The degree to which settlements are sustainable and reflect a positive environment is, however, a point of concern. This dissertation analyses and compares four low-income housing developments in the Eastern Cape in order to make proposals on how future low-income developments can impact more positively on their settlement environments, reduce their impact on non-renewable resources and better implement the ideals of the Development Facilitation Act. This was done in order to meet the expectations put in place by Government policies and to correct the historical shortcomings of South Africa’s low-income settlement provision. The method used was to determine, through literature study, a set of factors that most prominently impacted on low-income settlement environments. These were then compiled into a model, which was then used to analyse and compare existing settlements. This elicited a set of conclusions based on the findings and provided strategies for future settlements to follow to meet the research’s stated ideals. The literature study revealed a myriad of important principles that fell into six main categories that impacted on settlement environments. Furthermore, it was discovered that each of these principles should be assessed in the context of their human and natural environments as well as their effect at the scale of the unit, the settlement and the city. The analysis and comparison of the settlements revealed that all six of the model’s categories performed poorly in at least two of the four settlements analysed, a strong indication that the implementation of the model’s principles was not being successfully achieved in low-income settlements. It further revealed specific areas requiring attention in future developments. The analysis also revealed positive areas of implementation from each settlement that can be used in future settlements to meet the stated ideals of creating a positive impact on their settlement environments, reducing their impact on non-renewable resources and better implementing the ideals of the Development Facilitation Act. The study recommends that future settlements avoid the negative practices identified in these settlements and implement the positive strategies proposed for the benefit of future settlement environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An examination of the validity of the concept of nuclear deterrence within the framework of post-cold war international relations : an analytical conflict resolution approach
- Authors: Lefeez, Sophie
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Nuclear arms control , Nuclear nonproliferation , International relations , Security, International , Nuclear disarmament
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/827 , Nuclear arms control , Nuclear nonproliferation , International relations , Security, International , Nuclear disarmament
- Description: Nuclear deterrence is born from the two superpowers’ relations during the Cold War as they were the first countries to get nuclear weapons and they were the main and most powerful rivals in the world. Then new actors joined the game by testing their own nuclear bombs: the UK in 1952, followed by France in 1960, China in 1964, India in 1974, and Pakistan in 1998. Israel pretends it does not have any nuclear weapons but it is an open secret that they do 1. France helped Israel to get its weapons and the nuclear explosion in 1979 off the southern coast of Africa probably involved Israel and South Africa (sourced by the Federation of American Scientists, the Wisconsin Project on Arms Control, the Center for Defense Information, etc.). This was confirmed by Mordechai Vanunu, former Israeli scientist who worked on developing the bomb. The intrusion of new nuclear countries frightened the United States and the USSR because the balance was already fragile and newcomers could break it. Would the game remain "safe" with more players? Therefore in 1968 both countries drafted a treaty to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) came into force in 1970, at a time when five countries had successfully achieved a nuclear explosion. The NPT officially recognises only these five countries as nuclear-weapons states. They happen to be also the five permanent member states of the UN Security Council. India and Pakistan carried out a nuclear test after 1968 and are therefore referred to as non-official nuclearweapons states. The new nuclear states adopted and adapted the nuclear doctrine to their needs, their geopolitical interests and their place in international relations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Lefeez, Sophie
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Nuclear arms control , Nuclear nonproliferation , International relations , Security, International , Nuclear disarmament
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/827 , Nuclear arms control , Nuclear nonproliferation , International relations , Security, International , Nuclear disarmament
- Description: Nuclear deterrence is born from the two superpowers’ relations during the Cold War as they were the first countries to get nuclear weapons and they were the main and most powerful rivals in the world. Then new actors joined the game by testing their own nuclear bombs: the UK in 1952, followed by France in 1960, China in 1964, India in 1974, and Pakistan in 1998. Israel pretends it does not have any nuclear weapons but it is an open secret that they do 1. France helped Israel to get its weapons and the nuclear explosion in 1979 off the southern coast of Africa probably involved Israel and South Africa (sourced by the Federation of American Scientists, the Wisconsin Project on Arms Control, the Center for Defense Information, etc.). This was confirmed by Mordechai Vanunu, former Israeli scientist who worked on developing the bomb. The intrusion of new nuclear countries frightened the United States and the USSR because the balance was already fragile and newcomers could break it. Would the game remain "safe" with more players? Therefore in 1968 both countries drafted a treaty to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) came into force in 1970, at a time when five countries had successfully achieved a nuclear explosion. The NPT officially recognises only these five countries as nuclear-weapons states. They happen to be also the five permanent member states of the UN Security Council. India and Pakistan carried out a nuclear test after 1968 and are therefore referred to as non-official nuclearweapons states. The new nuclear states adopted and adapted the nuclear doctrine to their needs, their geopolitical interests and their place in international relations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
A critical analysis of organizational communication in South African Port Operations, Port Elizabeth Division
- Authors: Mbunge, Sindiswa Marcia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: National Ports Authority of South Africa , Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Business communication -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/562 , National Ports Authority of South Africa , Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Business communication -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The study is set out to analyze organizational communication at South African Port Operations (SAPO), Port Elizabeth. The analysis was based on the four formal flows of communication in an organization, which are upward communication, downward communication, horizontal communication and diagonal communication. The study was also meant to provide suggestions on how to improve communication at SAPO, Port Elizabeth especially with regard to the above mentioned flows. The literature review looked at the four different flows of communication which occurs in the organization. From the review, one can conclude that in order for an organization to function properly communication is needed to co-ordinate all the activities towards an organization’s goals. The empirical research was carried out using mainly qualitative methods of data collection. Focus group interviews were used as a method of gathering information. The sample was drawn from employees who are working for SAPO, the sample was drawn from various levels of authority within the company. The findings have revealed that there are various flows of communication at SAPO, but there needs to be improvement particularly with upward, horizontal and diagonal communication. The research also revealed that downward communication has more formal channels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mbunge, Sindiswa Marcia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: National Ports Authority of South Africa , Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Business communication -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/562 , National Ports Authority of South Africa , Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Business communication -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The study is set out to analyze organizational communication at South African Port Operations (SAPO), Port Elizabeth. The analysis was based on the four formal flows of communication in an organization, which are upward communication, downward communication, horizontal communication and diagonal communication. The study was also meant to provide suggestions on how to improve communication at SAPO, Port Elizabeth especially with regard to the above mentioned flows. The literature review looked at the four different flows of communication which occurs in the organization. From the review, one can conclude that in order for an organization to function properly communication is needed to co-ordinate all the activities towards an organization’s goals. The empirical research was carried out using mainly qualitative methods of data collection. Focus group interviews were used as a method of gathering information. The sample was drawn from employees who are working for SAPO, the sample was drawn from various levels of authority within the company. The findings have revealed that there are various flows of communication at SAPO, but there needs to be improvement particularly with upward, horizontal and diagonal communication. The research also revealed that downward communication has more formal channels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An analysis of community participation in local government integrated development planning with reference to King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality
- Authors: Mfenguza, Nomvakaliso
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/788 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study is about the analysis of Community Participation in Local Government Integrated Development Planning with reference to Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The focus on the study was on full participation of community in the IDP processes. This report presents the findings of a study conducted to identify the strategies and consultation structures used in the development of IDP processes, together with the measures of effectiveness of these strategies. This study was triggered by the non attendance of the communities in the IDP road shows, the complaints of non service delivery and little understanding of the IDP concept. The results of this study show that the communities do not fully participate in their development planning processes. The communities do not understand the purpose and existence of IDP document. The researcher hopes that this study will sensitize the community to participate in the affairs of their development that will change the quality of their lives. King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should improve their strategies and consultation structures in their IDP processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mfenguza, Nomvakaliso
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/788 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study is about the analysis of Community Participation in Local Government Integrated Development Planning with reference to Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The focus on the study was on full participation of community in the IDP processes. This report presents the findings of a study conducted to identify the strategies and consultation structures used in the development of IDP processes, together with the measures of effectiveness of these strategies. This study was triggered by the non attendance of the communities in the IDP road shows, the complaints of non service delivery and little understanding of the IDP concept. The results of this study show that the communities do not fully participate in their development planning processes. The communities do not understand the purpose and existence of IDP document. The researcher hopes that this study will sensitize the community to participate in the affairs of their development that will change the quality of their lives. King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should improve their strategies and consultation structures in their IDP processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Semiotics as a medium of analysis in selected poetic works of S.E.K. Mqhayi
- Authors: Mzinzi, Thanduxolo Samuel
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mqhayi, S. E. K. -- Criticism and interpretation , Poetry -- Analysis , Poetics , Semiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8470 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/576 , Mqhayi, S. E. K. -- Criticism and interpretation , Poetry -- Analysis , Poetics , Semiotics
- Description: In reference to Moleleki (1988:122), African poetry as a result of contrast rather than individual, is the representation of a community. This representation contains a scale of values based on the community, and it gives symbolic expression to the community: manifesting a community of tradition from the past through the present to the future. Going by the above notion, the poet assumes the responsibility of being the spokes-person of the community in which he/she finds and identifies himself/herself. He/she feels the pain felt by his/her people, and shares the joy shared by them. His/her representation therefore is both genuine and representatively expressive in nature. In the chosen poems of S. E. K. Mqhayi the above mentioned aspects of poetic writing are well expressed. This representation being a symbolic expression on behalf of the community holds a magnificent semiotic significance. Such semiotic significance, which boarders around the several highs and lows of the community’s lifestyle. The community poet in this context blends the past and the present in his verses attempting to both preserve and express the sorrows, the joys, the pains as well as the fears of his community and its people. These are captured in chapters three and four of this study. The community poet under the worst form of systematized inhuman, racist subjection called apartheid employed careful and skilful means of reciting as well as penning his verses. In the last four chapters one discovers a skilful means of masking in order to avoid being penalised. S.E.K Mqhayi’s element of symbolic expression is by far the most significant aspect of his poems. A man who lived in the days of abject institutionalised racism and being one of those discriminated against, had no choice but to be loyal to his oppressors and at the same time, expressing himself in the most creatively careful manner. His works are rich with encodings and embellishments. These encodings and embellishments require some careful skills to decode and unveil. This research work will centre mainly on the unravelling of all that was either encoded or embellished within each selected work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mzinzi, Thanduxolo Samuel
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mqhayi, S. E. K. -- Criticism and interpretation , Poetry -- Analysis , Poetics , Semiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8470 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/576 , Mqhayi, S. E. K. -- Criticism and interpretation , Poetry -- Analysis , Poetics , Semiotics
- Description: In reference to Moleleki (1988:122), African poetry as a result of contrast rather than individual, is the representation of a community. This representation contains a scale of values based on the community, and it gives symbolic expression to the community: manifesting a community of tradition from the past through the present to the future. Going by the above notion, the poet assumes the responsibility of being the spokes-person of the community in which he/she finds and identifies himself/herself. He/she feels the pain felt by his/her people, and shares the joy shared by them. His/her representation therefore is both genuine and representatively expressive in nature. In the chosen poems of S. E. K. Mqhayi the above mentioned aspects of poetic writing are well expressed. This representation being a symbolic expression on behalf of the community holds a magnificent semiotic significance. Such semiotic significance, which boarders around the several highs and lows of the community’s lifestyle. The community poet in this context blends the past and the present in his verses attempting to both preserve and express the sorrows, the joys, the pains as well as the fears of his community and its people. These are captured in chapters three and four of this study. The community poet under the worst form of systematized inhuman, racist subjection called apartheid employed careful and skilful means of reciting as well as penning his verses. In the last four chapters one discovers a skilful means of masking in order to avoid being penalised. S.E.K Mqhayi’s element of symbolic expression is by far the most significant aspect of his poems. A man who lived in the days of abject institutionalised racism and being one of those discriminated against, had no choice but to be loyal to his oppressors and at the same time, expressing himself in the most creatively careful manner. His works are rich with encodings and embellishments. These encodings and embellishments require some careful skills to decode and unveil. This research work will centre mainly on the unravelling of all that was either encoded or embellished within each selected work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation of the challenges facing the ward committee system with specific reference to selected municipalities in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ntlemeza, Albert Mncedisi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8162 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/584 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Local government in South Africa has undergone radical changes since the first democratic local government elections were held in 1995 and 1996. It is generally known that local government in South Africa was based on racial fragmentation. The new South Africa therefore has to go beyond purely representative democracy to address the inequalities of the apartheid era. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), envisages a complete transformation of the local government system. Subsequently, a policy framework has been developed to give effect to a new vision of local government. The White Paper on Local Government was passed in March 1998. It spells out the framework and programme in terms of which the existing local government system will be radically transformed. This culminated in the birth of the concept of developmental local government. Developmental local government establishes the basis of a system of local government which is centrally concerned with working with local citizens and ward communities in particular to find sustainable ways to meet their needs and improve the quality of their lives. Developmental local government encourages public participation at the local level. One of the most powerful instruments by which the communities and groups become involved in local government affairs is through the ward committee structures and ward planning forums. The Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), makes provision for community participation. Ward committees are established in terms of section 17 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998). Ward committees play an important role in creating a democratic culture of local participation and accountability. They are the main mechanisms available to municipalities and communities to enhance public participation in ix the local sphere of government. Their major obstacle is that their powers are limited to advising the communities and the relevant council. The White Paper on Local Government provides for three approaches which can assist municipalities to be more developmental, namely integrated development planning and budgeting, performance management and working together with local citizens. Ward committees provide a link between the council and these processes. The new system of local government also provides for the consideration of gender issues at the ward committee level. The local government policy framework requires that at least fifty percent of representation on ward committees should be women. The involvement of youth is also greatly encouraged. The system also provides for and clarifies the role/relationship with traditional leaders at the ward committee level. The local government legislative framework accepts and acknowledges the existence of traditional leaders. Their involvement in ward community activities and functions is well documented. Lastly, the capacity building of ward committees is posing a major challenge. In order for ward committee members to perform their functions effectively training must be provided. The respective local councils should be responsible for providing the necessary training to ward committees through the office of the speaker under which they fall. In the national sphere efforts are made to ensure that training for ward committees is provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Ntlemeza, Albert Mncedisi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8162 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/584 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Local government in South Africa has undergone radical changes since the first democratic local government elections were held in 1995 and 1996. It is generally known that local government in South Africa was based on racial fragmentation. The new South Africa therefore has to go beyond purely representative democracy to address the inequalities of the apartheid era. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), envisages a complete transformation of the local government system. Subsequently, a policy framework has been developed to give effect to a new vision of local government. The White Paper on Local Government was passed in March 1998. It spells out the framework and programme in terms of which the existing local government system will be radically transformed. This culminated in the birth of the concept of developmental local government. Developmental local government establishes the basis of a system of local government which is centrally concerned with working with local citizens and ward communities in particular to find sustainable ways to meet their needs and improve the quality of their lives. Developmental local government encourages public participation at the local level. One of the most powerful instruments by which the communities and groups become involved in local government affairs is through the ward committee structures and ward planning forums. The Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), makes provision for community participation. Ward committees are established in terms of section 17 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998). Ward committees play an important role in creating a democratic culture of local participation and accountability. They are the main mechanisms available to municipalities and communities to enhance public participation in ix the local sphere of government. Their major obstacle is that their powers are limited to advising the communities and the relevant council. The White Paper on Local Government provides for three approaches which can assist municipalities to be more developmental, namely integrated development planning and budgeting, performance management and working together with local citizens. Ward committees provide a link between the council and these processes. The new system of local government also provides for the consideration of gender issues at the ward committee level. The local government policy framework requires that at least fifty percent of representation on ward committees should be women. The involvement of youth is also greatly encouraged. The system also provides for and clarifies the role/relationship with traditional leaders at the ward committee level. The local government legislative framework accepts and acknowledges the existence of traditional leaders. Their involvement in ward community activities and functions is well documented. Lastly, the capacity building of ward committees is posing a major challenge. In order for ward committee members to perform their functions effectively training must be provided. The respective local councils should be responsible for providing the necessary training to ward committees through the office of the speaker under which they fall. In the national sphere efforts are made to ensure that training for ward committees is provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Consolidation of democracy and political culture: an analysis of young elites and the media, the case of Kenya
- Authors: Nzioki, Samuel Mutinda
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Democracy -- Kenya , Political culture -- Kenya , Kenya -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8248 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/586 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011680 , Democracy -- Kenya , Political culture -- Kenya , Kenya -- Politics and government
- Description: Democratisation and commitments to transitions to democratic systems has gained momentum as a currency, a necessity, with regard to socio-political and economic development for Africa. In the period following the end of the Cold War in the late 1980’s, there was heightened concern over the pseudo-democratic political establishments in Africa whose negative impact on their economies was blameable for a marked lack of public goods. Political scholars and agencies of Industrialised countries attributed this to stagnation on democratisation process, where consolidation stage of African democracies remains elusive. Kenya is a case and point. This study seeks to contribute to the ensuing debate of crafting versus preconditions to democratic consolidation in Africa. It takes the position that it is the political elite who are the principal agents in designing institution based democracies upon which other socio-economic developments can stand. By focusing on Kenya the study seeks to show that, up to the present moment, the cycle of Kenya’s unconsolidated democracy has been prevailed over by elites’ weakness to commit to deepening democratic values. A sign of hope is therefore in the potential and promise in the emerging young elite in crafting a consolidated democracy in Africa. By focussing on a generational change in leadership, one sees the possibility for Africa to embark on a clearly mapped out and self designed path towards democratic consolidation, led by a younger generation of professional elites. These are not weighed down by postcolonial nationalistic ideals. Their potential and level of commitment to democratic consolidation however needs to be examined. Increased pressures of Westernisation as an after effect of globalisation may have altered/impacted the young elites’ political consciousness and dedication to the African locales. This study thus posits that in order to gauge their inclination to crafting a consolidated democratic landscape of the continent, their political culture must be put under scrutiny. By examining the political culture of the Kenyan young elite this study concluded that more needs to be done to inspire political participation and involvement in this generation. There is general feeling of contentment with the status quo with all its flaws and unchanging poor democratic practises. More has to be done to sever the old undemocratic mentalities and replace them with fresh ideals through wide spread civic education, by using effective instruments like the media and avenues like a reformed school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Nzioki, Samuel Mutinda
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Democracy -- Kenya , Political culture -- Kenya , Kenya -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8248 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/586 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011680 , Democracy -- Kenya , Political culture -- Kenya , Kenya -- Politics and government
- Description: Democratisation and commitments to transitions to democratic systems has gained momentum as a currency, a necessity, with regard to socio-political and economic development for Africa. In the period following the end of the Cold War in the late 1980’s, there was heightened concern over the pseudo-democratic political establishments in Africa whose negative impact on their economies was blameable for a marked lack of public goods. Political scholars and agencies of Industrialised countries attributed this to stagnation on democratisation process, where consolidation stage of African democracies remains elusive. Kenya is a case and point. This study seeks to contribute to the ensuing debate of crafting versus preconditions to democratic consolidation in Africa. It takes the position that it is the political elite who are the principal agents in designing institution based democracies upon which other socio-economic developments can stand. By focusing on Kenya the study seeks to show that, up to the present moment, the cycle of Kenya’s unconsolidated democracy has been prevailed over by elites’ weakness to commit to deepening democratic values. A sign of hope is therefore in the potential and promise in the emerging young elite in crafting a consolidated democracy in Africa. By focussing on a generational change in leadership, one sees the possibility for Africa to embark on a clearly mapped out and self designed path towards democratic consolidation, led by a younger generation of professional elites. These are not weighed down by postcolonial nationalistic ideals. Their potential and level of commitment to democratic consolidation however needs to be examined. Increased pressures of Westernisation as an after effect of globalisation may have altered/impacted the young elites’ political consciousness and dedication to the African locales. This study thus posits that in order to gauge their inclination to crafting a consolidated democratic landscape of the continent, their political culture must be put under scrutiny. By examining the political culture of the Kenyan young elite this study concluded that more needs to be done to inspire political participation and involvement in this generation. There is general feeling of contentment with the status quo with all its flaws and unchanging poor democratic practises. More has to be done to sever the old undemocratic mentalities and replace them with fresh ideals through wide spread civic education, by using effective instruments like the media and avenues like a reformed school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Killing for the camera?: an investigation into the relationship between serial killers and the media
- Authors: Olivier, Erin Monique
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Serial murderers -- Press coverage , Serial murders in mass media , Violence in mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8411 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011672 , Serial murderers -- Press coverage , Serial murders in mass media , Violence in mass media
- Description: This study focuses on the role of media portrayal and coverage in serial killing. The first objective of the study is to develop a conceptual structure that aids in the understanding of the cyclical relationship between media, serial killer, and audience. The media acts as a catalyst in this relationship, providing the stage on which serial killer and audience form a fatal relationship in which celebrity status forms the ultimate motivation. Media sensationalism of serial killing and the extreme glamorization in fictional representations has obviously negative consequences. In developing such a structure I hope to demonstrate that there is an alternative to the sensationalizing and glamorizing of serial killers in the media. This alternative will take the form education and a more documentary-style approach to films about serial murder. The study focuses mainly on developing a theoretical framework that emphasizes each of the three elements of the cyclical relationship mentioned above separately. The second chapter is devoted to the media and its role. The third chapter focuses on serial killers and the motivations involved. The fourth chapter deals with the audience attracted to serial killing as a source of identification. A number of thinkers’ work is used in coming to grips with this relationship, including both American and South African authors. The fifth and final chapter takes into consideration the moment of application by addressing the South African situation. I conclude by discussing the repercussions of media glamorization and possible documentary-style alternatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Killing for the camera?: an investigation into the relationship between serial killers and the media
- Authors: Olivier, Erin Monique
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Serial murderers -- Press coverage , Serial murders in mass media , Violence in mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8411 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011672 , Serial murderers -- Press coverage , Serial murders in mass media , Violence in mass media
- Description: This study focuses on the role of media portrayal and coverage in serial killing. The first objective of the study is to develop a conceptual structure that aids in the understanding of the cyclical relationship between media, serial killer, and audience. The media acts as a catalyst in this relationship, providing the stage on which serial killer and audience form a fatal relationship in which celebrity status forms the ultimate motivation. Media sensationalism of serial killing and the extreme glamorization in fictional representations has obviously negative consequences. In developing such a structure I hope to demonstrate that there is an alternative to the sensationalizing and glamorizing of serial killers in the media. This alternative will take the form education and a more documentary-style approach to films about serial murder. The study focuses mainly on developing a theoretical framework that emphasizes each of the three elements of the cyclical relationship mentioned above separately. The second chapter is devoted to the media and its role. The third chapter focuses on serial killers and the motivations involved. The fourth chapter deals with the audience attracted to serial killing as a source of identification. A number of thinkers’ work is used in coming to grips with this relationship, including both American and South African authors. The fifth and final chapter takes into consideration the moment of application by addressing the South African situation. I conclude by discussing the repercussions of media glamorization and possible documentary-style alternatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Towards a theory of choral conducting gestures
- Oosthuizen, Benjamin William
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Benjamin William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Choral conducting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DMus
- Identifier: vital:8505 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/589 , Choral conducting
- Description: It is an oversimplification to look only at the manner in which a two-dimensional drawing suggests a three-dimensional movement in order to study choral conducting gestures. It must be recognised that there is a myriad of tacit aspects of knowledge surrounding conducting gestures. These aspects of tacit knowledge might be the reason why the teaching of conducting is done mostly in a continuous practicum, where the apprentice learns from the master, because in the practical situation the novice learns not only explicit knowledge, but also tacit knowledge. On the other hand, it is vital that the process of categorising and theorising about gestures continues in order to at least gain a better explicit knowledge of the process. In doing so, a theoretical knowledge base will strengthen the body of knowledge. This explicit knowledge should contain information with regard to the anatomy of the conductor, a basic understanding of a balanced posture, bilateral symmetry and vertical alignment, and a basic knowledge which will help to understand which main muscle groups are responsible for which basic movements involving gestures. The study of gestures from a theoretical point of view is barely more than five decades old. The demands which 20th and 21st century composers make on conductors question the traditional approaches of the functions of the hands. It has become essential for a conductor to develop greater skill of ambidexterity in order to cope with these demands. Despite the notion by some authors that choral conducting gestures employ standard gestures, it has been shown in this study that this is simply not the case. An overview of the work of authors in the field of conducting gestures was presented through a literature study. Concepts and their definitions have been selected and explained through the answering of research questions. Definitions of parameters and functionality of gestures were clarified to decide which gestures were the most appropriate in certain circumstances. This theory aims to be both descriptive and normative. It is descriptive in the sense that the concepts and issues and relationships around the characteristic aspects of gestures are indicated. It is normative in terms of the suggestions offered with regard to issues pertaining to gestures. This thesis sets out to contribute to the formulation of theoretical aspects of choral conducting gestures in an effort to codify and structure knowledge which is often stored in composers minds and experience, in an effort to pass down this knowledge to other apprentices in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Benjamin William
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Choral conducting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DMus
- Identifier: vital:8505 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/589 , Choral conducting
- Description: It is an oversimplification to look only at the manner in which a two-dimensional drawing suggests a three-dimensional movement in order to study choral conducting gestures. It must be recognised that there is a myriad of tacit aspects of knowledge surrounding conducting gestures. These aspects of tacit knowledge might be the reason why the teaching of conducting is done mostly in a continuous practicum, where the apprentice learns from the master, because in the practical situation the novice learns not only explicit knowledge, but also tacit knowledge. On the other hand, it is vital that the process of categorising and theorising about gestures continues in order to at least gain a better explicit knowledge of the process. In doing so, a theoretical knowledge base will strengthen the body of knowledge. This explicit knowledge should contain information with regard to the anatomy of the conductor, a basic understanding of a balanced posture, bilateral symmetry and vertical alignment, and a basic knowledge which will help to understand which main muscle groups are responsible for which basic movements involving gestures. The study of gestures from a theoretical point of view is barely more than five decades old. The demands which 20th and 21st century composers make on conductors question the traditional approaches of the functions of the hands. It has become essential for a conductor to develop greater skill of ambidexterity in order to cope with these demands. Despite the notion by some authors that choral conducting gestures employ standard gestures, it has been shown in this study that this is simply not the case. An overview of the work of authors in the field of conducting gestures was presented through a literature study. Concepts and their definitions have been selected and explained through the answering of research questions. Definitions of parameters and functionality of gestures were clarified to decide which gestures were the most appropriate in certain circumstances. This theory aims to be both descriptive and normative. It is descriptive in the sense that the concepts and issues and relationships around the characteristic aspects of gestures are indicated. It is normative in terms of the suggestions offered with regard to issues pertaining to gestures. This thesis sets out to contribute to the formulation of theoretical aspects of choral conducting gestures in an effort to codify and structure knowledge which is often stored in composers minds and experience, in an effort to pass down this knowledge to other apprentices in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation into the representation of women in South African Cosmopolitan Magazine advertisements of 2004
- Authors: Ranchod, Amisha
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Women in mass media , Women in advertising -- Africa, Southern , Sex in advertising -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/784 , Women in mass media , Women in advertising -- Africa, Southern , Sex in advertising -- Africa, Southern
- Description: This study investigates the representations of women in advertisements featured in South African Cosmopolitan magazine published in 2004 so as to critically analyse the stereotypes of women it presents, the institutional mechanisms behind this and its implications for gender ‘constructions’. By using a random cluster sample, 60 advertisements found in Cosmopolitan were analysed to examine the stereotypical portrayals of women within its imagery. In addition, survey questionnaires were distributed amongst female students to determine whether exposure to advertisements featured in Cosmopolitan magazines moulds their thoughts with regard to South African women today, as well as to analyse their attitudinal change before and after exposure to a number of advertisements. It was found that even though the majority of respondents claimed to be aware of the stereotypical representations of women found in the advertisements, and did not believe that these portrayals were a true reflection of South African women, various aspects of their lives continue to be affected by these representations in a number of ways. The findings of this study indicate that the trend found in previous studies – that stereotypical images of women prevail in the media – is evident in South Africa too. It was established that the ideologies of both patriarchy and capitalism work together in supporting the pervasiveness of negative, disempowering portrayals of women in Cosmopolitan advertisements. Stereotypical imagery of women serve as the site at which the ideologies of capitalism and patriarchy fuse, drawing on a common, shared notion of the objectified female to further their goals of maximisation of profits and male dominance respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Ranchod, Amisha
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Women in mass media , Women in advertising -- Africa, Southern , Sex in advertising -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/784 , Women in mass media , Women in advertising -- Africa, Southern , Sex in advertising -- Africa, Southern
- Description: This study investigates the representations of women in advertisements featured in South African Cosmopolitan magazine published in 2004 so as to critically analyse the stereotypes of women it presents, the institutional mechanisms behind this and its implications for gender ‘constructions’. By using a random cluster sample, 60 advertisements found in Cosmopolitan were analysed to examine the stereotypical portrayals of women within its imagery. In addition, survey questionnaires were distributed amongst female students to determine whether exposure to advertisements featured in Cosmopolitan magazines moulds their thoughts with regard to South African women today, as well as to analyse their attitudinal change before and after exposure to a number of advertisements. It was found that even though the majority of respondents claimed to be aware of the stereotypical representations of women found in the advertisements, and did not believe that these portrayals were a true reflection of South African women, various aspects of their lives continue to be affected by these representations in a number of ways. The findings of this study indicate that the trend found in previous studies – that stereotypical images of women prevail in the media – is evident in South Africa too. It was established that the ideologies of both patriarchy and capitalism work together in supporting the pervasiveness of negative, disempowering portrayals of women in Cosmopolitan advertisements. Stereotypical imagery of women serve as the site at which the ideologies of capitalism and patriarchy fuse, drawing on a common, shared notion of the objectified female to further their goals of maximisation of profits and male dominance respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007