Humanitarian intervention in conflict management in Africa: selected case study analysis of Sudan and Libya
- Authors: Muruviwa, Tapiwa Gladmore
- Date: 2015-04
- Subjects: Humanitarian intervention , Conflict management -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24772 , vital:63550
- Description: The study investigates the effectiveness of humanitarian intervention as a strategy in conflict management in Africa drawing from case studies in Sudan and Libya. The research utilized an interaction of both primary and secondary data sources. Primary sources used are African Union (AU) official reports, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) official reports as well as official International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS) reports. Secondary sources used include journal articles, newspapers, books and other online publications. Among others, the study found out that humanitarian intervention in Sudan by the AU from 2004 until 2006 lacked the capacity and political will to effectively manage the conflict. At the same time, an analysis of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization‟s (NATO) military intervention in Libya in 2011 reveals that western-led interventions in Africa are often driven by geostrategic interests rather than the need to save people in danger. Against this backdrop, the study recommends amongst others that the AU should have a capacitated standby-force that will rapidly respond to manage conflicts in Africa. Also, UN peacekeeping operations in Africa should be coordinated by the African Union. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-04
- Authors: Muruviwa, Tapiwa Gladmore
- Date: 2015-04
- Subjects: Humanitarian intervention , Conflict management -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24772 , vital:63550
- Description: The study investigates the effectiveness of humanitarian intervention as a strategy in conflict management in Africa drawing from case studies in Sudan and Libya. The research utilized an interaction of both primary and secondary data sources. Primary sources used are African Union (AU) official reports, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) official reports as well as official International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS) reports. Secondary sources used include journal articles, newspapers, books and other online publications. Among others, the study found out that humanitarian intervention in Sudan by the AU from 2004 until 2006 lacked the capacity and political will to effectively manage the conflict. At the same time, an analysis of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization‟s (NATO) military intervention in Libya in 2011 reveals that western-led interventions in Africa are often driven by geostrategic interests rather than the need to save people in danger. Against this backdrop, the study recommends amongst others that the AU should have a capacitated standby-force that will rapidly respond to manage conflicts in Africa. Also, UN peacekeeping operations in Africa should be coordinated by the African Union. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-04
Students’ intentions and attitudes towards using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the purpose of counselling.
- Authors: Dlaza, Zikhona
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internet -- Psychological aspects Internet users -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17553 , vital:41090
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming popular especially within a university campus setting not only as a learning tool but also for the purpose of communication. Internationally there is an acknowledgement of the popularity of ICT in delivering mental health services. This study is built on that premise which indicates that ICT could serve as a viable tool for counselling interventions within a university setting. However, limited research has been done in this area and conflicting results have been reported especially related to gender. This study therefore aimed at exploring the intentions and attitudes of male and female students towards using ICT for counselling at a South African university. A quantitative research approach was employed to collect and analyze data. Data was collected amongst students using self-administered questionnaires with a sample of 266 (N = 266) respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. The main findings of the study indicate that students have an intention to seek psychological help through the use of ICT counselling, which consequently positively influenced attitudes towards the utilization of ICT counselling. Results further indicate that gender and age differences amongst university students is significantly related to the intention to use ICT counselling. The information generated from this study has contributed to the limited body of literature on ICT in counselling psychology, more specifically in a university setting in South Africa. Overall, it encourages critical reflection on modern psychological practice to meet student’s needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dlaza, Zikhona
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internet -- Psychological aspects Internet users -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17553 , vital:41090
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming popular especially within a university campus setting not only as a learning tool but also for the purpose of communication. Internationally there is an acknowledgement of the popularity of ICT in delivering mental health services. This study is built on that premise which indicates that ICT could serve as a viable tool for counselling interventions within a university setting. However, limited research has been done in this area and conflicting results have been reported especially related to gender. This study therefore aimed at exploring the intentions and attitudes of male and female students towards using ICT for counselling at a South African university. A quantitative research approach was employed to collect and analyze data. Data was collected amongst students using self-administered questionnaires with a sample of 266 (N = 266) respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. The main findings of the study indicate that students have an intention to seek psychological help through the use of ICT counselling, which consequently positively influenced attitudes towards the utilization of ICT counselling. Results further indicate that gender and age differences amongst university students is significantly related to the intention to use ICT counselling. The information generated from this study has contributed to the limited body of literature on ICT in counselling psychology, more specifically in a university setting in South Africa. Overall, it encourages critical reflection on modern psychological practice to meet student’s needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluation of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Principles at the University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus
- Authors: Mditshwa, Abongile Sisanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Crime prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc.Sci (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17695 , vital:41137
- Description: The University of Fort Hare Alice campus experiences high crime rates. To address this problem, and add to the literature, this study applied the Crime Prevention through Environmental design (CPTED) model to measure the effectiveness of the crime prevention strategies at the University of Fort Hare (Alice campus). The aim of this study was to evaluate the sufficiency of surveillance and visibility, target hardening, maintenance and management at the University of Fort Hare, which contribute to the reduction of criminal activities around campus. The study further sought to evaluate the perceptions of students regarding their safety on campus by way of soliciting their experiences and observations. This study used the quantitative method, and questionnaires were distributed to the students in the Alice campus to collect data. The study found that whilst a marginal majority of students felt safe, a large proportion of students felt unsafe on campus. The study also found that students were dissatisfied with the service and found the security officers to be incompetent and un-trained. The study evaluated the sufficiency of crime prevention measures implemented within the university. One crucial aspect that emerged from the study is that CPTED principles were not sufficiently implemented to their fullest and the perception of the majority of students was that security personnel were not functioning in the way that they should, and measures such as adequate lighting were lacking. As a result, students felt unsafe on campus, especially during the night .The study concluded that there are clear increased feelings of vulnerability among students at the University of Fort Hare. The measures that are currently in place are not sufficient; therefore there is need for implementation of CPTED principles. It was recommended that the University increases number of CCTV surveillance cameras on campus, Social gathering places be surrounded by security guards for patrols, lighting recommendations that are modern and in proper design, keep up with repairs, make necessary replacements, paint, trim, current campus buildings e updated to meet recent CPTED practises etc.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mditshwa, Abongile Sisanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Crime prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc.Sci (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17695 , vital:41137
- Description: The University of Fort Hare Alice campus experiences high crime rates. To address this problem, and add to the literature, this study applied the Crime Prevention through Environmental design (CPTED) model to measure the effectiveness of the crime prevention strategies at the University of Fort Hare (Alice campus). The aim of this study was to evaluate the sufficiency of surveillance and visibility, target hardening, maintenance and management at the University of Fort Hare, which contribute to the reduction of criminal activities around campus. The study further sought to evaluate the perceptions of students regarding their safety on campus by way of soliciting their experiences and observations. This study used the quantitative method, and questionnaires were distributed to the students in the Alice campus to collect data. The study found that whilst a marginal majority of students felt safe, a large proportion of students felt unsafe on campus. The study also found that students were dissatisfied with the service and found the security officers to be incompetent and un-trained. The study evaluated the sufficiency of crime prevention measures implemented within the university. One crucial aspect that emerged from the study is that CPTED principles were not sufficiently implemented to their fullest and the perception of the majority of students was that security personnel were not functioning in the way that they should, and measures such as adequate lighting were lacking. As a result, students felt unsafe on campus, especially during the night .The study concluded that there are clear increased feelings of vulnerability among students at the University of Fort Hare. The measures that are currently in place are not sufficient; therefore there is need for implementation of CPTED principles. It was recommended that the University increases number of CCTV surveillance cameras on campus, Social gathering places be surrounded by security guards for patrols, lighting recommendations that are modern and in proper design, keep up with repairs, make necessary replacements, paint, trim, current campus buildings e updated to meet recent CPTED practises etc.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors influencing employee participation in employee health and wellness programmes : the case of Mdantsane Police Station
- Kwayiba, Nthabiseng Justinah
- Authors: Kwayiba, Nthabiseng Justinah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs Health behavior Motivation (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17127 , vital:40858
- Description: The purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing participation in Employee Health and Wellness programmes rendered by South African Police Service. Qualitative method was used and case study design was chosen. Data was collected from twenty-two participants. Semi structured interviews was used as an instrument to collect data. Interpretivism paradigm was followed for data analysis. The findings of this study revealed that participation in EHW Programmes is indeed low at Mdantsane Accountable Police Station. Most of the participants did not show any interest in the services rendered by SAPS. Their belief systems and perceptions about EHW Programs are a contributing factor to the non-utilisation of the services. One major factor that was identified by this research was the impact police training has on the decisions police members make to participate or not to participate in EHW Programmes. SAPS is a male dominated organisation, with employees that are rooted in cultural beliefs. Some participants, especially men mentioned that it is against their culture to talk about their personal problems to strangers, referring to EHW Professionals, others believed that seeking professional help from a female professional is a sign of losing your manhood an indication that you are weak. With this kind of personal belief, the researcher is of the view that SAPS has to consider adopting a new EHW Model, a model that will be relevant to the objectives of SAPS. Engaging police officers in physical activities will be more effective in promoting participation because Police work requires that police members need more than just task competencies or technical knowledge to do their work (Turner, 2014), they need to be physically fit in order to protect themselves and the community they are serving. Engaging them in counselling and educational programmes will not increase participation since they regard such services to be meant for the weak police officers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kwayiba, Nthabiseng Justinah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs Health behavior Motivation (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17127 , vital:40858
- Description: The purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing participation in Employee Health and Wellness programmes rendered by South African Police Service. Qualitative method was used and case study design was chosen. Data was collected from twenty-two participants. Semi structured interviews was used as an instrument to collect data. Interpretivism paradigm was followed for data analysis. The findings of this study revealed that participation in EHW Programmes is indeed low at Mdantsane Accountable Police Station. Most of the participants did not show any interest in the services rendered by SAPS. Their belief systems and perceptions about EHW Programs are a contributing factor to the non-utilisation of the services. One major factor that was identified by this research was the impact police training has on the decisions police members make to participate or not to participate in EHW Programmes. SAPS is a male dominated organisation, with employees that are rooted in cultural beliefs. Some participants, especially men mentioned that it is against their culture to talk about their personal problems to strangers, referring to EHW Professionals, others believed that seeking professional help from a female professional is a sign of losing your manhood an indication that you are weak. With this kind of personal belief, the researcher is of the view that SAPS has to consider adopting a new EHW Model, a model that will be relevant to the objectives of SAPS. Engaging police officers in physical activities will be more effective in promoting participation because Police work requires that police members need more than just task competencies or technical knowledge to do their work (Turner, 2014), they need to be physically fit in order to protect themselves and the community they are serving. Engaging them in counselling and educational programmes will not increase participation since they regard such services to be meant for the weak police officers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Records management at Albany Museum, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Obileke , Ugonna Christiana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Records -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.LIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17663 , vital:41133
- Description: This study is about records management at the Albany Museum in Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to find out the extent to which records management is practised; to find out what records management programme exist; to find out the infrastructure available for records management; and to identify the challenges, if any, facing records management in Albany Museum. The records life cycle and the records continuum formed the theoretical framework. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The state accountant, senior administrator, fossil excavator, receptionist and the postgraduate researcher formed the sample of the study. Quantitative data were coded and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2013 while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The major findings showed that records management Albany Museum is very weak, which makes it difficult for the museum to derive or benefit from effective records management as well as experiencing delays in decision-making, loss and misplacement of records. Also, it was revealed that there was no personnel responsible for the records management. The study recommended for recruitment of personnel for records management in the museum to improve on records management as well as the development of a functioning records management program
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Obileke , Ugonna Christiana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Records -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.LIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17663 , vital:41133
- Description: This study is about records management at the Albany Museum in Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to find out the extent to which records management is practised; to find out what records management programme exist; to find out the infrastructure available for records management; and to identify the challenges, if any, facing records management in Albany Museum. The records life cycle and the records continuum formed the theoretical framework. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The state accountant, senior administrator, fossil excavator, receptionist and the postgraduate researcher formed the sample of the study. Quantitative data were coded and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2013 while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The major findings showed that records management Albany Museum is very weak, which makes it difficult for the museum to derive or benefit from effective records management as well as experiencing delays in decision-making, loss and misplacement of records. Also, it was revealed that there was no personnel responsible for the records management. The study recommended for recruitment of personnel for records management in the museum to improve on records management as well as the development of a functioning records management program
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of African theology and spirituality in bereavement among Xhosa children
- Authors: Diniso Patrick Mncedisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bereavement in children -- Religious aspects Black theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17839 , vital:41374
- Description: The background to this study highlights the fact that Xhosa children are not being taken care of during bereavement. There is no theological guidance applied to them, to say the least. There are devotions that are usually conducted by lay preachers (Preachers that are not trained as Pastors/Therapists) who do their utmost best to support bereaved families, and this is done out of love. The challenge, however, is that the language mostly used by these preachers does not seem to accommodate children, as there are expressions that do not make any sense to children such as: tutwini, imela igobele esandleni. These are good and relevant concepts as they underpin the reality of death and the need for comfort during bereavement. However, these need to be communicated in a language that can be understood by children. Due to this identified problem, the researcher deemed it necessary to undertake this study. This study comprises five (5) chapters. In chapter one (1), the researcher focused on the research background and introduction. Chapter two (2) dealt with the literature review of this study. The chapter comprises three sections: generic literature review section, theory base section and primary literature review section. In chapter three (3), the focus is on research methodology and its components. Concepts such as sampling procedures, research instrument and research design are dealt with. In chapter four (4), the researcher dealt with concepts such as data analysis, interpretation and presentation of findings. Chapter five dealt with the research recommendations as per the role of the church (Free Church in Southern Africa [FSA]). The researcher is convinced that this work has done justice in addressing the identified gap in care giving for bereaved Xhosa children. The need for theological guidance for bereaved Xhosa children has been highlighted; findings and practical recommendations have also been presented to meet such a need. These confirmed the need for theological guidance for bereaved Xhosa children. The next section contains the appendix list, namely: appendix one (1), two (2) and three (3).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Diniso Patrick Mncedisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bereavement in children -- Religious aspects Black theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17839 , vital:41374
- Description: The background to this study highlights the fact that Xhosa children are not being taken care of during bereavement. There is no theological guidance applied to them, to say the least. There are devotions that are usually conducted by lay preachers (Preachers that are not trained as Pastors/Therapists) who do their utmost best to support bereaved families, and this is done out of love. The challenge, however, is that the language mostly used by these preachers does not seem to accommodate children, as there are expressions that do not make any sense to children such as: tutwini, imela igobele esandleni. These are good and relevant concepts as they underpin the reality of death and the need for comfort during bereavement. However, these need to be communicated in a language that can be understood by children. Due to this identified problem, the researcher deemed it necessary to undertake this study. This study comprises five (5) chapters. In chapter one (1), the researcher focused on the research background and introduction. Chapter two (2) dealt with the literature review of this study. The chapter comprises three sections: generic literature review section, theory base section and primary literature review section. In chapter three (3), the focus is on research methodology and its components. Concepts such as sampling procedures, research instrument and research design are dealt with. In chapter four (4), the researcher dealt with concepts such as data analysis, interpretation and presentation of findings. Chapter five dealt with the research recommendations as per the role of the church (Free Church in Southern Africa [FSA]). The researcher is convinced that this work has done justice in addressing the identified gap in care giving for bereaved Xhosa children. The need for theological guidance for bereaved Xhosa children has been highlighted; findings and practical recommendations have also been presented to meet such a need. These confirmed the need for theological guidance for bereaved Xhosa children. The next section contains the appendix list, namely: appendix one (1), two (2) and three (3).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Negotiating identity in an online virtual environment
- Authors: Dube, Nompumelelo
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Online Identities , Internet , Personal Information Managenment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23883 , vital:61284
- Description: This study investigates ways in which people in an online anonymous virtual environment use language to negotiate and manage their identities. The study is informed by the tenets of social constructionism, a theory that explores the problematic manner in which the self is taken for granted as unchanging (Burr, 1998). One point made by alternative theorists other than social constructionist theorists is the notion of the “essential self”; one tenet of social constructionist theory suggests that the “essential self” of a person remains fluid. The implication is that one ultimately changes as each day passes, for example at the core of one’s personality is an “essential self” that changes with experiences, conflicts and/or age (Tuffin, 2005). From a social constructionist perspective, the self is more fractured and contingent on life’s circumstances. This theory was found to be an appropriate paradigm from which to study anonymous online identities, where individuals were found to create and negotiate certain identities outside of those identities that people often find important to portray to outsiders in the general public. Sixty-seven (67) students from different races participated in this study and online discussions from a course discussion forum, “blackboard”, were monitored. This study found that one’s identity is negotiated in an anonymous virtual environment. Data was collected from these discussions and was analysed using Potter and Wetherell’s (1987) method of discourse analysis. Research findings ultimately found that people use discursive strategies in negotiating and maintaining their identity online, but that distinct racial characteristics were noticeable despite some attempts to mask one’s background. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-11
- Authors: Dube, Nompumelelo
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Online Identities , Internet , Personal Information Managenment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23883 , vital:61284
- Description: This study investigates ways in which people in an online anonymous virtual environment use language to negotiate and manage their identities. The study is informed by the tenets of social constructionism, a theory that explores the problematic manner in which the self is taken for granted as unchanging (Burr, 1998). One point made by alternative theorists other than social constructionist theorists is the notion of the “essential self”; one tenet of social constructionist theory suggests that the “essential self” of a person remains fluid. The implication is that one ultimately changes as each day passes, for example at the core of one’s personality is an “essential self” that changes with experiences, conflicts and/or age (Tuffin, 2005). From a social constructionist perspective, the self is more fractured and contingent on life’s circumstances. This theory was found to be an appropriate paradigm from which to study anonymous online identities, where individuals were found to create and negotiate certain identities outside of those identities that people often find important to portray to outsiders in the general public. Sixty-seven (67) students from different races participated in this study and online discussions from a course discussion forum, “blackboard”, were monitored. This study found that one’s identity is negotiated in an anonymous virtual environment. Data was collected from these discussions and was analysed using Potter and Wetherell’s (1987) method of discourse analysis. Research findings ultimately found that people use discursive strategies in negotiating and maintaining their identity online, but that distinct racial characteristics were noticeable despite some attempts to mask one’s background. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-11
Parenting and moral behaviour: an exploration of young mothers raising children in golf course, Alice, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nyatanga, Georgina
- Date: 2021-01
- Subjects: Parenting , Child rearing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22339 , vital:52027
- Description: Regardless of the efforts that have been put forward to reduce adolescent pregnancies on a global scale, the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy is still on the rise, and this has ultimately led to young motherhood to be a common feature in many societies, South Africa inclusive. A number of factors have contributed towards the parenting capacity of young mothers to nurture their children towards developing warranted behavior to be questioned. Owing to this, this study embarked on a journey to explore how young motherhood influences the development of immoral or unwarranted behavior in children in Golf Course, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Informed by the theoretical lenses of the Moral Development Theory, Social Learning Theory, and the Systems Theory; the study aimed to answer the following questions: (i) How does young motherhood influence the development of immoral behavior in children? (ii) What are the types of immoral behaviors that children raised by young mothers are involved in? (iii) What are the possible strategies that can be implemented to curb the prevalence of immoral behavior in children raised by young mothers? The study adopted a qualitative research approach with a case study research design. Data was collected through in depths interviews from the young mothers and key informants. A semi structured interview schedule was used as a data collection instrument. Non-probability sampling technique was used, and the sample of the study was obtained through purposive sampling. Twenty-five participants (twenty young mothers and five key informants) were recruited to participate in the study using the fore mentioned technique. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The study revealed the following aspects: young mothers are confronted with a number of challenges which affect their parenting capacity and nurturing of their children; a majority of children raised by young mothers in Golf Course exhibit a number of unwarranted behavior which is influenced by their family situation and the nature of parenting they receive; lastly training in parenting, availability of child protection services and development of support group services for young mothers were identified as the strategies that can be employed to reduce the development of unwarranted behavior in children raised by young mothers. Based on the findings, the study recommends that government entities together with non-governmental social service providers provide the financial, social support and mental support to young mothers to empower and capacitate them so that they can be able to adopt positive parenting skills which are necessary towards nurturing warranted behavior in children. The study also recommends that young mothers must be conscious of their lifestyle and life choices as these have a direct impact on the behavior of their children. The study concludes that if the conditions of children raised by young mothers are to be enhanced, the prevalence of immoral or unwarranted behavior amongst children raised by young mothers will drop drastically. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-01
- Authors: Nyatanga, Georgina
- Date: 2021-01
- Subjects: Parenting , Child rearing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22339 , vital:52027
- Description: Regardless of the efforts that have been put forward to reduce adolescent pregnancies on a global scale, the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy is still on the rise, and this has ultimately led to young motherhood to be a common feature in many societies, South Africa inclusive. A number of factors have contributed towards the parenting capacity of young mothers to nurture their children towards developing warranted behavior to be questioned. Owing to this, this study embarked on a journey to explore how young motherhood influences the development of immoral or unwarranted behavior in children in Golf Course, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Informed by the theoretical lenses of the Moral Development Theory, Social Learning Theory, and the Systems Theory; the study aimed to answer the following questions: (i) How does young motherhood influence the development of immoral behavior in children? (ii) What are the types of immoral behaviors that children raised by young mothers are involved in? (iii) What are the possible strategies that can be implemented to curb the prevalence of immoral behavior in children raised by young mothers? The study adopted a qualitative research approach with a case study research design. Data was collected through in depths interviews from the young mothers and key informants. A semi structured interview schedule was used as a data collection instrument. Non-probability sampling technique was used, and the sample of the study was obtained through purposive sampling. Twenty-five participants (twenty young mothers and five key informants) were recruited to participate in the study using the fore mentioned technique. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The study revealed the following aspects: young mothers are confronted with a number of challenges which affect their parenting capacity and nurturing of their children; a majority of children raised by young mothers in Golf Course exhibit a number of unwarranted behavior which is influenced by their family situation and the nature of parenting they receive; lastly training in parenting, availability of child protection services and development of support group services for young mothers were identified as the strategies that can be employed to reduce the development of unwarranted behavior in children raised by young mothers. Based on the findings, the study recommends that government entities together with non-governmental social service providers provide the financial, social support and mental support to young mothers to empower and capacitate them so that they can be able to adopt positive parenting skills which are necessary towards nurturing warranted behavior in children. The study also recommends that young mothers must be conscious of their lifestyle and life choices as these have a direct impact on the behavior of their children. The study concludes that if the conditions of children raised by young mothers are to be enhanced, the prevalence of immoral or unwarranted behavior amongst children raised by young mothers will drop drastically. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-01
ZIMBABWE’S LIBERATION STRUGGLE: A CRITICAL DECADE OF THE ZIMBABWE AFRICAN NATIONAL UNION (ZANU)’S GUERRILLA WAR, 1970-1980
- Dzimbanhete, Jephias Andrew (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7648-8722)
- Authors: Dzimbanhete, Jephias Andrew (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7648-8722)
- Date: 2011-01
- Subjects: National Liberation Movements -- Zimbabwe , Guerillas , Zimbabwe -- History -- Chimurenga
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23315 , vital:57048
- Description: This study offers a comprehensive examination of the Zimbabwean war of independence depicting the mobilisation of forces of liberation against an intransigent colonial Rhodesian settler state during a critical decade of the 1970s. Its introductory outline presents a broad historical context to the decolonisation processes in Africa. It also introduces the two liberation movements that drove the war of independence, and these revolved around the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU). The empirical chapters of the thesis narrow the focus to the main research subject, that explain the ZANU’s guerrilla warfare and how that was launched under the military wing of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA). The study looks, particularly on how and why that formation assembled groundswell support and generated pervasive intelligence to operate relentlessly against the Rhodesian colonial government resulting in a compromised independence in 1980. In addition to a wide-ranging survey of literature that deals with the Zimbabwean war of independence, the production of this thesis is thoroughly grounded on empirical methods that hinge on archival research and oral testimonies. The study breaks new ground in outlining the various facets and different phases of the Zimbabwean liberation war. It reveals that the liberation fighters were not merely provided with arms and deployed to fight the Rhodesian army. Rather they underwent a methodical process, which comprised recruitment, extensive training and fundamental political education. This re-represents an alternative narrative or even eccentric paradigm to that persistently presented within the conventional Zimbabwean liberation war historiography. The thesis breaks further new ground in discussing the complex nature of how intelligence gathering and propaganda uses were also centrally linked to the cooperation of or assistance from the various segments of the colonial African society. Its empirical chapters outline the various actions undertaken by the various groups and individuals, the language they adopted in expressing themselves and the convivial connections between them and the guerrilla fighters in the countryside as the war front expanded within the home boundaries. Chapters also explore in greater detail how the liberation movement bred the complex relation and contestation between the political formation of ZANU and its military wing, ZANLA. The uneven power relations between these two formations somehow dictated the course and the outcome of the liberation war. As a result a constitutional settlement or military victory became the two options by which the Rhodesian question could be resolved in the later 1970s. As it turned out, attempts to seek a constitutional solution became a feature of diplomatic dimensions of the postcolonial Rhodesian political landscape. The study concludes with the latter point. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-01
- Authors: Dzimbanhete, Jephias Andrew (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7648-8722)
- Date: 2011-01
- Subjects: National Liberation Movements -- Zimbabwe , Guerillas , Zimbabwe -- History -- Chimurenga
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23315 , vital:57048
- Description: This study offers a comprehensive examination of the Zimbabwean war of independence depicting the mobilisation of forces of liberation against an intransigent colonial Rhodesian settler state during a critical decade of the 1970s. Its introductory outline presents a broad historical context to the decolonisation processes in Africa. It also introduces the two liberation movements that drove the war of independence, and these revolved around the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU). The empirical chapters of the thesis narrow the focus to the main research subject, that explain the ZANU’s guerrilla warfare and how that was launched under the military wing of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA). The study looks, particularly on how and why that formation assembled groundswell support and generated pervasive intelligence to operate relentlessly against the Rhodesian colonial government resulting in a compromised independence in 1980. In addition to a wide-ranging survey of literature that deals with the Zimbabwean war of independence, the production of this thesis is thoroughly grounded on empirical methods that hinge on archival research and oral testimonies. The study breaks new ground in outlining the various facets and different phases of the Zimbabwean liberation war. It reveals that the liberation fighters were not merely provided with arms and deployed to fight the Rhodesian army. Rather they underwent a methodical process, which comprised recruitment, extensive training and fundamental political education. This re-represents an alternative narrative or even eccentric paradigm to that persistently presented within the conventional Zimbabwean liberation war historiography. The thesis breaks further new ground in discussing the complex nature of how intelligence gathering and propaganda uses were also centrally linked to the cooperation of or assistance from the various segments of the colonial African society. Its empirical chapters outline the various actions undertaken by the various groups and individuals, the language they adopted in expressing themselves and the convivial connections between them and the guerrilla fighters in the countryside as the war front expanded within the home boundaries. Chapters also explore in greater detail how the liberation movement bred the complex relation and contestation between the political formation of ZANU and its military wing, ZANLA. The uneven power relations between these two formations somehow dictated the course and the outcome of the liberation war. As a result a constitutional settlement or military victory became the two options by which the Rhodesian question could be resolved in the later 1970s. As it turned out, attempts to seek a constitutional solution became a feature of diplomatic dimensions of the postcolonial Rhodesian political landscape. The study concludes with the latter point. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-01
Experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care in Breidbach community in King Williams, Buffalo City, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nkumbi, Sinazo
- Date: 2022-06
- Subjects: Foster children--Care , Children's rights , Participation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23776 , vital:60520
- Description: The study explored the experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care, looking in depth at their level of participation in matters concerning their lives. The researcher was predominantly inspired to conduct this research by children in communities who found themselves falling unintentionally into a system of foster care. There are overt hardships in communities that result in children needing care and protection. Children find themselves faced with abusive circumstances, experiencing loss and being abandoned. There is little research on experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care, on child participation in matters that involve their lives, and research that documents the perspectives of children. Children’s ability to exercise their constitutional right to participate, and making their voices heard regarding their life experiences through their own milieu, have also not received attention. There are several intervention systems put in place by the South African government to aid children in need of care and protection, and systems to place children in conducive environments. These systems are largely focused on placement of the child in need, application for foster care grants, foster parents, and the extension of the foster placement. However, there is very little information regarding the child’s right to participate in matters that involve their lives. The goal of the study was to investigate children’s participation in matters that affect their lives. It was interested in children’s perspectives. The aim was to explore the experiences of children who had transitioned into the foster care system in Breidbach Community in King Williams Town it Buffalo City Municipality. The purpose was to identify gaps, as there is minimal information concerning experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care and on children’s participation as stipulated within section 10 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. To be able to achieve the objectives of the study, interviews were conducted with purposefully sampled participants. Data obtained was analysed according to qualitative data analysis procedures. The researcher utilised exploratory, descriptive and contextual research designs. The domain where participants were interviewed was Breidbach, King Williams Town, and Buffalo City under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Child Protection Organisations (CPO). Findings indicate the children lacked education on their right to participate in matters that affect their lives. Furthermore, some professionals did not involve the children in matters that affected them, leading to interventions on matters concerning the children that did not benefit from input by the children. Taking into cognisance of all the relevant information stated above, children’s right to participate in matters involving their lives is as paramount as the involvement of the social workers and the foster parents when determining their placement. A holistic approach has to be used, hence it is primary and recommended that, the investigation, intervention strategies and framework used by social workers in making sure that children in need of care and protection include the perspectives of children who are to be placed into foster care. This will be possible through the participation of a child. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-06
- Authors: Nkumbi, Sinazo
- Date: 2022-06
- Subjects: Foster children--Care , Children's rights , Participation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23776 , vital:60520
- Description: The study explored the experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care, looking in depth at their level of participation in matters concerning their lives. The researcher was predominantly inspired to conduct this research by children in communities who found themselves falling unintentionally into a system of foster care. There are overt hardships in communities that result in children needing care and protection. Children find themselves faced with abusive circumstances, experiencing loss and being abandoned. There is little research on experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care, on child participation in matters that involve their lives, and research that documents the perspectives of children. Children’s ability to exercise their constitutional right to participate, and making their voices heard regarding their life experiences through their own milieu, have also not received attention. There are several intervention systems put in place by the South African government to aid children in need of care and protection, and systems to place children in conducive environments. These systems are largely focused on placement of the child in need, application for foster care grants, foster parents, and the extension of the foster placement. However, there is very little information regarding the child’s right to participate in matters that involve their lives. The goal of the study was to investigate children’s participation in matters that affect their lives. It was interested in children’s perspectives. The aim was to explore the experiences of children who had transitioned into the foster care system in Breidbach Community in King Williams Town it Buffalo City Municipality. The purpose was to identify gaps, as there is minimal information concerning experiences of children who have transitioned into foster care and on children’s participation as stipulated within section 10 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. To be able to achieve the objectives of the study, interviews were conducted with purposefully sampled participants. Data obtained was analysed according to qualitative data analysis procedures. The researcher utilised exploratory, descriptive and contextual research designs. The domain where participants were interviewed was Breidbach, King Williams Town, and Buffalo City under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Child Protection Organisations (CPO). Findings indicate the children lacked education on their right to participate in matters that affect their lives. Furthermore, some professionals did not involve the children in matters that affected them, leading to interventions on matters concerning the children that did not benefit from input by the children. Taking into cognisance of all the relevant information stated above, children’s right to participate in matters involving their lives is as paramount as the involvement of the social workers and the foster parents when determining their placement. A holistic approach has to be used, hence it is primary and recommended that, the investigation, intervention strategies and framework used by social workers in making sure that children in need of care and protection include the perspectives of children who are to be placed into foster care. This will be possible through the participation of a child. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-06
Archives and Records Management Programmes in selected Universities in South Africa: A Study of University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University
- Authors: Somniso, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Records -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Library and information science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18280 , vital:42248
- Description: The study investigates the Archives and Records Management Programmes (ARMP) in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Rhodes University (RU). The task of managing huge quantities of records and archives material is not an easy task when people have to use limited resources. The Research Objectives of the this study was to find out types of records created, received and maintained by university archives and records management programmes at University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University. Establish the available infrastructure for ARMP at the UFH and RU. Find out the legislative and regulatory frameworks that govern the ARMP at the UFH and RU. Identify challenges if there are any facing ARMP at the UFH and Rhodes University. Interviews and questionnaires were two research instruments used in this study to collect data; additional data was collected by reading relevant documents gathered on both institutions and on their website. In this study, the sample was 26 respondents from both universities. The study dealt with administrative staff who deal with records management: Records managers/Officers and Archivists at both institutions. viii Data collected was coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the findings were presented using pie chart , graphs. The triangulation approaches involves using more than one method to collect data and it is a way of assuring the validity of research with variety of methods to collect data. Findings revealed that respondents were unaware of ARMP in the university. And also some of the findings were the infrastructural needs such as the Lack of records storage, space, Records Preservation facilities (RH, Light), Personnel Training and Development. The challenges facing ARMP in universities includes: a lack of programmes to manage records and archives material, absence of policy that regulates archives and records keeping in the universities understudy, the existing infrastructure at hand cannot meet the requirements for regulatory framework on records and archives management. Based on these challenges mentioned above, the study recommended that both institutions should improve their infrastructure as to be able to preserve the archival material. Training and retraining of staff among others should include use of technology, filing, records creation, maintenance and disposition
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Somniso, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Records -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Library and information science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18280 , vital:42248
- Description: The study investigates the Archives and Records Management Programmes (ARMP) in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Rhodes University (RU). The task of managing huge quantities of records and archives material is not an easy task when people have to use limited resources. The Research Objectives of the this study was to find out types of records created, received and maintained by university archives and records management programmes at University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University. Establish the available infrastructure for ARMP at the UFH and RU. Find out the legislative and regulatory frameworks that govern the ARMP at the UFH and RU. Identify challenges if there are any facing ARMP at the UFH and Rhodes University. Interviews and questionnaires were two research instruments used in this study to collect data; additional data was collected by reading relevant documents gathered on both institutions and on their website. In this study, the sample was 26 respondents from both universities. The study dealt with administrative staff who deal with records management: Records managers/Officers and Archivists at both institutions. viii Data collected was coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the findings were presented using pie chart , graphs. The triangulation approaches involves using more than one method to collect data and it is a way of assuring the validity of research with variety of methods to collect data. Findings revealed that respondents were unaware of ARMP in the university. And also some of the findings were the infrastructural needs such as the Lack of records storage, space, Records Preservation facilities (RH, Light), Personnel Training and Development. The challenges facing ARMP in universities includes: a lack of programmes to manage records and archives material, absence of policy that regulates archives and records keeping in the universities understudy, the existing infrastructure at hand cannot meet the requirements for regulatory framework on records and archives management. Based on these challenges mentioned above, the study recommended that both institutions should improve their infrastructure as to be able to preserve the archival material. Training and retraining of staff among others should include use of technology, filing, records creation, maintenance and disposition
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relative efficacy of liberation theology and critical solidarity in keeping the SACC to its goals of human welfare and Ecumenical unity in its relationship with the South African state
- Authors: Pongolo, Mziwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Black theology Liberation theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18269 , vital:42247
- Description: The problem that this study is grappling with is that since the SACC has followed the Critical Solidarity model it is less successful in meeting its goals, to support human welfare and ecumenical solidarity in South Africa. The research will compare the two respective models of relations between SACC and State, that which guided the SACC after the demise of Apartheid that which guided it. First, the research will investigate why the present relationship of Critical Solidarity has proven less effective in achieving its goals. Secondly it will investigate factors accounting for the relative success of the model of relations between SACC and the South African State during the struggle against apartheid, that of Liberation Theology. Secondly, this study will recommend the reconstruction of a more effective model of Critical Solidarity, to remedy present weaknesses, by incorporating factors from the apartheid-era model of Liberation Theology that which serve the goals of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare. The research seeks to address the following questions. What challenges, for the goals of the SACC, of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare, have arisen for the SACC that may be attributed to its adoption of a model of Critical Solidarity in its relationship with the State? What factors conducive to ecumenical solidarity and human welfare are absent from the present model of Critical Solidarity, though they present the preceding model of relations between Church and State as adopted adopted by the SACC during the struggle against apartheid, modeled on Liberation Theology? How might these factors conducive to Church unity and social justice in South Africa be reintroduced in the present model of Critical Solidarity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Pongolo, Mziwamadoda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Black theology Liberation theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18269 , vital:42247
- Description: The problem that this study is grappling with is that since the SACC has followed the Critical Solidarity model it is less successful in meeting its goals, to support human welfare and ecumenical solidarity in South Africa. The research will compare the two respective models of relations between SACC and State, that which guided the SACC after the demise of Apartheid that which guided it. First, the research will investigate why the present relationship of Critical Solidarity has proven less effective in achieving its goals. Secondly it will investigate factors accounting for the relative success of the model of relations between SACC and the South African State during the struggle against apartheid, that of Liberation Theology. Secondly, this study will recommend the reconstruction of a more effective model of Critical Solidarity, to remedy present weaknesses, by incorporating factors from the apartheid-era model of Liberation Theology that which serve the goals of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare. The research seeks to address the following questions. What challenges, for the goals of the SACC, of ecumenical solidarity and human welfare, have arisen for the SACC that may be attributed to its adoption of a model of Critical Solidarity in its relationship with the State? What factors conducive to ecumenical solidarity and human welfare are absent from the present model of Critical Solidarity, though they present the preceding model of relations between Church and State as adopted adopted by the SACC during the struggle against apartheid, modeled on Liberation Theology? How might these factors conducive to Church unity and social justice in South Africa be reintroduced in the present model of Critical Solidarity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The role of migrants in the Pan Africanist struggle for liberation from 1962 to 1963 : the case of Cofimvaba
- Authors: Mwanda, Sindiswa Christina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- History -- 1962-1963 South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1962-1963
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , History
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9883 , vital:35107
- Description: The perspective of South African liberation history needs to be balanced by recalling events that might otherwise be overshadowed by the subsequent electoral dominance of the African National Congress since 1994. This study is concerned with one such: the Cofimvaba struggles of 1962-3 which was organised by Cofimvaba migrants under the ideology of the Pan Africanist Congress. Whereas previous historians have based their accounts mainly on trial records, this thesis strives to recover the migrants’ own perspective through intensive and detailed interviews with the surviving veterans. It aims to provide an accurate historical account of the role played by migrant labourers, thereby correcting the historical distortions arising from overreliance on official sources to record the memories and perceptions of the struggle veterans, as exemplified by transcripts of interviews with and thereby provide some balance to the overall perspective of South African liberation history. The thesis opens with a description of the situation on the ground in Cofimvaba and Western Thembuland which gave rise to resistance. It continues with a discussion of the Pan-African Congress, especially in the Western Cape, the labour centre where most Cofimvaba migrants were concentrated. It proceeds to a detailed narrative of the events in Cofimvaba, more especially the battle of Ntlonze. The final chapter concludes with a critical reassessment of previous historical work, showing that the role of the migrants and the non-elite require greater appreciation and respect.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mwanda, Sindiswa Christina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- History -- 1962-1963 South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1962-1963
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , History
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9883 , vital:35107
- Description: The perspective of South African liberation history needs to be balanced by recalling events that might otherwise be overshadowed by the subsequent electoral dominance of the African National Congress since 1994. This study is concerned with one such: the Cofimvaba struggles of 1962-3 which was organised by Cofimvaba migrants under the ideology of the Pan Africanist Congress. Whereas previous historians have based their accounts mainly on trial records, this thesis strives to recover the migrants’ own perspective through intensive and detailed interviews with the surviving veterans. It aims to provide an accurate historical account of the role played by migrant labourers, thereby correcting the historical distortions arising from overreliance on official sources to record the memories and perceptions of the struggle veterans, as exemplified by transcripts of interviews with and thereby provide some balance to the overall perspective of South African liberation history. The thesis opens with a description of the situation on the ground in Cofimvaba and Western Thembuland which gave rise to resistance. It continues with a discussion of the Pan-African Congress, especially in the Western Cape, the labour centre where most Cofimvaba migrants were concentrated. It proceeds to a detailed narrative of the events in Cofimvaba, more especially the battle of Ntlonze. The final chapter concludes with a critical reassessment of previous historical work, showing that the role of the migrants and the non-elite require greater appreciation and respect.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sustainability challenges of community newspapers: The case study of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper
- Authors: Ndarane, Luvuyo Gladstone
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Community newspapers , Journalism, Regional
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23754 , vital:60485
- Description: Community newspapers are an important source of information and play a vital role in the development of communities. They are, therefore, an important stakeholder in community development. IDike-Lethu community newspaper`s presence in the community of Alice and in the areas where it is distributed is facilitating communication and development in these areas. Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality is benefiting in the presence of iDike-Lethu because this newspaper is the conduit through which communication to its citizens is submitted. This study assessed the challenges iDike- Lethu is having that impact on its maximum contribution in this society. Participants in this study are residents of Alice and are readers of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper. This study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Major findings that impede smooth operations in this newspaper were discovered. These include inadequate funding, lack of technical backing and lack of community support. The study findings show that with all the challenges iDike-Lethu is having it continues to play a meaningful role by disseminating information, promoting local culture, equipping communities with skills and providing a platform on which these communities including local businesses send information across. Recommendations include the need for this newspaper to find a commercial, profitable and sustainable financial model which will support and reinforce its operations. This study will contribute in further research of methods to link communities and community newspapers to work harmoniously. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
Sustainability challenges of community newspapers: The case study of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper
- Authors: Ndarane, Luvuyo Gladstone
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Community newspapers , Journalism, Regional
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23754 , vital:60485
- Description: Community newspapers are an important source of information and play a vital role in the development of communities. They are, therefore, an important stakeholder in community development. IDike-Lethu community newspaper`s presence in the community of Alice and in the areas where it is distributed is facilitating communication and development in these areas. Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality is benefiting in the presence of iDike-Lethu because this newspaper is the conduit through which communication to its citizens is submitted. This study assessed the challenges iDike- Lethu is having that impact on its maximum contribution in this society. Participants in this study are residents of Alice and are readers of iDike-Lethu Community Newspaper. This study adopted a mixed method design in which questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data. Data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Major findings that impede smooth operations in this newspaper were discovered. These include inadequate funding, lack of technical backing and lack of community support. The study findings show that with all the challenges iDike-Lethu is having it continues to play a meaningful role by disseminating information, promoting local culture, equipping communities with skills and providing a platform on which these communities including local businesses send information across. Recommendations include the need for this newspaper to find a commercial, profitable and sustainable financial model which will support and reinforce its operations. This study will contribute in further research of methods to link communities and community newspapers to work harmoniously. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
Local web news as tools for framing food security: the content analysis of four selected Eastern Cape web newspapers
- Metula , Nolukhanyo Theorida
- Authors: Metula , Nolukhanyo Theorida
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food security World Wide Web
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17484 , vital:41080
- Description: This study evaluates how the Eastern Cape local web newspapers frame food security in the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative content analysis by means of textual analysis was used to evaluate the selected local web newspaper’s content on food security related stories within the period of July-December 2017. The sample was drawn from four Eastern Cape local web newspapers- Daily Dispatch Live, Herald Live, Go and Express and The Talk of the Town. The analysis sought to determine how the selected local web newspapers frame food security concerning food availability, accessibility and affordability in the Eastern Cape Province. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain the issues about food security that are raised by the Eastern Cape local web newspapers and, to establish the extent to which these Eastern Cape local web newspapers’ framing is helpful in ensuring participation, empowerment and community mobilization for food securing purposes. The results of this study indicate that the local web newspapers frame Eastern Cape Province as untapped food basket. The framing suggests that the Province can leverage its agricultural resources for job creation which will ensure economic growth and food security. The local web newspapers framing suggests that there are numerous channels such as natural food production, livestock production, smallholder farming that can enhance availability and access to affordable food to people in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings revealed that local web newspapers frame increased agricultural production as an important issue that demand serious and urgent attention of the Provincial government as it has the potential of not only ensuring food security but also impacting positively on the income of local farmers. The local web newspapers frame farm attacks, land redistribution and reinstatement as important factors that hinder food production and, ultimately, food security in the Eastern Cape v Province. Furthermore, this study discovered that the frame of references used by the local web newspapers, especially the emphasis on local farming, land redistribution and private sector help to empower and mobilize individuals and communities to participate in food security initiatives. This study concludes that Eastern Cape Local Web Newspapers can be veritable tools to enhance food security channels in the Eastern Cape Province
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Metula , Nolukhanyo Theorida
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food security World Wide Web
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17484 , vital:41080
- Description: This study evaluates how the Eastern Cape local web newspapers frame food security in the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative content analysis by means of textual analysis was used to evaluate the selected local web newspaper’s content on food security related stories within the period of July-December 2017. The sample was drawn from four Eastern Cape local web newspapers- Daily Dispatch Live, Herald Live, Go and Express and The Talk of the Town. The analysis sought to determine how the selected local web newspapers frame food security concerning food availability, accessibility and affordability in the Eastern Cape Province. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain the issues about food security that are raised by the Eastern Cape local web newspapers and, to establish the extent to which these Eastern Cape local web newspapers’ framing is helpful in ensuring participation, empowerment and community mobilization for food securing purposes. The results of this study indicate that the local web newspapers frame Eastern Cape Province as untapped food basket. The framing suggests that the Province can leverage its agricultural resources for job creation which will ensure economic growth and food security. The local web newspapers framing suggests that there are numerous channels such as natural food production, livestock production, smallholder farming that can enhance availability and access to affordable food to people in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings revealed that local web newspapers frame increased agricultural production as an important issue that demand serious and urgent attention of the Provincial government as it has the potential of not only ensuring food security but also impacting positively on the income of local farmers. The local web newspapers frame farm attacks, land redistribution and reinstatement as important factors that hinder food production and, ultimately, food security in the Eastern Cape v Province. Furthermore, this study discovered that the frame of references used by the local web newspapers, especially the emphasis on local farming, land redistribution and private sector help to empower and mobilize individuals and communities to participate in food security initiatives. This study concludes that Eastern Cape Local Web Newspapers can be veritable tools to enhance food security channels in the Eastern Cape Province
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Religiosity and sexual risk-taking behaviour among Black female students attending university
- Authors: Yona, Nombeko
- Date: 2009-02
- Subjects: College students -- Sexual behavior , Women college students , Risk-taking (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25129 , vital:63980
- Description: The degree to which religious identity acts as a protective buffer against sexual risk - taking in late adolescence and young adults was investigated among 100 Black female university students. Allport and Ross’ Religious Orientation Scale was used to examine the relationship among religiosity, sexual activity and condom use. The results indicated that greater intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity were associated with less sexual activity and condom use. Religious identification therefore protected respondents from sexual risk- taking but sexually active students with high levels of intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity were less likely to use condoms. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2009
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009-02
- Authors: Yona, Nombeko
- Date: 2009-02
- Subjects: College students -- Sexual behavior , Women college students , Risk-taking (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25129 , vital:63980
- Description: The degree to which religious identity acts as a protective buffer against sexual risk - taking in late adolescence and young adults was investigated among 100 Black female university students. Allport and Ross’ Religious Orientation Scale was used to examine the relationship among religiosity, sexual activity and condom use. The results indicated that greater intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity were associated with less sexual activity and condom use. Religious identification therefore protected respondents from sexual risk- taking but sexually active students with high levels of intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity were less likely to use condoms. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2009
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009-02
Investigating the psychological well-being of female students who gave birth during cohabitation
- Authors: Mashabela, Emanuel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unmarried couples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18175 , vital:42239
- Description: This study investigated the psycho-social well-being of female students aged 18 to 27 who gave birth during cohabitation at one of South African university (University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus). It also investigated the challenges those female students face when they try to balance academics with motherhood. The study is underpinned by Ryff (1989) psychological well-being that suggested that psychological well-being is attained by achieving a state of balance affected by both challenging and rewarding life events. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants of the study and in-depth interview was used to generate data. Thematic analysis was engaged to analyse data. The study discovered that the psychological well-being of female students who gave birth during cohabitation is impaired in way that they experienced impaired environmental mastering, impaired good relationship with others, impaired self-acceptance, impaired personal growth however they show resilient. The study found that female students who gave birth during cohabitation are faced with numerous challenges such as discrimination, lack of support, depression in balancing academics with motherhood, lack of attachment with their children including poor academic performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mashabela, Emanuel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unmarried couples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18175 , vital:42239
- Description: This study investigated the psycho-social well-being of female students aged 18 to 27 who gave birth during cohabitation at one of South African university (University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus). It also investigated the challenges those female students face when they try to balance academics with motherhood. The study is underpinned by Ryff (1989) psychological well-being that suggested that psychological well-being is attained by achieving a state of balance affected by both challenging and rewarding life events. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants of the study and in-depth interview was used to generate data. Thematic analysis was engaged to analyse data. The study discovered that the psychological well-being of female students who gave birth during cohabitation is impaired in way that they experienced impaired environmental mastering, impaired good relationship with others, impaired self-acceptance, impaired personal growth however they show resilient. The study found that female students who gave birth during cohabitation are faced with numerous challenges such as discrimination, lack of support, depression in balancing academics with motherhood, lack of attachment with their children including poor academic performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Factors Affecting Archives and Records Management in The City of Johannesburg Municipality
- Authors: Vula, Malusi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Records -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Library and Information Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18314 , vital:42251
- Description: This study sought to evaluate the factors that affect the development of archives in the City of Johannesburg Municipality. The use of old records management strategies is posing serious challenges in most African countries and it is affecting the development of archives and records. Literature shows that most municipalities in Southern African countries have not adapted advance records management strategies like Integrated records management and Cloud systems for the realization of benefits of effectiveness and efficiency in records management. The history of Johannesburg municipality and the significance of records management in terms of leveraging effective service delivery raised critical concerns over the development of archives and records management. Proper management of records is the foundation of any government needs to provide services, to fulfil its obligation of accountability towards its citizens and protect their rights. According to the continuum model, the archivists and records managers need to be involved together with information systems designers in the creation of records keeping systems. The records continuum model emphasizes advanced records management strategies and systems in order to ensure the systematic preservation, retrieval and disposal of records. As the records management systems shift from the narrow physical records management as well as imaging into the broader electronic records world there is need for the municipality to embrace more advanced records management strategies like Outsource/Cloud service and integrated records management systems. In order to get a deeper understanding of the factors that affect the development of archives and records management; this study combined both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The census method was used to select all the 80 members of the records management department in the metropolitan municipality. An in-depth interview schedule was conducted with 4 records managers in order to collect qualitative data. Questionnaires were distributed to 76 personnel in the records management department. Without an operational and effective policy in the department of records, there is no vanguard against unlawful records and archives access and corruption, which is affecting archives development and records management in the long run. The study established although email backups and archiving of files are important strategies, more effective and modern strategies like Integrated Records Management system across the entire organization and the cloud system have not been put in place. This is attributed to the lack of funding and IT expertise. The study concluded that that although training and skills development programs are being ii implemented, skills transfer is not fully taking place due to lack of; equipment, time, managerial support and post-training interventions as well monitoring and evaluation systems. The study recommends an integrated records management system, operationalization of the records management system, effective skills transfer programs, the competency-based model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Vula, Malusi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Records -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Library and Information Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18314 , vital:42251
- Description: This study sought to evaluate the factors that affect the development of archives in the City of Johannesburg Municipality. The use of old records management strategies is posing serious challenges in most African countries and it is affecting the development of archives and records. Literature shows that most municipalities in Southern African countries have not adapted advance records management strategies like Integrated records management and Cloud systems for the realization of benefits of effectiveness and efficiency in records management. The history of Johannesburg municipality and the significance of records management in terms of leveraging effective service delivery raised critical concerns over the development of archives and records management. Proper management of records is the foundation of any government needs to provide services, to fulfil its obligation of accountability towards its citizens and protect their rights. According to the continuum model, the archivists and records managers need to be involved together with information systems designers in the creation of records keeping systems. The records continuum model emphasizes advanced records management strategies and systems in order to ensure the systematic preservation, retrieval and disposal of records. As the records management systems shift from the narrow physical records management as well as imaging into the broader electronic records world there is need for the municipality to embrace more advanced records management strategies like Outsource/Cloud service and integrated records management systems. In order to get a deeper understanding of the factors that affect the development of archives and records management; this study combined both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The census method was used to select all the 80 members of the records management department in the metropolitan municipality. An in-depth interview schedule was conducted with 4 records managers in order to collect qualitative data. Questionnaires were distributed to 76 personnel in the records management department. Without an operational and effective policy in the department of records, there is no vanguard against unlawful records and archives access and corruption, which is affecting archives development and records management in the long run. The study established although email backups and archiving of files are important strategies, more effective and modern strategies like Integrated Records Management system across the entire organization and the cloud system have not been put in place. This is attributed to the lack of funding and IT expertise. The study concluded that that although training and skills development programs are being ii implemented, skills transfer is not fully taking place due to lack of; equipment, time, managerial support and post-training interventions as well monitoring and evaluation systems. The study recommends an integrated records management system, operationalization of the records management system, effective skills transfer programs, the competency-based model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Participatory development communication and the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Lesotho : a case of Lifajaneng
- Authors: Ntobo-Letsie, Hlompho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Communication in economic development Communication in rural development Economic assistance, Domestic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10244 , vital:35384
- Description: This study aimed at assessing the impact of communication on the sustainability of poverty alleviation programmes established for selected beneficiaries in the rural community of Lifajaneng. This is conducted with the purpose of understanding how the Mafeteng community engages in the poverty alleviation projects carried out within their area of residence, so as to encourage more commitment in participation. The conceptual framework for this study is the empowerment approach and the study is informed by two theories; the participatory communication theory and the diffusion of innovation theory. The study employed the mixed method approach to gather and analyze the data; that is using questionnaires, focus group discussions and face to face interviews to solicit for information from project participants and project managers. The quantitative data was presented and analyzed through charts and graphs buttressed with themes that emerged in the qualitative data. The study revealed that the sustainability of the poverty alleviation projects remains questionable due to a number of challenges. The results reflect that communities are more comfortable when the mother language (Sesotho) is used predominantly as the medium of communication. The results also reflected that meetings had a higher attendance rate if called for by local leaders through word of mouth followed by communications done telephonically. Mainstream media such as radio and newspapers were the least effective when mobilizing the communities for meetings related to the poverty alleviation projects in the poor community. The study also unfolded the following issues; lack of full participation and commitment of the beneficiaries, inadequate funding to allow sufficient training of the beneficiaries. This is because the funds had some strings attached and the beneficiaries had their own expectations of the funds, therefore the objectives and the limits of the funder did not match the objectives and the limitations of the beneficiaries. Hence, the end results are lack of motivation for the beneficiaries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntobo-Letsie, Hlompho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Communication in economic development Communication in rural development Economic assistance, Domestic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10244 , vital:35384
- Description: This study aimed at assessing the impact of communication on the sustainability of poverty alleviation programmes established for selected beneficiaries in the rural community of Lifajaneng. This is conducted with the purpose of understanding how the Mafeteng community engages in the poverty alleviation projects carried out within their area of residence, so as to encourage more commitment in participation. The conceptual framework for this study is the empowerment approach and the study is informed by two theories; the participatory communication theory and the diffusion of innovation theory. The study employed the mixed method approach to gather and analyze the data; that is using questionnaires, focus group discussions and face to face interviews to solicit for information from project participants and project managers. The quantitative data was presented and analyzed through charts and graphs buttressed with themes that emerged in the qualitative data. The study revealed that the sustainability of the poverty alleviation projects remains questionable due to a number of challenges. The results reflect that communities are more comfortable when the mother language (Sesotho) is used predominantly as the medium of communication. The results also reflected that meetings had a higher attendance rate if called for by local leaders through word of mouth followed by communications done telephonically. Mainstream media such as radio and newspapers were the least effective when mobilizing the communities for meetings related to the poverty alleviation projects in the poor community. The study also unfolded the following issues; lack of full participation and commitment of the beneficiaries, inadequate funding to allow sufficient training of the beneficiaries. This is because the funds had some strings attached and the beneficiaries had their own expectations of the funds, therefore the objectives and the limits of the funder did not match the objectives and the limitations of the beneficiaries. Hence, the end results are lack of motivation for the beneficiaries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Consumerism, authenticity and African communalism
- Smook, E https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4226-6029
- Authors: Smook, E https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4226-6029
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Consumption (Economics) , Authenticity (Philosophy) , Philosophy, African
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23958 , vital:62022
- Description: Let me state, from the outset, that the issues raised below may be considered from various vantage points – Capitalism, Marxism, etc. However, this thesis is an endeavour to account for the loss of authenticity due to the most salient features of the consumer paradigm, which is the manufactured object, the production line and the proliferation of said objects. True relationships, or shall we say authentic dialogue, is based upon a difference of viewpoints – or epistemic distance – between the interlocutors. This difference of opinion, it may be argued, allows for a cognitive jostling between the subjects involved and represents, as it were, the reciprocal back and forth movement of ideas that betokens actively engaged dialogue. Crucial, then, to true, and by extension authentic, relationships is an epistemic distance steeped in variegated, heterogeneous points of view. For it is in sharing the differences in our points of view or interpretations of the world that we may start a dialogue far removed from each other and then sustain said dialogue in an attempt to reconcile our differences. The continuation of the dialogue, then, depends upon difference. Without the latter difference, the conditions of true dialogue, which is also a marker of authentic relationships, the need for sustained debate is forfeited and the dialogue ceases to serve a purpose – for the subjects involved in the intellectual jostling and exchange of ideas may already anticipate the thoughts of the other. In so anticipating the thoughts of the other, what is brought to the fore is not the ideas of the other, and by extension the other’s existence distinct from mine, but rather my own existence and thoughts. Were I and the other to share a constellation of beliefs, I am left with only that which I already believe in and so only with my own thoughts. The other’s differing opinion is crucial to their appearing to me as an element discreet and distinct from me. For if the other’s being is in essence of the same ilk as mine – and with that I mean if the other’s points of view and adopted systems of praxis mirror mine – we are like trees in a forest. The existence of collective nouns attests to this latter remark; we are prone to see the forest, not the similar trees that constitute it. Now the question arises as to the constitution of the self; what is it that makes up the character and nature of a person and how, if at all, may subjects be said to differ epistemically? According to Sartre, the ego is a transcendent object for consciousness, meaning that it exists out there in the world just like other objects. This is the case because consciousness is essentially empty. Recall Sartre’s famous claim that existence precedes essence, which in turn means that consciousness, or the ego, is filled up inchmeal with contents outside itself. In other words, that with which we are engaged constitutes the contents of consciousness. Repeated exposure to certain objects, or phenomena, brings about the cultivation of states and qualities – these, as it were, constituting the ego in the end. Moreover, these states and qualities, as arisen from repeated exposure to like phenomena, will instil in the subject a certain proclivity for a certain manner of action under specific conditions. As such, having been presented with something disagreeable many times over, a state of repulsion might gain a foothold in my ego regarding the phenomenon in question. This in turn will dictate how I act in the presence of said phenomenon or any other phenomena that include, adumbrationally, some of the qualities of the original phenomenon. As such, then, my actions are reflections of the states that I experience in the presence of certain objects or phenomena and, it may be argued, reflexively represent the world around me as that which constitutes my ego. The facticity of the world, then, has a great bearing upon the manner in which I perceive and engage the world. However, claims Sartre, facticity is but one side of the coin. The world and its meaning are constituted by what Sartre calls brute meaning. This refers to the fact that meaning is a matter of public opinion and does not precede the phenomenon or object itself – the latter being, in essence, but a bare, pliable, monstrous mass of being-in-itself. Due to this occurrence of meaning being man made, we are in a unique position of freedom. We are, he further claims, capable of transcending these brute meanings, enabling us to avail ourselves of the objects or phenomena in question in a bespoke manner. Freedom to choose how we interact with and interpret the world is thus the ontological ground of choice. We have, on the one side, the world in its undifferentiated state – being-in-itself – and on the other the possibility to give this world a specific meaning in accordance with our intentions – being-for-itself. Freedom to choose, so construed, thus ontologically underlies the very fabric of our existence, hence the claim that we are condemned to be free. Choosing whether to continue along the path set out by our original factual condition or to transcend it and make of it something different altogether is thus not a choice at all, but the obligatory condition of the human condition. Once again, this is the case because consciousness, as per Sartre, is empty to start with and can only be filled with the contents of phenomena or objects in accordance with our intentional engagement of them. However, Sartre continues, this freedom of meaning and the fact that brute existents represent nothing more than the convergence of publicly ascribed meaning awaken in the subject a certain nausea – a nausea born of the fact that we, the people, are at every junction in a position where we have to choose the meaning of life. Determinism, thusly, does not exist and we are not only free to choose the meanings of our own lives, but are responsible for what our lives become. This realisation proves to be too much for most to stomach and leads them along a specific path of choice: over-identification with either their factual realities or with the possibility to transcend the latter. Either way, what they aim to achieve with this overidentification is the suppression of the nauseating reality that reality is nought but what we make it to be and we are thus responsible for what it becomes. Sartre calls this bad faith. Pandering to this proclivity towards bad faith, or alternatively, the propensity for overidentification with either side on the facticity/transcendence dichotomy, we find consumerism. The consumer paradigm delineates happiness as an objective ideal, attainable through the acquisition of specific markers of demonstrable happiness. At the same time, it also provides an answer to the nauseating reality that we, humans, are never fully determined beings, but find ourselves vacillating between our factual constraints and our transcendences thereof. It offers us the crystalised means of becoming this or that individual by way of populating our immediate and personal surroundings with signifiers of happiness. Considering, moreover, that a liberalist conception of human being clearly indicates that individuation of each subject is an important aspect of existence, authenticity in terms of rights emerge as a corollary of said individuation. Each individual, so construed, is given the opportunity, the right, to acquire said markers of happiness and individuation. Obtaining these, it may be argued, allows the individual two things: firstly, to quell the nausea that haunts our dualistic lives by concretising it altogether and so doing highlighting the factual side of things; and secondly, to become discreet and individuated subjects, authentic in their beings. However, the authenticity so begotten provides nought but a thin veneer of idiosyncrasy, as the markers of said authenticity are publicly available and so the same for everyone. The problem, thus, of self-individuation is resolved by providing the subject the means of over-identification with their factual realities whilst convincing them, the consumers, that the objects on offer will afford them a degree of happiness and set them apart from their fellow subjects. The unfortunate upshot of this is that subjects all avail themselves of the same set of objects in an attempt to quell the nausea that besets the individual plunged into an undifferentiated existence. We are here at the heart of the matter. Due to the proliferation of like objects throughout the life-world, a specific system of praxis is implied. So as to navigate the life-world and utilise the similar objects that populate it, consumers are driven towards shared ideologies and courses of action. Moreover, their intentions also converge, as they all seek to establish a web of objects around them that would bespeak their individuation and happiness. Where the life-world has become such a homogeneous landscape, it may be argued, in line with Sartrean thought, that the contents of consciousness would also be similar for all. And where the contents of consciousness is similar for all, we may argue that reasoning would be similar for all. It is at this point that dialogue breaks down, for there is nothing epistemically to separate interlocutors and therefore no differences of opinion to sustain true dialogue. If, as it was reasoned some pages prior, it is the case that sustained dialogue provides the predicate upon which authentic relationships are to be based, the collapse of this epistemic distance between consumers must then also lead to a collapse of authentic relationships. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
- Authors: Smook, E https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4226-6029
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Consumption (Economics) , Authenticity (Philosophy) , Philosophy, African
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23958 , vital:62022
- Description: Let me state, from the outset, that the issues raised below may be considered from various vantage points – Capitalism, Marxism, etc. However, this thesis is an endeavour to account for the loss of authenticity due to the most salient features of the consumer paradigm, which is the manufactured object, the production line and the proliferation of said objects. True relationships, or shall we say authentic dialogue, is based upon a difference of viewpoints – or epistemic distance – between the interlocutors. This difference of opinion, it may be argued, allows for a cognitive jostling between the subjects involved and represents, as it were, the reciprocal back and forth movement of ideas that betokens actively engaged dialogue. Crucial, then, to true, and by extension authentic, relationships is an epistemic distance steeped in variegated, heterogeneous points of view. For it is in sharing the differences in our points of view or interpretations of the world that we may start a dialogue far removed from each other and then sustain said dialogue in an attempt to reconcile our differences. The continuation of the dialogue, then, depends upon difference. Without the latter difference, the conditions of true dialogue, which is also a marker of authentic relationships, the need for sustained debate is forfeited and the dialogue ceases to serve a purpose – for the subjects involved in the intellectual jostling and exchange of ideas may already anticipate the thoughts of the other. In so anticipating the thoughts of the other, what is brought to the fore is not the ideas of the other, and by extension the other’s existence distinct from mine, but rather my own existence and thoughts. Were I and the other to share a constellation of beliefs, I am left with only that which I already believe in and so only with my own thoughts. The other’s differing opinion is crucial to their appearing to me as an element discreet and distinct from me. For if the other’s being is in essence of the same ilk as mine – and with that I mean if the other’s points of view and adopted systems of praxis mirror mine – we are like trees in a forest. The existence of collective nouns attests to this latter remark; we are prone to see the forest, not the similar trees that constitute it. Now the question arises as to the constitution of the self; what is it that makes up the character and nature of a person and how, if at all, may subjects be said to differ epistemically? According to Sartre, the ego is a transcendent object for consciousness, meaning that it exists out there in the world just like other objects. This is the case because consciousness is essentially empty. Recall Sartre’s famous claim that existence precedes essence, which in turn means that consciousness, or the ego, is filled up inchmeal with contents outside itself. In other words, that with which we are engaged constitutes the contents of consciousness. Repeated exposure to certain objects, or phenomena, brings about the cultivation of states and qualities – these, as it were, constituting the ego in the end. Moreover, these states and qualities, as arisen from repeated exposure to like phenomena, will instil in the subject a certain proclivity for a certain manner of action under specific conditions. As such, having been presented with something disagreeable many times over, a state of repulsion might gain a foothold in my ego regarding the phenomenon in question. This in turn will dictate how I act in the presence of said phenomenon or any other phenomena that include, adumbrationally, some of the qualities of the original phenomenon. As such, then, my actions are reflections of the states that I experience in the presence of certain objects or phenomena and, it may be argued, reflexively represent the world around me as that which constitutes my ego. The facticity of the world, then, has a great bearing upon the manner in which I perceive and engage the world. However, claims Sartre, facticity is but one side of the coin. The world and its meaning are constituted by what Sartre calls brute meaning. This refers to the fact that meaning is a matter of public opinion and does not precede the phenomenon or object itself – the latter being, in essence, but a bare, pliable, monstrous mass of being-in-itself. Due to this occurrence of meaning being man made, we are in a unique position of freedom. We are, he further claims, capable of transcending these brute meanings, enabling us to avail ourselves of the objects or phenomena in question in a bespoke manner. Freedom to choose how we interact with and interpret the world is thus the ontological ground of choice. We have, on the one side, the world in its undifferentiated state – being-in-itself – and on the other the possibility to give this world a specific meaning in accordance with our intentions – being-for-itself. Freedom to choose, so construed, thus ontologically underlies the very fabric of our existence, hence the claim that we are condemned to be free. Choosing whether to continue along the path set out by our original factual condition or to transcend it and make of it something different altogether is thus not a choice at all, but the obligatory condition of the human condition. Once again, this is the case because consciousness, as per Sartre, is empty to start with and can only be filled with the contents of phenomena or objects in accordance with our intentional engagement of them. However, Sartre continues, this freedom of meaning and the fact that brute existents represent nothing more than the convergence of publicly ascribed meaning awaken in the subject a certain nausea – a nausea born of the fact that we, the people, are at every junction in a position where we have to choose the meaning of life. Determinism, thusly, does not exist and we are not only free to choose the meanings of our own lives, but are responsible for what our lives become. This realisation proves to be too much for most to stomach and leads them along a specific path of choice: over-identification with either their factual realities or with the possibility to transcend the latter. Either way, what they aim to achieve with this overidentification is the suppression of the nauseating reality that reality is nought but what we make it to be and we are thus responsible for what it becomes. Sartre calls this bad faith. Pandering to this proclivity towards bad faith, or alternatively, the propensity for overidentification with either side on the facticity/transcendence dichotomy, we find consumerism. The consumer paradigm delineates happiness as an objective ideal, attainable through the acquisition of specific markers of demonstrable happiness. At the same time, it also provides an answer to the nauseating reality that we, humans, are never fully determined beings, but find ourselves vacillating between our factual constraints and our transcendences thereof. It offers us the crystalised means of becoming this or that individual by way of populating our immediate and personal surroundings with signifiers of happiness. Considering, moreover, that a liberalist conception of human being clearly indicates that individuation of each subject is an important aspect of existence, authenticity in terms of rights emerge as a corollary of said individuation. Each individual, so construed, is given the opportunity, the right, to acquire said markers of happiness and individuation. Obtaining these, it may be argued, allows the individual two things: firstly, to quell the nausea that haunts our dualistic lives by concretising it altogether and so doing highlighting the factual side of things; and secondly, to become discreet and individuated subjects, authentic in their beings. However, the authenticity so begotten provides nought but a thin veneer of idiosyncrasy, as the markers of said authenticity are publicly available and so the same for everyone. The problem, thus, of self-individuation is resolved by providing the subject the means of over-identification with their factual realities whilst convincing them, the consumers, that the objects on offer will afford them a degree of happiness and set them apart from their fellow subjects. The unfortunate upshot of this is that subjects all avail themselves of the same set of objects in an attempt to quell the nausea that besets the individual plunged into an undifferentiated existence. We are here at the heart of the matter. Due to the proliferation of like objects throughout the life-world, a specific system of praxis is implied. So as to navigate the life-world and utilise the similar objects that populate it, consumers are driven towards shared ideologies and courses of action. Moreover, their intentions also converge, as they all seek to establish a web of objects around them that would bespeak their individuation and happiness. Where the life-world has become such a homogeneous landscape, it may be argued, in line with Sartrean thought, that the contents of consciousness would also be similar for all. And where the contents of consciousness is similar for all, we may argue that reasoning would be similar for all. It is at this point that dialogue breaks down, for there is nothing epistemically to separate interlocutors and therefore no differences of opinion to sustain true dialogue. If, as it was reasoned some pages prior, it is the case that sustained dialogue provides the predicate upon which authentic relationships are to be based, the collapse of this epistemic distance between consumers must then also lead to a collapse of authentic relationships. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09