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A case study of gendered differences in land ownership in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2021-09-22) Mubecua, Mandla Abednico
South Africa has a dual land property rights system in which land can be distributed and owned under statutory or customary communal laws. The study aimed to understand gendered differences in land ownership in the Nkomazi Local Municipality in the context of such customary and statutory laws. It focused on how such gendered differences affect women and female farmers in the same community noting that globally, women were often oppressed by patriarchal and cultural systems. The study, therefore, relied on the legal pluralism theory which asserts that modern societies are not only governed under the power of the state but under pluralistic forces that hold different levels of acceptability to the people governed. It also relooked the feminist political ecology, a theory that relates gender to the access and ownership of natural resources including land. The study adopted a phenomenological research design guided by a critical theory paradigm that aims to empower repressed groups and transform societies. It took a qualitative research approach where data was collected from a sample of 37 participants who included male and female farmers, female residents who were not into farming, municipal and government officials and traditional leaders using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Collected data were analysed using thematic analysis on the Atlas.ti.8 software. The analysis generated seven themes leading to the conclusion that gendered land ownership differences are a reality in the Nkomazi Local Municipality. They manifest through differences in ease of land ownership between men and women, differences in land sizes, the security of tenure and access to training and support. Gendered land ownership differences result in gendered poverty and worsen the economic plight of women who rely more on the land than men. The study concludes that patriarchal traditional systems as institutionalised in customary law systems are the main force behind unequal access to land between men and women. While statutory laws and a gender-sensitive constitution have been crafted, the excessively overt application of customary law continues to deny women the rights to equality on land issues. The study recommended an implementation framework to resolve gendered land ownership differences and the discrimination of women on land issues. It also recommended the use of new land distribution opportunities to address land ownership inequalities, the codification of customary law, the enforcement of gender quotas on traditional councils and supporting women’s land-related activism as some of the possible solutions to the unbalanced land ownership structure in the Nkomazi Local Municipality.
A phenomenological inquiry into the lived experiences of adult male perpetrators of child sexual abuse
(University of Zululand, 2024) Gumede, Ntombizethu Maureen; Thwala, J. D.
The study investigated the phenomenological inquiry into the lived experiences of adult male perpetrators of child sexual abuse. The study indicated that child sexual abuse is a global problem that has significant consequences for public health, that has been a prominent topic for public concern for more than a decade, but many basic facts about the problem remain unclear or in dispute. In this study, the focus was not on the victim but the perpetrator of sexual abuse. Sexual offending is one of the most heinous criminal acts and many theories have tried to explain sex crimes and sex offenders. The researcher aimed at enabling ten adult male sexual offenders to describe explicitly their lived experience of child sexual abuse. A semi-structured interview and audio-tape recording were used in which offenders were asked to describe their feelings before, during the process and after sexually abusing the child. Participants were sentenced and in treatment programmes at Qalakabusha Correctional Supervision Centre at Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal. They were all Zulu speaking Blacks and their ages ranged from 18-73 years. Svensson’s (1986) and Sedala (2001) phenomenological methods were used in analysing data. According to the findings of this study, the main significant elements that drove these criminals to sexually assault children were a conflictual adult heterosexual relationship, sexual issues they were apparently suffering, and the knowledge that other females had more than one sexual partner. Furthermore, the results suggested that perpetrators saw children to be sexually fulfilling, non-judgmental, non-threatening, and welcoming. The ramifications for future research, as well as the study's strengths and weaknesses, were discussed. The results might be utilized to develop methods and techniques of reducing the prevalence of sexual abuse.
A survey of non-Isizulu students’ attitudes towards learning Isizulu as a communicative language at a University in the Gauteng Province, Pretoria.
(2023) Mbatha, Nokuthula Gertrude.
Several students come from different provinces and enrol at a University of Technology (UoT) in Gauteng for the Language Practice programme, because it offers a range of five indigenous African languages as subjects: isiZulu, Sepedi, Setswana, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. Students who are not native speakers of these languages are expected to choose and learn one of them for communicative purposes. Nevertheless, when non-isiZulu students are offered isiZulu as an option to study, they seemed to be hesitant. Hence, this study aimed to discover the reasons for that perceived reluctance, and to determine if the sampled non-isiZulu students have negative attitudes toward learning isiZulu language, the language itself, and its speakers. The survey has sampled a total of 46 participants, only the Language Practice students within the university. A interpretivism paradigm was adopted in order to explore and understand the participants’ views, background and experiences on the current study, since it aimed to understand the human experience in the world and their impact on social reality. Furthermore, the study implemented a mixed research approach (qualitative and quantitative) which used questionnaires and semi structured interviews for data collection. The Attribution and Self Determination theories underpinned this study. The researcher used descriptive statistics to discuss the quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. It was found that non isiZulu language students have positive attitudes and used various approaches when learning isiZulu as an additional language at university level. Respondents and participants indicated that they realised the significance of learning isiZulu as an additional language and that they were of the view that learning isiZulu has many benefits and facilitates the promotion of the isiZulu language in South Africa.
Access and use of clinical informatics among medical doctors in selected teaching hospitals in Nigeria and South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2017) Owolabi, Kehinde Aboyami; Evans, N.; Ocholla, D.N.
This study examined access and use of clinical informatics among medical doctors at University College Hospital, Nigeria and King Edward VIII Hospital, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were to explain the purposes of using clinical informatics; determine the benefits of using clinical informatics in the selected teaching hospitals; ascertain the availability of clinical informatics infrastructure in the selected teaching hospitals; identify the clinical informatics facilities that are accessible to medical doctors in the selected teaching hospitals; determine the factors that influence the behavioural intention to use clinical informatics by medical doctors in the selected teaching hospitals; determine the policies that guide the effective accessibility and utilisation of clinical informatics among medical doctors in the selected teaching hospitals; and investigate the challenges that faced both the access to and the use of clinical informatics among medical doctors in the selected teaching hospitals. The study adopted the post-positivist paradigm which combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study largely used a survey design. The sample for the study was drawn from medical doctors in two purposively selected teaching hospitals in Nigeria and South Africa. The teaching hospitals were King Edward V111 hospital, Durban, South Africa and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The two teaching hospitals were selected because they belong to the first generation of teaching hospitals in Nigeria and South Africa, among other reasons. It was believed that they would be well established in terms of funding towards infrastructure and human development in their respective countries. Convenience sampling was used to select the respondents for the study. The questionnaire was administered to 413 medical doctors, 258 (63%) of whom returned the questionnaire. Interviews were also conducted with the heads of the ICT units at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria, and King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban, South Africa. The quantitative data aspect of the study was analysed using descriptive statistics and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while the qualitative aspect of the data was analysed through the use of qualitative contents analysis. The study was guided by the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The essence of using this theory is to identify the factors that influence the use of clinical informatics. The finding of the study reveals that there was an association between the demographic variables and the use of clinical informatics. It was established that there was a significant association between the medical department and the use of electronic medical records. An assessment of the socio-demographic characteristics and the use of the Clinical Decision Support System revealed that there was a significant association between the years of medical practice and the use of Clinical Decision Support System. The finding also revealed that social demographic variables such as age, years of practice and position were all significant related with the use of diagnostic image archiving. Furthermore, the surveyed medical doctors stated that their main purpose of using clinical informatics is for medical diagnosis. It was also discovered that there is association between the teaching hospitals and the use of clinical informatics for knowledge sharing. In addition, clinical informatics was found to influence the spirit of team work amongst the medical doctors through knowledge sharing with their professional colleagues and their medical students. Similarly, there were association between the teaching hospitals treatment of patients and effective healthcare delivery. In addition, the major benefit of using clinical informatics in the two hospitals was to reduce medical errors. The most available clinical informatics tools in the selected teaching hospitals were the Diagnosis Image Archiving and Clinical Decision Support System. Performance expectancy and effort expectancy were identified as the factors from the UTAUT that influenced the medical doctors’ behavioural intention to use clinical informatics resources in the selected teaching hospitals. The non-availability of clinical informatics resources was identified as the main challenge facing the effective access to and use of clinical informatics. In addition, the two hospitals relied on the ICT policies of other institutions and did not have their own ICT policies, which was problematic. The study concluded that the clinical informatics environments in the two teaching hospitals are inadequate and there is poor access to clinical informatics resources among medical doctors in the selected teaching hospitals. Major recommendations of the study include the need to establish ICT policies and increase investment in clinical informatics resources at the surveyed teaching hospitals in order to promote effective and value-based healthcare delivery. In addition, the hospital management should create awareness on the importance and benefits of clinical informatics particularly for the medical doctors through informal and continuing education and training such as workshops and short courses. Moreover, the hospital managements need to partner with relevant stakeholders such as government, corporate bodies, and departments of health. This is for the provision of adequate and suitable environment to support the access and use of clinical informatics. Further studies on the various types of health informatics such as nursing informatics, pharmacy informatics and veterinary informatics are recommended. It is also suggested that the study should be extended to other regions of Africa. The study is significant and makes tangible contributions to technology acceptance and use in clinical medicine from developing country contexts such as Nigeria and South Africa giving the increasing role of information and communication technology in diagnosis, prescription, treatment, monitoring and overall management of patient care in an environment characterized by complex diseases. The study has the potential to inform policy, practises, and also contribute to this research in the general area of social information in Africa.
The access, interaction, use and impact of information And communication technologies among civil servants In the Umhlathuze area: a social informatics study
(University of Zululand, 2010) Ntetha, Mduduzi Aubrey; Mostert, J.; Le Roux, C.J.B.
Social Informatics is the field of study concentrating on the social aspects of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) utilisation with researchers in the field concentrating on aspects such as human interaction with ICTs, the effect of certain hardware and software on utilisation and the impact that the use of ICTs have on the daily lives of people in society. One of the areas where the use of ICTs can have a huge influence is on governmental service delivery, where these tools can be used to speed up processes, beef up security, provide access to, and disseminate information, and be used in virtually all government departments to provide a more effective and efficient service to all its people. The aim of the study was to examine the use, impact and interaction of ICTs for service delivery among Civil Servants in the uMhlatuze area. The study was carried out using both qualitative and quantitative methods through survey research. The objectives of the study were: to determine the nature of the services rendered in the three targeted Departments (Education, Health and Social Development), to establish the types of ICTs currently in use by Civil Servants in uMhlatuze area, to explore how the Civil Servants interact with ICTs in the municipality, to explore the impact of the Civil Servants` interaction with ICTs, to determine the training needs of the Civil Servants, in so far as effective ICT utilisation is concerned, to determine users level of satisfaction with the standard of service delivery, to outline the challenges faced in the service provision. Data was collected via questionnaires that were submitted to the three departments by the researcher. Interviews were also conducted with both civil servants and their clients. The aim of the interviews was to get their personal opinions on problems facing service provision. The number of responses from the distributed questionnaires varied: Education (21), Health (9) and Social Development (5). Managers from the three departments were interviewed with an aim of understanding types of services they offer to clients, clients satisfaction with service offered to them, the use of computers in providing services, the level of computer literacy among staff (Civil Servants), difficulties experienced when providing services to clients, and the effect of the availability of computers in providing service delivery. The study revealed that not all ICT tools are generally available and/or used by civil servants in the uMhlatuze Municipality It was also found that most new technologies were neither used, nor available, or could not be accessed by civil servants in the departments, e.g. the Internet, laptop computers, databases, video cameras, video recorders, sound/tape recorders, overhead projectors, and information systems. The government also does not appear to make much use of radio and television, which are mediums that are often used in this country for communication. The researcher recommended that the government should ensure that each civil servant has a computer linked to the Internet on his or her table. All available ICT tools should also be provided to the different departments because they deal with different social needs everyday that may require different solutions. A lack of skills to operate a number of ICTs, especially the computers was identified as a serious impediment to effective service delivery. Therefore it was recommended that the Departments of Education, Health and Social Development send their staff for training on the efficient utilization of ICT tools, specifically computer related training. It was further recommended that computer literacy courses and refresher courses be offered on a continual basis in order to elevate the level of computer literacy among the civil servants, especially for programmes such as Word processing, Excel and PowerPoint which are used almost daily in the public service.
African and European narrative conventions in the novels of C.T. Msimang
(2009) Ntombela, Thamsanqa Eugene; Khumalo, Z.L.M.
Like many other nations, around the globe, Zulus are well known for their story telling techniques that is evident in their folktales, praises, riddles, songs and many other art forms of yesteryears. Emanating from such artistry of narrating, the Zulus have also joined forces with the other artists of the modem world in producing narratives of high quality and standard in the light of contemporary prose narratives. Ngcongwane, (1987:36) alludes to this art form as follows: Narrating is an old human activity. All of us do it - just as much as all ofus who are not crippled can walk. Such a statement by Ngcongwane confirms that even Africans are able to narrate stories, be it from a traditional or modem perspective. Sibiya, (2002:1) seems to be concurring with what is said by Ngcongwane when he states that: ... Zulus are renowned for their storytelling abilities that date back to time immemorial. 'Time immemorial' here seems to be confirming exactly what Ngcongwane refers to as 'an old human activity'. This art ofnarration is not only a thing ofthe past, but has been in existence since the ancient era to the present day. The significance of its existence is evidenced in the development and the involvement of the short stories and drama In this chapter we will illustrate the extent of development that has taken place with African writers, specifically the Zulu, being represented by Msimang in his three novels, 'Akuyiwe Emhlahlweni' (1973), 'Buzani KuMkabayi' (1982), and 'Walivuma Icala' (1996).
An African child in South African multi-racial high school : socio- educational perspective in Empangeni Region
(2001) Ngubane, Duduzile Mayvis; Glass, H.G.L.
In this study the researcher looked at the problems which African learners encounter when they are at the White schools. The aim of this study is to provide scientifically grounded information about the situation in which an African child finds himself / herself and existence of racism in White schools. It seeks to ascertain what role South African Human Rights () South African South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to fight racial discrimination in South African multi-racial schools can play. The first aim is to bridge the gap in our substantive knowledge regarding the situation faced by an African child in White schools. The second aim is to ascertain the reasons why some of the white educators declare African child s colour-blind. The third aim is the statistically measure, describe and explain the nature and extent racism as a social phenomenon and its negative impact on an African child's future. The fourth aim is to establish the demographic particulars of the victims an African child of racism with regard to their age, sex and religion. The fifth aim is to render socio-educational concrete recommendations with regard to what could be done to address pervasiveness of racism. A questionnaire was compiled and used as an attitude rating scale and the questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of twenty-four white high school learners from six schools at Empangeni Region. Statistical analysis was conducted to fulfil the aims of the study and to rest the research hypothesis stated. This study revealed that the African learners at white high schools had problems with racism, apartheid at these schools. The African learners move from the African schools to white schools is due to their parents' choice and different perceptions and expectations by African parents are revealed in this study. The recommendations for this study was that educators be taught about aspects of multiculturalism and also anti-racism training to all education stake holders, including district officials, school governing bodies, educators, learners and clustering of schools to encourage sharing of resources between privileged and under-privileged schools. The Minister of Education should intervene in the white schools especially in racially representation of educators, governing bodies.
African culture and its influence on the hymn
(University of Zululand, 1988) Khwela, Princess Phiwakahle.; Nqconqwanc, S.D.
The aim of study is to motivate cultural heritage amongst Africans, to despise the past in their musical ability and be self-!'reliant and original instead of imitating the Western musical systems entirely.
African indigenous methods of health promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention
(2006) Dlamini, Busisiwe Precious; Edwards, S.
HIV/AIDS is the current century's challenge that stares humanity in the eye. The socio-political, economic, spiritual and philosophical dimensions of our society have to face up to this challenge. This brings one to the conclusion that HIV/AIDS is a national disaster and should be dealt with as such. In other words, interventions geared towards combating this epidemic should address all the spheres mentioned above. The main purpose of this study then was to investigate the role of indigenous healers in combating HIV and AIDS. The rationale for looking at the role of indigenous healers was to ensure that their role is highlighted for a joint effort that is necessary for the advocacy, awareness, education, care and medical intervention which is necessary to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis. This challenge goes as far as involving non-medical professionals and stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Focus group interviews and individual interviews were conducted with indigenous healers in the Gauteng and North West provinces. The results were analysed thematically. The results are presented in relation to the questions which were posed. The results reflected that traditional healers have demonstrated that they can make a very important contribution to the treatment of HIV/AIDS. However, they feel that they are not receiving a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in treating HIV and AIDS. They also lack support from the public, from government policy, and from the modem medical fraternity. There have been efforts by the Minister of Health to incorporate traditional healing and traditional medicine as part of a holistic approach to the treatment and containment of HIV. This strengthens holistic health care ensuring the advocacy, awareness, education, care and medical intervention which is necessary to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis. Traditional healers need support and recognition from the public, the government and the modem medical fraternity. It was also evident from the results that the indigenous healers were very willing to co-operate with biomedical practitioners as shown in the statement below. Traditional healers reported that they did not routinely test their patients for HIV as they had no means of doing that. They were legally required to send their patients for testing through modem medical procedures. Most healers also said that they preferred their patients to be checked using modem medicine, and thereafter they would treat them accordingly. This is because they currently relied only on their ancestors to show them when the patient was positive. What is important to note is that these healers said that the disease was not presented to their bones as HIV/AIDS, but that they were only shown the known symptoms of HIV and then were able to deduce that the person was HIV positive.
African male voices: representation of women images in selected isiZulu literary texts; reality or idealism?
(University of Zululand, 2016) Mzoneli-Makhwaza, Irene Nini; Zondi, N.B
In this thesis, the research focused on representation of women images in the selected isiZulu literary texts. From the late 1940’s up to 1994 South Africans struggled under the apartheid regime. During this period of time Black women were doubly oppressed by their patriarchal and traditional cultures as well as by the apartheid system of government. With the change of government in 1994, a new era in the history of South Africa was ushered in. The underlying foundations of the new constitution were democratic values of gender equality, non- racial, non sexist society. It is against this backdrop that the thesis focused on exploring the effects and or impact of perceptions about women within a changing and transforming society in Africa in general and South Africa specifically. The isiZulu texts selected that were analysed are works of transitional period partly because they were published during the time of political and social transformation. Whilst other texts that were analysed were published during the post-independence period. The rational behind this was to give a broader spectrum that reflects the reality; as well as to establish whether the socio- political transformation has had an impact on how male authors represent women in isiZulu literary texts. Literary feminist philosophy was employed to highlight whether their depiction is real or idealized. The study concluded that gender inequality was still prevalent in the depiction of women images in selected isiZulu literary texts authored by males. There was no transformation that had been made by male authors in their portrayal of women characters to reflect the current political and social order
African rural-urban migration in South Africa : Empangeni Richards bay area
(1995) Gcabashe, Lindelihle Nhlakanipho; Vilakazi, H.W.
The study deals with African rural urban migration in Empangeni Richards Bay area, where the concern is on the people already in the towns. The purpose of this investigation is to attempt to come up with some possible remedies to the problem of rural-urban migration in South Africa. Therefore, the aims of the study were the following: To discover the reasons for the movement from rural to urban. To discover to what extent are the migrants integrated to their new environment. To get the perceptions of the migrants about the whole process of rural-urban migration. To find out ways and means to alleviate problems encountered by migrants. The conceptual framework of the study is derived from various theories of migration, and the impact on problems encountered by migrants. The population of the study comprises of the heads of the families. The sample which was drawn from the population was 25 subjects from each area, i.e, Empangeni and Richards Bay. The survey method was used to collect data in this study, and two research instruments were used viz. interviews and questionnaires. Ethical implications: consent from the subj ects was obtained after the purpose of the study had been fully , explained including what would happen to the results, and how would the subjects benefit from the findings of the study. The analysis of data was both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative analysis was done to verify data obtained quantitatively. In the light of the findings of the study the investigator offered several recommendations and suggestions.
Afrikaans in democratic South Africa :a survey of scholary contributions and tendentious reporting regarding the status of Afrikaans and the other official languages of South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2002) Khalawan, Pramesh; Klopper, R.M.
In this study I looked at the issue of the Afrikaans language, which is most often approached from a position of strong vested interest, either in support or against it. This study was intended as an intellectual response to an intensely debated issue. It is a survey of scholarly and tendentious reporting regarding the status of Afrikaans and the other official languages of South Africa. As we move into the 21st century the .Afrikaans language has once more moved into a position of status, not for ideological purposes but for practical communication. Previously it was associated with the struggle for survival, and with an image of kitchen patios. As it takes its rightful place in our multilingual country, one in which the playing fields are levelled for all indigenous languages, major processes in society will determine its future and to what extent Afrikaans would function as an African language. For this to happen the language has to create a survival niche for itself, on behalf of the other nine indigenous languages. As one of the official languages it needs to create a space beyond hegemony and social legislation. By ensuring that it is always 'ahead and to the side' (rather than "on the side') of English and the other nine languages, the Afrikaans language will experience a growth phase continuing to interrogate its own traditions where people are empowered to use the language of their choice. The Afrikaans language must not be continually punished for its perceived complicity in apartheid politics but should be protected and advanced with an overarching structure of multilingualism. The downgrading of Afrikaans has not affected the language adversely; on the contrary it has triggered stronger support from influential persons and the rest of the population. It has found a new identity and status alongside the other ten official languages. Each of these languages should be encouraged to flourish with political will and patience. Afrikaans has a significant role to play in the 'African Renaissance' and remain an important language of all South Africans. Its role as a South African language can be redefined in terms of the constitution. In the words of President Thabo Mbeki, "when the sun rises, it must show a rebirth of South Africa, driven by the enormous talents of all our people, and made possible by the knowledge and realisation that we share a common destiny.
Afrikan contribution to international relations theory: an Afrocentric philosophical enquiry
(University of Zululand, 2012) Mvulane-Moloi, Tshepo; Koenane, M.L.J.
The academic field of IR has been haunted by its Westerncentric philosophical founding masters. This has consequently led almost the overall (if not the entire) literature, of this particular academic discipline, to have become a typical platform wherein the Eurocentric driven masternarratives have become consolidated, as the norm. The interrogation of pedagogy thus led to concerns of indoctrination, as a direct result of the dogmatic views (as specifically derived and driven by the literature of Western philosophy), which overtime has informed the bulk of IR (theory) literature. Themes of racism, dynamics introduced by the role of language, sexism, (Feminism, gender, patriarchy) even the age factor of authoritative IR theorists, amongst other factors, are thus brought afore and engaged in detail, hopefully not in an overly complex manner. Within this study, concepts such as Worldview are interrogated and stripped of their implied scholarly innocence. When studied closer, expressions (which have led to the formation of Mainstream IR theories), as located within the bulk of IR literature, reveal that what is presented as nuanced and structured thought, may specifically be traced back, and realized as mere rhetorical echoes of pioneering Western philosophers. From such an Eurocentric/Westerncentric foundation, as specifically located in the suspected scholarly body of Western Philosophy, this exploratory study, has thus inevitably placed an enormous question mark, on what may possibly be / have been the contribution of the other (non-Eurocentric / non-Westerncentric) IR theories. Particular investigative focus would hopefully, be placed upon securing a possible existence of an Afrikan philosophical Worldview, as may possibly be / have been informed by the doctrine of Afrocentricity. It should thus be understood that this particular study, is mainly interested, in what may currently be or have been Afrikan contribution to IR theory. The specific employment of Afrocentricity should hopefully be read, as an effort by the author of this study, to secure the sought Afrikan contribution to IR, from a local/from below (Afrikan) narrative perspective. Such an effort, may hopefully within this study, be linked to the chief aim(s) of Afrikan philosophy.
An after-math of HIV/AIDS on orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs): experiences and well-being of Thalaneni OVCs, Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2017) Mhlungu, Angel Thandeka; Henna, T.E.; Kolanisi, U.
Parental loss has a devastating effect on the lives of the orphaned children as it brings about many changes and difficulties in different areas of a child’s life. The children face difficulties educationally, socially, financially and psychologically when they experience such loss. The impact of parental loss can be traced to many conducts or behavioural problems that children manifest later in life. The essence of the study was to explore the after-math that orphaned children face once the parents are deceased and what impact it has had on them in their continuation of life within the boundaries mentioned above (educationally, socially, financially, and psychologically). The significance of the study was to provide an improved understanding of the current state of the orphaned children in their new places of care post parental loss given the assistance that they receive from the government (monetary grants) and civil society including international donors to mend their situation. The researcher’s focus was on uncovering the re-arrangement of the orphan’s lifestyle holistically after a parental loss and how it has negatively affected them. To attain the research aim, a qualitative research method was employed and an exploratory research design was followed. Unstructured interviews were used to collect data having an interview schedule as a guide for question flow and for the purposes of employing neutral probing should the need arise. 10 participants, five females and five males were purposively selected to participate in the study. The participants were orphaned children who receive support from a local Community Based Organization (CBO) called Thembalethu, which is located in Thalaneni area. The data analysis of the study discovered that orphaned children do face different distresses after the death of their parents and effects are deeper. Educationally the children have been affected as they have had to relocate to the new places of care, leaving the schools they attended and adapt to the new school coupled with the loss that has been experienced. This has yielded in orphaned children’s poor academic performance in school. Socially the children have taken a strain as it was reported that the decision of who assumes care for them never lies with them and they end up in the care of a person whom they rarely knew. As many orphaned children are recipients of the social assistance in the form of foster care grant and child support grant, the decision about the use of their grant money has also lied with their caregivers and v ultimately benefited other people who are in the household due to the overwhelming number of people that need to be cared for. Psychosocial support has been seen to be the greatest need by the orphaned children as it was reported that they face psychosocial distresses due to not receiving thorough counselling regarding the loss that they have experienced. Other children have been compelled to move on with life without grieving properly for their parents and they have suffered the effects of lack of bereavement support. Upon the realization of these challenges, the researcher, therefore, recommended that close supervision of the cases of foster care be implemented by social service practitioners in the government and non-governmental sector in order to follow-up and make progress with placements and be kept abreast of these challenges. Parenting skills are also seen to be needed by the relatives that assume care for the orphaned children so as to improve the standard of living amongst the orphaned children and the new caregiver.
Amava abafundisi bolimi lwesizulu ezikoleni eziqokiwe
(UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, 2021) Diligence, Samukelisiwe Mbokazi
Amava abafundisi bolimi lwesiZulu ezikoleni eziqokiwe: Ucwaningoqhathaniso ngabathwasiswe ngokwe-PGCE ne-B.Ed emayunivesithi aKwaZulu-Natali: An investigation into the expertise of isiZulu teachers in selected schools: A comparative analysis of PGCE and B.Ed graduates in KwaZulu-Natal universities) The purpose of this study was to explore and make a comparative analysis of Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) teachers who are teaching isiZulu as Home Language in selected schools in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Universities in South Africa produce the bulk of teachers through two different teacher training programmes known as PGCE and B.Ed. As the PGCE has a duration of only one year after a three-year degree whilst B.Ed is a four-year degree, the researcher sought to find out what this means and if there is equilibrium or disparities in practice. The researcher aimed to understand, through empirical research, expertise these teachers have in teaching isiZulu as a Home Language. This qualitative study adopted an interpretive paradigm. Semi-structured interviews, observations and documentary analysis were used as methods for data collection. Vygotsky’s (1978) social-constructivist theory was used as a theoretical framework and a lens for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that B.Ed teachers are much stronger in using a variety of methods of teaching isiZulu but do not have a strong subject knowledge base. PGCE teachers are trained for a few months and are weak in methods of teaching isiZulu but have a solid theoretical/subject knowledge capacity. The study concludes that something needs to change in the way these teachers are trained in higher education institutions. Some of the recommendations include revisiting the way these programmes are structured, the issue of duration and the need for in-service training for purposes of further upskilling.
An Afrocentric analysis of social entrepreneurship as a tool for development in Johannesburg, South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2023) Mofokeng, Neo Refiloe; Ndlovu, Morgan
This thesis examines the idea of social entrepreneurship (SE) from an Afrocentric and postdevelopment perspective. The thesis argues that the idea of SE is often examined from a Eurocentric perspective which tends to ignore the African context in which development takes place thereby failing to yield positive results for the African societies that are intended to be the beneficiaries of SE and its development outcomes. In South Africa, SE is predominantly understood from a business management point of view while epistemically drawing from German ideas of Social Democracy—a development that misses the contextual-epistemic realities of its location. This study takes an Afrocentric and post-development approach to examine bot the epistemic and contextual relevance of social entrepreneurship in South Africa. To contribute to knowledge, the study appraises the relevance and value of SE’s social democratic epistemology to South Africa. Such an appraisal is undertaken from the view that traditionally, southern African society has been governed by the Afrocentric value of Ubuntu. Thus, posing the question of whether social democracy can be helpful to South African communities, and what adaptations, if any, would be required for this. Moreover, the study explores whether the practice (beyond theory) of social entrepreneurship is helpful from an Afrocentric viewpoint, as some ideas may be adaptable theoretically, but fail empirically. Finally, the study found that it is more important to fashion the progress of South African societies along the lines of flourishing as opposed to developing. This is so as development is value-laden and tied to modernity, whose basic epistemology and axiology are not always reconcilable with local epistemologies. On the other hand, flourishing allows societies to define their unique trajectories of progress such as ubumbano/letsema – a concept embracing collective progress instead of individual wealth, amongst other important ideas. The findings also show that the motivations for SE vary but have a common understanding of human needs which affirm beneficiaries’ dignity and humanness. Further, the findings reveal that social enterprises want to build ecologies of innovation and change, and be empathetic to people’s needs, and they have reservations with most government-led solutions as those tend to be exclusive, further creating new problems when trying to solve old ones.
An analysis of IsiZulu language in the television drama “Isibaya”: an educators’ functional linguistic and socio-cultural perspectives
(University of Zululand, 2022-12-01) Msweli, Zanele Priscilla
This study investigated the use of the isiZulu language in the television drama Isibaya using a functional linguistic and socio-cultural perspective. The target population of this study was all IsiZulu home language educators in all 11 districts of the KZN province. The accessible population included 15 schools in the King Cetshwayo district close to the researcher. A purposive sampling technique was used to sample participants from the accessible population. The sample was made up of 40 further Education and Training (FET) IsiZulu language educators. A qualitative research methodology and a case study research design were adopted by the study. The data collection instruments used were open-ended questionnaires and 10 extracts from video clips of Isibaya Season 7. The findings from the study revealed that the language used in both polygamous and mononuclear families reveal dominance, power, and gender inequality. Gender inequality and patriarchy are still a characteristic of the Zulu society. The language usage in Isibaya portrays women as individuals who are required to obey the orders of men and give birth to children. Furthermore, the language used by the in-laws suggests that society still views, women as objects in the form of childbearing machines that do not have value in society. On the other hand, polygamy imposes hlonipha (respect) language upon the wives and children. Language of respect (ukuhlonipha) encompasses the entire value system of the social life of the Zulu people. The use of the language of respect in Isibaya has been a source of enrichment to the isiZulu language. The language of respect, however, is more than merely a tradition; it is a spiritual conviction and an essential ingredient in the life philosophy of the Zulu people. Over the past decade, there have been numerous studies regarding patriarchy in television dramas, future studies need to focus on language use in matriarchy in South African television dramas and how it can impact culture.
An empowerment strategy for prevention of crimes with the local communities in Lesotho
(University of Zululand, 2023) Isidiho, Pius Emenike; Ras, J.M.
This thesis is about an empowerment strategy for prevention of crime with the local communities in Lesotho. In this qualitative study five (5) different districts in Lesotho were visited and feedback was gathered from 89 participants to hear from them what local community members and the local community leaders can do to prevent crime in conjunction with the police. An empowerment strategy (plan of action) was drawn up to assist the different role-players in Lesotho to prevent crime.
An exploration of cultural practices in relation to women’s social experiences in rural communities, a case study of King Cetshwayo District Municipality
(University of Zululand, 2021) Mkhize, Nontobeko Mildred; Nojiyeza, I.S.; Masuku, M.M.
This study is an exploration of the scale of the harmful impact of the cultural practices on women in rural communities. It explored the impact of: ukuthwala (bride abduction), ilobolo (bride price), female genitals mutilation, virginity testing, ukungena (levirate custom), African rituals, traditional initiation, wife beating and polygamy on women which are cultural practices that the study paid focus on. These practices were explored within King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM), KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. The study set out to achieve six specified objectives: (i) to explore the experiences of women within societies where cultural practices are administered and assist them to reflect on those experiences (ii) to determine the challenges encountered by women due to customary rules, and their coping means (iii) to identify measures put in place to assist women living under customary rules (iv) to determine positions of women in structures in which traditional rules are imposed (v) to put forward interventions which protect women’s rights against discrimination (vi) to determine if the cultural practices discriminate against women and if so how far such discrimination goes and it was premised on theoretical lenses of post-modern feminism which evolved within the third wave of feminism, African feminist theories, patriarchy theorization, critical theory and legal pluralism. Women within the rural community were given a chance to retell their own versions of cultural practices. Methodologically, the study used a qualitative approach which was guided by an in-depth semi-structured style of interviewing, and followed an exploratory research design. Data gathering methods comprised of semi-structured interviews with participants while data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, narratives, notes taking and a focus group discussion of men. The study used non-probability methods of sample selection, specifically, snowball sampling combined with purposive sampling in order to confirm issues, validate, compare and collect more information. Using these techniques, a total of twenty women comprised the sample plus five men. Data was analysed qualitatively through thematic analysis. The study revealed the following: cultural practices are indeed a reality; they have an immense impact on women and they are viewed as manipulative practices that encourage the subordination of women. These are central to the performance of the rituals that continue to aggravate violence against women. Furthermore, it transpired that culture is incapable of holding its goalposts; the unfriendly policies on cultures are a driving tool to cultural practices’ elevation; political infiltration of cultures and community forums as avenues of cascading the benefits of the practices. The study discovered that despite legislative intervention and policy framework, cultural practices still persist among the African communities in KCDM. The reasons for this persistent existence are discussed, followed by recommendations for possible resolutions. The study concludes that cultural practices play a pivotal role in shaping men to demonstrate authoritative power on women.
An exploration of translanguaging in a grade ten reading class in Ntambanana circuit schools
(2022) Ntshakala Bongumusa Faithful
Learners’ poor performance in schools is of grave concern in South Africa due inter alia, to low literacy and numeracy levels. It has been found that, comparatively, learners in South Africa lag behind other learners in other countries in terms of their ability to read with comprehension. The study aimed to explore the employment of translanguaging as a teaching strategy aimed at improving learner comprehension in a Grade ten reading class. Three rural high schools were selected which offer English as a second language and isiZulu as a home language. Ten Grade ten learners in each school were purposively sampled and the study comprised thirty learners. The findings revealed that while some learners are competent enough in English, mainly due to their backgrounds, most of them comprehend better, and they responded more correctly to comprehension-seeking questions when the input language was their home language (isiZulu). The learners in the three high schools pointed out after writing the comprehension tests that even if the text can be written in their second language (English) and they read it without understanding some words and some paragraphs, but if they are questioned in their home language, they can respond with ease to the questions. The findings clearly demonstrate the role that learners’ home language should play in in their learning. The study, therefore, recommends translanguaging as a teaching strategy that teachers can employ to improve learner comprehension and to ensure that learners benefit from their entire linguistic repertoire.

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