Research Articles and Conference Papers

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Research output published on Open Access Journals from the Univerity of Zululand scholars

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A contrastive analysis of articles in English and demonstratives in isiZulu
(AOSIS Publishing, 2022-10-18) Mncwango, Elliot M.
An analysis of the use of demonstratives in isiZulu (izabizwana zokukhomba) has shown that they go beyond the known deictic functions of demonstratives as used in other languages like English. In isiZulu, demonstratives tend to also denote specificity, a function normally performed by the definite article in English. This article, therefore, compares the functions of articles in English to those of demonstratives in isiZulu, with the aim to demonstrate the similarities in terms of use between the two languages. This added function of demonstratives, it is argued, may account for some of the errors in English second language learners’ use of articles, as evidenced by data from written exercises of learners whose first language is isiZulu. The findings suggest that second language learners of English tend to confuse articles because of the differences between the two languages, especially during their (learners’) interlanguage stage. Contribution: The article highlights a significant difference in the use of demonstratives between English and isiZulu due to the added function of specificity in isiZulu demonstrative (isabizwana sokukhomba) which is performed by the definite article in English. It also demonstrates how, without an article system, isiZulu can convey meaning like any language with an article system.
A Social Psychology of Religion with a Phenomenological Case Study
(EDIS- Publishing Institution of the University of Zilina, 2022-06-30) Edwards, Stephen David
This article defines religion in terms of some of its major characteristics. Special attention is paid to how religion is attuned to the structure of a prevailing social order. Religion renders valuable functions within the psyche of individuals and renders justification to the integrity of a community. A brief qualitative investigation utilizing interviews challenges Freud’s viewpoint about religion being a neurosis. It also illustrates that religion can be studied phenomenologically without having to bracket the concept, of God. Finally, people can live comfortably with paradoxes in their interpretations of reality. The awareness of personal limitations and the need for a sacred, embodied, immanent and transcendental world ensures the future of religion.
A text-immanent, narrative-critical and logotherapeutic reading of the book of Amos and the necessity of a scientific approach by its readers to prevent terror deeds
(Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, 2022) Masoga, Mogomme A and Ras, Johan M.
A text-immanent and narrative critical approach to the Biblical book of Amos reveals that the prophet Amos had addressed the social injustices of his time. He addressed the issues of his day with the belief that it was the Lord God (Elohim) Almighty who had instructed him to do so. The leaders of the well-known terror groups, Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram and the Islamic State (IS) are also addressing contemporary social issues that confront them with the belief that Allah (God) has prompted them to do so. While Amos had discovered meaning through what he had seen and what he had said about the Lord and his interventions, the terror groups find their meaning in jihad (holy war). The book of Amos confronts modern readers to take scientific contextual analyses seriously and it also makes them aware that believers need to do what is right without making use of any violence to effect some societal change. In contrasts to this, the jihadists’ interpretation of the Quran and their quest for a world under Sharia law are not in line with sound scientific contextual analyses and as a result led to unacceptable terror and violent deeds in practice – something that must be rejected at all costs
Africa in the global imaginary: towards internationally competitive science and research. Proceedings of the 2nd annual conference of the International Geographical Commission on African studies held on 17 - 19 June 2019 at the University of Zululand, South Africa.
(University of Zululand, 2019-06) Moyo, Inocent; Nshimbi, Christopher Changwe
The International Geographical Commission (IGU) Commission on African Studies (CAS) held its second annual conference at the University of Zululand in June 2019. One of the direct products of the conference is the publication of these conference proceedings, whose authors are drawn from different parts of Africa, and include post-graduate students. The papers in this volume engage with various aspects of the conference theme, which is Africa in the global imaginary: Towards internationally competitive science and research. The authors represent different disciplinary backgrounds in the natural and social sciences and humanities. The chapters in the publication are organised under the following themes and sections: climate change issues in Africa, environmental problems in Africa, environmental conservation, natural resource use and governance, globalisation and regional economic integration in Africa, rural development and water resources. The contributions illustrate various research projects in Africa as well as different debates on natural and social reality on the continent. Some of the contributions also reveal innovative approaches to the study and/or analysis of natural and/or social reality, the results and conclusions of which are thought-provoking.
African colonial boundaries and nation-building
(University of Zululand, 2016-01) Gbenenye, Emmanuel M
This paper is an attempt to examine the consequences of the Berlin Colonial Conference of 1884-1885 as an artificial creation and indicate that this artificatility has created a number of problems that bedevil nation-building in Africa today. The paper has adopted qualitative content analysis of archival material, national dailies and some secondary sources. The first concern is the fact that some of these boundaries cut across pre-existing ethnic groups, states and kingdoms. This has caused widespread social disruption and displacement. Today, some of the Ewe live in Ghana, some in Togo and some in Benin Republic. The Somalia are shared among Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. The Senufo are found in Mali, Cote d’Ivoir and Burkina Faso. The examples can be multiplied. The paper highlights the consequences of this situation to include border disputes that have plagued the relationship between some independent African states such as those between Sudan and Uganda, between Somalia and Ethiopia, between Kenya and Somalia, between Ghana and Togo, between Nigeria and Cameroon, in particular over the Bakassi Peninsula. There is also the factor of France’s political and economic stranglehold, on her former colonies in particular. The 1961 bilateral agreement between France and her former colonies was to retain close military, economic and cultural ties. The aim of France is to inhibit the growth and stability of the ECOWAS as a sub-regional economic integration. The paper argues that this Francophone dichotomy is a divisive tendency that contributes to territorial disputes, border skirmishes, unguarded border posts and patrols, smugglings, the menace of refugees and illegal aliens on Nigeria. The case of Cameroon is more illustrative than tjat of other Francophone states. It is our findings that because of the artificiality and arbitrary nature of these boundaries, each of the African nation states is made up of people of diverse cultural backgrounds, traditions of origin and languages that pose the problem of nation-building in modern African states.
African indigenous knowledge: scientific or unscientific?
(University of Zululand, 2013-01) Ogungbure, Adebayo Anthony
The conventional idea is that there is only one superior way of knowing. That is rational and scientific knowledge ... Yet, across the globe, people perceive reality in different ways, and the resulting worldviews lead to different ways of learning and different ways of knowing.2 Human knowledge within Western culture is generally adjudged to have reached its apogee in terms of the study of the natural world and the development of technological equipment directed towards making life worth living. Meanwhile, the attainment of such a sophisticated status in Western scientific research has been facilitated by its experimental methodology which has made possible the transfer of knowledge from one generation to another. However, other nonWestern forms of knowledge that lack these characteristics are regarded as “unscientific”. African indigenous knowledge, a victim of such censure, is seen as an unscientific accumulation of native wisdom, lacking in sophistication, logicality, coherence, and technicality which disqualifies it from being called “scientific” knowledge as we have it in Western culture. This paper seeks to argue that the rejection of African indigenous knowledge as “unscientific” knowledge stems from a false dichotomy.
Alumni access policies in public university libraries
(University of Zululand, 2011-01) Burclaff, Natalie; Britz, Johannes
This paper explores the current library access policies for alumni at a public university system using document analysis, observations and interviews. We found that alumni are specifically addressed in only two library access policies, and borrowing privileges through cards, on-site access and restricted access to electronic resources are common elements in the policies for community users. There are opportunities to expand and standardize services, and we recommend addressing alumni in policies as a separate user group.
An investigation into marketing activities role on the purchase of private label brands: A systematic review of trends in literature
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCE, 2022-02-06) Ndovu, Sbonelo Gift; Heeralal, Shalen
The upsurge of private label brands has allowed retailers to expand their product offerings. However, these brands have been met with varying perceptions among consumers across the world. Therefore, this study investigated the role that marketing might have on the purchase intentions of customers opting to/not to purchase private label brands. The marketing instruments in question for this study were advertising, pricing, and price promotion, and their effect on customers’ purchase intention for private label brands. An integrative systematic review methodology in searching, screening, selecting, including, and excluding research articles; search strings were also formulated in searching for articles was followed. In this paper, a synthesis of the literature was undertaken, and future research direction was provided, giving future research and retailers three propositions to understand the effect of pricing, price promotions, and advertising in the purchase of private label brands.
An appraisal of Gunther Wittenberg's Theology of hope in post-1994 South Africa
(Church History Society of Southern Africa, 2022) Masoga, Mogomme A
South Africa's reluctance to deploy religion in the public sphere can be understood in terms of the country's political and socioeconomic trajectories from the apartheid era. Theology has always featured in the struggle history of the majority of the Black population but has been neglected by most historians and theologians in the face of crises facing the country today. This article examines Wittenberg's theocratisation of the "theology of hope" as a means of redressing this apparent neglect, highlighting the invaluable role of the church in the struggle against apartheid. During the early 1990s, Wittenberg' s ideas became a force to reckon with in challenging the negative impact of apartheid policies on Black people. I focus on Wittenberg because of his rich experience and knowledge of Lutheran theology. The main aim of this article, therefore, is to elaborate on the significance of the theology of hope in the context of a democratic South Africa amid unprecedented political and socioeconomic crises. I have adopted secondary data analysis and experientialism as research approaches for this paper
An Appraisal of Gunther Wittenberg’s Theology of Hope in post-1994 South Africa
(Unisa Press, 2022) Masoga, Mogomme A
South Africa's reluctance to deploy religion in the public sphere can be understood in terms of the country's political and socioeconomic trajectories from the apartheid era. Theology has always featured in the struggle history of the majority of the Black population, but has been neglected by most historians and theologians in the face of crises facing the country today. This article examines Wittenberg's theocratisation of the "theology of hope" as a means of redressing this apparent neglect, highlighting the invaluable role of the church in the struggle against apartheid. During the early 1990s, Wittenberg' s ideas became a force to reckon with in challenging the negative impact of apartheid policies on Black people. I focus on Wittenberg because of his rich experience and knowledge of Lutheran theology. The main aim of this article, therefore, is to elaborate on the significance of the theology of hope in the context of a democratic South Africa amid unprecedented political and socioeconomic crises. I have adopted secondary data analysis and experientialism as research approaches for this paper.
An investigation into marketing activities role on the purchase of private label brands: A systematic review of trends in literature
(Business & Social Science, 2022-02-06) Ndlovu, Sbonelo Gift; Heeralal, Shalen
The upsurge of private label brands has allowed retailers to expand their product offerings. However, these brands have been met with varying perceptions among consumers across the world. Therefore, this study investigated the role that marketing might have on the purchase intentions of customers opting to/not to purchase private label brands. The marketing instruments in question for this study were advertising, pricing, and price promotion, and their effect on customers’ purchase intention for private label brands. An integrative systematic review methodology in searching, screening, selecting, including, and excluding research articles; search strings were also formulated in searching for articles was followed. In this paper, a synthesis of the literature was undertaken, and future research direction was provided, giving future research and retailers three propositions to understand the effect of pricing, price promotions, and advertising in the purchase of private label brands.
An analysis of the opinions of African immigrants on service delivery by the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2013-01) Umezurike, Samuel Augustine; Isike, Christopher
This paper is an investigation into the views of African immigrants in South Africa on vital services that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) renders to immigrants, such as issuing work permits, study permits, permanent residence permits, marriage certificates, and conferring South African citizenship. The broad research question this paper deals with concerns how the ideology of ‘Makwerekwere’ influences the Department of Home Affairs’ service delivery to African immigrants. The views of 200 randomly sampled African immigrants based in Pretoria were used to analyse the effectiveness of the DHA in performing its duties as a government department. In so doing, the researchers profiled the immigrants and tried to unpack their views about the technical functions and competence of the department. The findings suggest that the service delivery rendered to African foreigners by the DHA is generally poor and discriminatory, as it is largely shaped by the popular ideology of ‘Makwerekwere’ within which African immigrants are imagined and treated as the out-group and excluded from belonging and the formal and informal benefits of citizenship. While making the point that ‘Makwerekwere” is not an official government policy, the paper recommends that the state has a role to play in not only reorienting its citizens, but also evolving a more inclusive model of belonging for African immigrants in South Africa in order to reduce inter-group anxiety.
The application of the social model of disability and Wilson’s model of information behaviour towards effective service delivery for students with disabilities within an academic library context
(University of Zululand, 2019) Eneya, Dorothy; Mostert, B.J.
This paper explores the applicability of the social model of disability and Wilson’s model of information seeking behaviour for effective service delivery to students with disabilities in the context of academic libraries. The paper is based on a literature review based on Oliver’’s social model of disability and Wilson’s model of information seeking behaviour in relation to service provision to students with disabilities in academic libraries. The literature review provided a background to the two models and their criticisms and implications to academic libraries. This paper shows that despite their respective weaknesses, using the social model of disability and Wilson’s model of information seeking behaviour in the academic library context offers an opportunity for academic libraries to re-look at their systems and services in order to address the different barriers faced by students with disabilities in their day to day information seeking. As libraries acquire and organise their resources, the needs of students with disabilities should always be prioritised. Academic libraries as a key information source in any academic setting have a responsibility to provide information in various formats using various facilities for easy accessibility and use by their diverse users. Access to any form of information is a fundamental human right. Academic libraries must identify and remove barriers that may inhibit information seeking for students with disabilities. Additionally, academic libraries should use multiple facilities to provide information. This will ensure that information needs for users with disabilities are catered for.
Applying knowledge management strategies to economic development in sub-Saharan Africa
(University of Zululand, 2011-01) Cortez, Edwin-Michael; Mullins, Piper; Britz, Johannes
Sustainability looks to achieve best outcomes for human and natural environments both now and in the indefinite future. It relates to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment. This paper examines economic development as one aspect of sustainability, with a focus on knowledge management as an economic development strategy. Using Grey’s categories of knowledge management, the authors address sustainable economic development in the context of sub-Saharan Africa. Production capability is no longer completely dependent on capital and equipment; information and knowledge assets are increasingly important. In this information economy, success comes from harnessing the information and knowledge of a community. Such “indigenous knowledge,” local and often tacit, exists in every community, every region and every country. This knowledge is useful in identifying new entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as for sustaining and advancing local businesses. SubSaharan Africa provides an excellent case study. No other region of the world is in more dire need of development. The 700 million people in this area face tremendous challenges, including the world’s highest incidence of HIV/AIDS, deep poverty, unemployment, political instability, and a host of related problems. Key factors for using knowledge management as an economic development strategy in the region will include ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) literacy; uncovering and developing local intellectual assets; capturing tacit knowledge; internal and external knowledge sharing; and managing political, social and technological barriers. Other specific recommendations include promoting ICT literacy through training programs; leveraging internet and email technologies for community building; investing financial resources in R & D; and developing metrics for outcome assessment
Applying Social Capital Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model in information and knowledge sharing research
(University of Zululand, 2015-01) Fari, Sani A.
The paper discusses Social Capital Theory (SCT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as theoretical foundations for information and knowledge sharing research. Qualitative content analysis through conceptual and literature analysis is used to explore previous studies in the research domain. It is found that despite the complexity of information and knowledge sharing activities and processes, the two theoretical foundations can strongly inform knowledge sharing research. The paper explains the components, relevance and practical applicability of the two theories to information and knowledge sharing research.
Applying the knowledge creation model to the management of indigenous knowledge research
(University of Zululand, 2017-01) Dlamini, Petros
In present-day society, the need to manage indigenous knowledge is widely recognised. However, there is a debate in progress on whether or not indigenous knowledge can be easily managed. The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of using knowledge management models like knowledge creation theory in the management of indigenous knowledge. The paper defines knowledge creation as a process that stems from accumulating information, while knowledge transfer refers to “the transfer of knowledge to places and people, where it is needed to be used to fulfil some activity or task”. This paper presents the literature which was used to review and to explore previous studies in the IK and knowledge creation Model (KCM) particularly on the possibility of using knowledge creation theory to inform the management of indigenous knowledge. Despite criticism of KCM, the model/theory can potentially be applied to link tacit and explicit knowledge and by extension IK through four modes of the knowledge creation: socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation as revealed in the wide use of the model in knowledge management in society and organisations.
Applying the knowledge creation model to the management of indigenous knowledge research
(University of Zululand, 2017) Dlamini, Petros
In present-day society, the need to manage indigenous knowledge is widely recognised. However, there is a debate in progress on whether or not indigenous knowledge can be easily managed. The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of using knowledge management models like knowledge creation theory in the management of indigenous knowledge. The paper defines knowledge creation as a process that stems from accumulating information, while knowledge transfer refers to “the transfer of knowledge to places and people, where it is needed to be used to fulfil some activity or task”. This paper presents the literature which was used to review and to explore previous studies in the IK and knowledge creation Model (KCM) particularly on the possibility of using knowledge creation theory to inform the management of indigenous knowledge. Despite criticism of KCM, the model/theory can potentially be applied to link tacit and explicit knowledge and by extension IK through four modes of the knowledge creation: socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation as revealed in the wide use of the model in knowledge management in society and organisations.
An appraisal of the recruitment and selection process of the judiciary (chief justice) in Zimbabwe
(University of Zululand, 2019) Bazana, Sandiso; Jackson, Charlene
Societies that have accepted the notion of liberal modern democracy respect the role of the judges or the judiciary in making such democracies a success. As such, the drafting of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe was a particularly significant event because, amongst other things, it set out the judicial selection process to be followed in the future. Following the recent appointment of the new chief justice (Justice Malaba, appointed in 2016) there has been controversy regarding the Zimbabwean judicial recruitment and selection appointment process. While some renowned legal practitioners expressed the opinion that the process itself was somewhat commendable, the reality is that there were some major flaws, which must be addressed for future judicial selection and appointment. This study analysed documents to appraise the recent recruitment and selection process of the chief justice in Zimbabwe. This study collated data from the Zimbabwe Constitution, Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute, Zimbabwe Case law, legislation and journal articles. The findings from this study suggest that there were some flaws in the last recruitment and selection process of the Chief Justice that were conducted by the Judicial Service Commission. The paper demonstrates some of these flaws. Broadly, the results of this work suggest that the recruitment and selection process require the expertise of those who are skilled in the procedure to do it with utmost proficiency, with limited acrimony and as little hindrance from the public as possible.
Assessment of Library and Information Services in support of researchers and librarians at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Nigeria
(Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies, 2022) Makinde, Olayinka Babayemi; Jiyane, Glenrose Velile; Mugwisi, Tinashe
The study that directed this article aimed to assess the opinions of industrial researchers and librarians regarding library and information services provided by the research library of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Nigeria. The library of the modern era is expected to develop naturally, growing bigger to accommodate different kinds of information resources and services for better information provision to its users. This study set out to determine if library and information services at FIIRO were indeed answering this call. A mixed-methods design was adopted with the use of questionnaires, face-to-face interviews and observation for data collection. It was found that both groups, the industrial researchers and the librarians, were not satisfied with the library and information services offered by the institute’s library. Poor funding, lack of political will by the management and government authorities, and the lack of internet connectivity were highlighted as some of the main problems facing library fitness. In order to improve these services of information provision, the study recommends several innovations, mainly that librarians should be involved in management decisions, especially in the formulation of library policies and strategies.
Barriers that impede the effectiveness of precautionary measures of combating the spread of HIV and AIDS : the case of the University of Zululand and Mangosuthu University of Technology
(University of Zululand, 2009-01) Mbatha, Blessing
This article explores and identifies the barriers that impede the effectiveness of precautionary measures of fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS in tertiary institutions in KwaZulu Natal, namely, University of Zululand and Mangosuthu University of Technology. This article is informed by the Satisfaction Theory which emphasises the importance of product or service marketing as it determines whether a customer will continue using a product or service or not. The theory indicates that if a customer is satisfied with the service offered by an organisation or a company, then the client may continue using the company’s product or service. However, if a client is dissatisfied with the service offered, he or she may decide to discontinue using the particular product or service. The research problem of this study is articulated through the following research questions: why is the pregnancy rate high in tertiary institutions, whereas condoms are freely available? Why is the spread of HIV escalating in tertiary institutions, whereas information on HIV and AIDS is available? And why are precautionary measures to scale down HIV and AIDS less effective? The study targeted only students in two purposively selected tertiary institutions. The quantitative method and stratified random sampling was used. Data was analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel. The study established that there are many barriers that impede the effectiveness of precautionary measures of fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS in these tertiary institutions. The study further established that precautionary measures of fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS such as condoms are freely available in these tertiary institutions. However, they are not easily accessible as they are only distributed at the clinics. This article recommends that condoms be distributed all over campus, more especially in students’ residences because that is where students spend most of their time. In addition, the clinics are not always opened as compared to students’ residences.

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