“Peer pressure” and “Peer normalization” : discursive resources that justify gendered youth sexualities
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Jearey-Graham, Nicola
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019877 , https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13178-015-0207-8
- Description: “Peer pressure” is associated in the scientific literature with a range of risky sexual behaviors and with undermining public sexual health messages. Interventions are instituted encouraging young people to resist peer pressure or to model positive peer norms. Taking a discursive psychology perspective, we show how young people themselves use the discourses of “peer pressure to have sex” and “peer normalization of sex” to explain and justify youth sexual activity. Using data from focus group discussions about youth sexualities with students at a South African further education and training college, we show how participants outlined a need for young people to be socially recognizable through engaging in, and talking about, sex and how they implicated peer norms in governing individual sexual behavior. Both discourses pointed to a gendering of peer-endorsed sexual norms: masculine virility, the avoidance of shameful virgin or gay positions, and multiple sexual partners were emphasized for men, while the necessity of keeping a boyfriend and avoiding a “slut” position were foregrounded for women. These discourses potentially undermine the aims of public sexual health programs targeting youth. Nuanced engagement with peer group narratives, especially how sexual activity is explained and justified in a gendered fashion, is indicated. , Full text access on Publisher website: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13178-015-0207-8
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
The Educational Journal
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Education – South Africa , South Africa – Economic conditions , South Africa – Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41657 , vital:36552 , Bulk File 7
- Description: The Educational Journal was the official organ of the Teachers' League of South Africa and focussed on education within the context of a racialized South Africa. From the 2000s, the journal was published by the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), a trade union formed in August 1998 from the amalgamation of militant and moderate trade unions and also operated in the education sphere.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014-11
The Educational Journal
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Education – South Africa , South Africa – Economic conditions , South Africa – Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38629 , vital:34841 , Bulk File 7
- Description: The Educational Journal was the official organ of the Teachers' League of South Africa and focussed on education within the context of a racialized South Africa. From the 2000s, the journal was published by the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), a trade union formed in August 1998 from the amalgamation of militant and moderate trade unions and also operated in the education sphere.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014-11
Spatial variation in the macrobenthic assemblages of intertidal seagrass along the long axis of an estuary
- Authors: Barnes, R S K , Ellwood, M D F
- Date: 2014-05-29
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011513
- Description: Invertebrate macrofaunal biodiversity within intertidal seagrass meadows was investigated over a salinity gradient of <5–35 in the Knysna estuarine system (Garden Route National Park, South Africa). Rather than the classic gradual decline in species richness with distance from the mouth there were zones of considerable faunal stability separated by relatively sharp discontinuities. At the point upstream at which salinity regularly falls below 30, the rich, diverse and highly spatially variable downstream faunal assemblage changed to a less rich, less diverse and more uniform one that dominated the upstream stretch without any further upstream reduction in richness. Nevertheless, without loss of overall richness, assemblage composition changed, again rapidly, in the upper region of the upstream stretch to a zone dominated by the microgastropod Hydrobia, which otherwise occurs in the Knysna system only in highly sheltered regions of the downstream stretch where it is also dominant. The upstream faunal assemblage was a subset of that in the marine-influenced downstream region not a different replacing one. Position along the estuarine gradient accounted for 29% of total assemblage variation. Overall faunal abundance declined with distance upstream until the Hydrobia zone where it rose sharply, but there was no evidence of increase in density of those species remaining on putative release from competition.
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A temporal dimension to the influence of pollen rewards on bee behaviour and fecundity in Aloe tenuior
- Authors: Duffy, Karl J , Johnson, Steven D , Peter, Craig I
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6561 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011735 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094908
- Description: The net effect of pollen production on fecundity in plants can range from negative – when self-pollen interferes with fecundity due to incompatibility mechanisms, to positive – when pollen availability is associated with increased pollinator visitation and fecundity due to its utilization as a reward. We investigated the responses of bees to pollen and nectar rewards, and the effects of these rewards on pollen deposition and fecundity in the hermaphroditic succulent shrub Aloe tenuior. Self-pollinated plants failed to set fruit, but their ovules were regularly penetrated by self-pollen tubes, which uniformly failed to develop into seeds as expected from ovarian self-incompatibility (or strong early inbreeding depression). Bees consistently foraged for pollen during the morning and early afternoon, but switched to nectar in the late afternoon. As a consequence of this differential foraging, we were able to test the relative contribution to fecundity of pollen- versus nectar-collecting flower visitors. We exposed emasculated and intact flowers in either the morning or late afternoon to foraging bees and showed that emasculation reduced pollen deposition by insects in the morning, but had little effect in the afternoon. Despite the potential for self-pollination to result in ovule discounting due to late-acting self-sterility, fecundity was severely reduced in artificially emasculated plants. Although there were temporal fluctuations in reward preference, most bee visits were for pollen rewards. Therefore the benefit of providing pollen that is accessible to bee foragers outweighs any potential costs to fitness in terms of gender interference in this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Anti-staphylococcal, anti-HIV and cytotoxicity studies of four South African medicinal plants and isolation of bioactive compounds from Cassine transvaalensis (Burtt. Davy) codd
- Authors: Mthethwa, Ningy S , Oyedeji, Bola A O , Obi, Larry C , Aiyegoro, Olayinka A
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/722 , vital:29661
- Description: Background: Medicinal plants represent an important opportunity to rural communities in Africa, as a source of affordable medicine and as a source of income. Increased patient awareness about safe usage is important as well as more training with regards to traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ethnomedicinal prowess of some indigenous South African plants commonly used in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the treatment of skin and respiratory tract infections, HIV and their toxicity potential. Methods: Cassine transvaalensis, Vangueria infausta, Croton gratissimus and Vitex ferruginea were tested for antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). Cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 activities of plants were tested using MTT Assay (3- (Dimethylthiozole-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)) and anti- HIV-1iib assay. In search of bioactive lead compounds, Cassine transvaalensis which was found to be the most active plant extract against the two Staphylocoous bacteria was subjected to various chromatographic. Thin layer chromatography, Column chromatography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), (1H-1H, 13C-13C, in DMSO_d6, Bruker 600 MHz) were used to isolate and characterize 3-Oxo-28-hydroxylbetuli-20(29)-ene and 3,28-dihydroxylbetuli-20(29)-ene bioactive compounds from C. transvaalensis. Results: The four plants studied exhibited bioactive properties against the test isolates. The zones of inhibition rangedbetween 16 mm to 31 mm for multi-drug resistant staphylococci species. MIC values varied between 0.6 and 0.02 μg/ml. C. gratissimus and C. transvaalensis exhibited the abilities to inhibit HIV-1iib. Two bioactive compounds were isolated from C. transvaalensis. Conclusion: Data from this study reveals the use of these plant by traditional healers in the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, C. transvaalensis and C. gratissimus were found to be more active as against HIV-1iib. While C. transvaalensis was most active against the two Staphylococcus bacteria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Applications of lead phthalocyanines embedded in electrospun fibers for the photoinactivation of Escherichia coli in water
- Authors: Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7304 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020381
- Description: Lead (II) pyridyloxyphthalocyanine (PbTpyPc) and its quaternized form (PbTepyPc) were synthesized and the photophysical behavior examined. Low fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF) of 0.01 and 0.02 were observed for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively. The singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) were 0.60 and 0.68, for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively using DPBF as a quencher in DMF. Singlet oxygen production of the embedded sensitizers in electrospun fiber were quantified using ADMA and were found to be ΦΔ = 0.41 and ΦΔ = 0.21 for PbTepyPc and PbTpyPc, respectively. Photodynamic inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) with the quaternized photosensitizer at 5 μM, totally inactivated the E. coli (with log CFU = 10 decrease). Only 0.4 log CFU decrease was obtained with PbTpyPc. The embedded non-quaternized photosensitizer (PbTpyPc) was less active on the gram negative bacteria but the quaternized photosensitizer (PbTepyPc) was effective towards inactivation of E. coli. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2014.05.010
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Behavior of Palladium Nanoparticles in the Absence or Presence of Cobalt Tetraaminophthalocyanine for the Electrooxidation of Hydrazine
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020382
- Description: We report on the electrodeposition of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and onto a poly-CoTAPc-GCE (CoTAPc=cobalt tetraamino phthalocyanine) surface. The electrodes are denoted as PdNPs-GCE and PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE, respectively. PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE showed the best activity for the oxidation of hydrazine at the lowest potential of −0.28 V and with the highest currents. The results were further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which showed that there was less resistance to charge transfer for PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE compared to PdNPs-GCE. The catalytic rate constant for hydrazine oxidation was 6.12×108 cm3 mol−1 s−1 using PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elan.201400028
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Bells as memorials in South Africa to the Great (1914-18) War
- Authors: Lewis, Colin A , De Wet, Tertius , Teugels, Jet L , Van Deventer, Pieta J U
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:6192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013418
- Description: The contribution of South Africa to the allied cause in the Great War, and the sacrifice of so many lives of the White and Coloured populations, is memorialised on bells of the Cape Town carillon, on ringing, and on clock and other bells. The contribution of the Black population awaits recognition. Restoration of the Cape Town carillon so that it can again be played effectively, would be a fitting memorial to those who lost their lives in the non-combative roles that were open to the majority population of South Africa. Completion of the ring at what is now Queenstown cathedral would also be a fitting tribute to the bravery and unstinting service of so many South Africans during the Great War. , Colin Lewis was Professor of Geography at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa from 1989 until his retirement at the end of 2007. In 1990, with the strong support of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Dr Derek Henderson, he instigated the Certificate in Change Ringing (Church Bell Ringing) in the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology - the first such course to be offered in Africa. Since that date he has lectured in the basic theory, and taught the practice of change ringing. He is the Ringing Master of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Grahamstown, South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Cracks in reproductive health rights: knowledge of abortion legislation stipulations amongst learners in Buffalo City, South Africa
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Seutlwadi, Lebogang , Steele, Gary I
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6296 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014772
- Description: Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act legalised abortion on request in South Africa until up to 12 weeks of gestation and thereafter under specified conditions. Within the context of liberal legislation, accurate information is a necessary (although not sufficient) requirement for women to exercise their reproductive rights. Objectives: This research investigated Grade 11 learners’ knowledge of the CTOP Act and its stipulations. Methods: Survey research was conducted with respondents drawn from a range of schools in Buffalo City, South Africa. Multi-stage sampling was used, namely stratified random sampling of schools and purposive sampling of grades used within schools. The data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires in group situations. Results: Results indicate that knowledge of the legal status of abortion, as well as of the various stipulations of the law, was poor. Various misunderstandings were evident, including that spousal approval is required in order for married women to have an abortion. Significant differences between the knowledge of respondents at the various schools were found, with those learners attending schools formerly designated for African learners during Apartheid having the least knowledge. Conclusion: Given the multiple factors that may serve as barriers to women accessing abortion, it is imperative that at least the most fundamental aspect of reproductive rights, that is, the right to information, is not undermined.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Crimes against nature : ecocritical discourse in South African crime fiction
- Authors: Naidu, Samantha
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:26322 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/53754 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/18125441.2014.950599 , https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9456-8657
- Description: Heeding Patrick Murphy's call to critics, in his book, Ecocritical explorations in literary and cultural studies: fences, boundaries and field, to study “nature-oriented mystery novels … in order to understand the degree to which environmental consciousness and nature awareness has permeated popular and commercial fiction” (2009: 143), this article examines how highly successful author, Deon Meyer, has employed crime fiction to popularize ecological issues and debates in South Africa. In this article, Meyer's first “nature-oriented” novel, the crime thriller, Blood safari (2009), is analysed. The main question asked is whether South African crime fiction deploys ecocritical discourse for mercenary reasons or whether its engagement with environmental issues constitutes a bona fide sub-category of ecocritical literature. The same rationale – understanding how “environmental consciousness and nature awareness” manifest in one of the most popular and commercially viable genres of fiction in South Africa today – informs the broader study from which this article is drawn. Some of the findings of this study, which includes a reading of Meyer's second “nature-oriented” novel, Trackers (2011), Jane Taylor's Of wild dogs, Margaret von Klemperer's Just a dead man, and Ingrid Winterbach's literary detective novel, The book of happenstance, are referred to briefly. To conclude, the contribution of “nature-oriented” crime fiction to a “localised ecocriticism” is assessed
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- Date Issued: 2014
Effects of pyrene on the photophysical and two-photon absorption-based nonlinear optical properties of indium(III) phthalocyanines
- Authors: Sanusi, Kayode , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020540
- Description: Photophysical and two-photon-dependent nonlinear absorption properties of two chloroindium(III) phthalocyanines bearing pyrene units have been investigated. The tetra- (3) and the tri- (4) pyrene-substituted phthalocyanines exhibit strong triplet absorption with high triplet yields () of 0.79 and 0.83, respectively. The measured nonlinear optical data, such as the two photon absorption cross-sections, the third- and second-order nonlinearities were found to be comparable with those of literature, thus, making the compounds promising candidates for a broad range of nonlinear optical applications. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2014.959509
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
IziNambuzane: isiZulu names for insects
- Authors: Cockburn, Jessica J , Khumalo-Seegelken, B , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Insects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Nomenclature , Zulu language -- Revival , Language policy -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Native language and education -- Research -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Ethnoentomology
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6972 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014581
- Description: We provide a tool for communicating about insects in isiZulu to facilitate research and knowledge sharing in the fields of indigenous knowledge, cultural entomology, environmental education and community extensioninvolving isiZulu speakers. A total of 213 different names for 64 insect specimens were encountered among a sample of 67 respondents in 11 communities distributed across the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This list includes 93 names that can be considered core isiZulu vocabulary and which are widely used to identify insects that are agriculturally, medically, domestically, culturally or ecologically common or significant. Substantial variation was found regarding the names for particular insects, especially between regions, suggesting dialectal differences between isiZulu speakers. Grammatical and social variation in names was also recorded. This study highlights interdisciplinary teamwork in the field of indigenous knowledge research and the influences affecting the standardisation of South African languages for technical and scientific work.
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- Date Issued: 2014
New possibilities for research on reef fish across the continental shelf of South Africa
- Authors: Bernard, Anthony T F , Gotz, A , Parker, Daniel M , Heyns, Elodie R , Halse, Sarah J , Riddin, N A , Smith, M K S , Paterson, Angus W , Winker, A Henning , Fullwood, L , Langlois, T J , Harvey, E S
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014566
- Description: [From introduction] Subtidal research presents numerous challenges that restrict the ability to answer fundamental ecological questions related to reef systems. These challenges are closely associated with traditional monitoring methods and include depth restrictions (e.g. safe diving depths for underwater visual census), habitat destruction (e.g. trawling), mortality of target species (e.g. controlled angling and fish traps), and high operating costs (e.g. remotely operated vehicles and large research vessels. Whereas many of these challenges do not apply or are avoidable in the shallow subtidal environment, the difficulties grow as one attempts to sample deeper benthic habitats. This situation has resulted in a paucity of knowledge on the structure and ecology of deep water reef habitats around the coast of South Africa and in most marine areas around the world. Furthermore, the inability to effectively survey deep water benthic environments has limited the capacity of researchers to investigate connectivity between shallow and deep water habitats in a standardised and comparable fashion.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Outside city limits: introducing Anton van der Merwe of Starways Arts, in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1012 , vital:30191
- Description: Certain contemporary artists in South Africa choose to live in rural areas rather than in cities. This paper explores some reasons for this preference, and also looks at countercultural back-to-the-earth trends and other factors that may have encouraged some of these artists to prefer to live and work in rural settings. It is against this background that artist Anton van der Merwe is introduced and his early choices of spaces in which to work, both as a potter and painter, are examined. This background serves to contextualise his decision, made in 1992, to move home and studio from Midrand in Gauteng to Hogsback village, in rural Eastern Cape. Hardships were faced, artistic growth has been experienced, and a flourishing visual arts practice has been established by him at Starways Arts. In conclusion, it is noted that involvement in aspects of local community affairs have resulted in widespread mutual benefit.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Sailing between Scylla and Charybdis: Mayelane v Ngwenyama
- Authors: Kruuse, Helen
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54118 , vital:26392 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/pelj/article/view/112096
- Description: Mayelane v Ngwenyama 2013 4 SA 415 (CC) is arguably the most important judgment concerning the recognition of customary marriages in recent times. This article attempts to unpack some of the many issues that arise from the case, namely: (a) the practical difficulties associated with ascertaining living customary law and the problems of identifying legal versus social norms; (b) the meaning of consent as a requirement of a customary marriage; (c) the implications of the case for equality between multiple wives in a customary marriage, and as between wives across customary marriages of different cultural traditions; and (e) the implications of the case for equality considerations more broadly. While the authors sympathise with the court in respect of the complex decision before it, it questions the Court's method and result, specifically for the equality rights of a second (or further) "wife" in a Vatsonga customary marriage. The authors suggest that the issues should be put to democratic deliberation by the legislative arm, rather than leaving courts in the unenviable position of having to decide these matters.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Some reflections on two rural potter's cooperatives in the Port St Johns region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1001 , vital:30181
- Description: Two potters in the Port St Johns region of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa have been founder members of different visual arts producer’s cooperatives during the 1980s as part of development initiatives aimed at sustainable economic empowerment. These potters are Debora Nomathamsanqa Ntloya of Qhaka village in the Caguba area and Alice Gqa Nongebeza of Nkonxeni village in the Tombo area. They both engaged in zero electricity, using ceramics praxis and used variants of open bonfiring techniques to finish off their works. This article looks at aspects of formation and administration of such potter’s cooperatives, as well as at types of ceramics technology used and resulting works, and also at some marketing strategies and outcomes. It will be seen that these are factors that impact directly on why some such cooperatives are successful for long stretches of time, and others become defunct or dormant. Furthermore, Debora Nomathamsanqa Ntloya is now largely retired from clayworking, and Alice Gqa Nongebeza passed away in 2012, so a question arises as to whether their ceramic traditions will be continued in the years to come.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Starways Arts: a built environment expressing holistic lifestyles dedicated to visual and performing arts in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Steele, John
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/990 , vital:30179
- Description: In 1992, Anton van der Merwe and his life partner Gwyneth Lloyd moved from Randjesfontein Pottery in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, to an undeveloped smallholding in the densely forested rural village of Hogsback. The past 22 years have seen an ongoing process of settling down and construction of necessary buildings. This paper seeks to explore aspects of philosophical and architectural influences that served as some of the foundation stones for creation of an eclectic series of buildings, including their home, visual arts studios, a gallery, a community theatre and guest accommodation. A review of these buildings will show that Van der Merwe and Lloyd have developed an idiosyncratic construction style that incorporates alternative technology with empathetic use of natural resources, which results in organically flowing living and working spaces that are fit for purpose, have substantial presence and have minimal environmental impact.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The relationship between double taxation agreements and the provisions of the South African Income Tax Act
- Authors: Stack, Elizabeth M
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:21102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6384 , http://journals.co.za/content/jefs/7/2/EJC157823
- Description: This article investigates the legal status of Double Taxation Agreements, and the relationship between Double Taxation Agreements, which are concluded in terms of section 108 of the Income Tax Act, and the provisions of the Income Tax Act (taking into account the provisions of the Constitution, and the national and international rules for the interpretation of statutes). An important conclusion reached was that as the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties represents customary international law and as such forms part of South African law, the principles contained in the treaty should be taken into account when interpreting South African legislation (including Double Taxation Agreements).The final conclusion of the research was that Double Taxation Agreements have a dual nature – forming part of domestic legislation and being classified as international agreements. The provisions of the Double Taxation Agreement should be taken as overriding any conflicting legislation in the Income Tax Act.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The struggle for authority in George McCall Theal's Kaffir Folklore
- Authors: Naidu, Samantha
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:26362 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/53942 , https://www.upjournals.co.za/index.php/SAJFS/article/view/1674 , https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9456-8657
- Description: This article focuses specifically on George McCall Theal’s collection of folktale texts, Kaffir Folklore (1882), as an example of an early South African ethnographic publication, and argues that the folktale transcriptions contained therein, although a part of Theal’s general colonialist project, are hybrid, containing the voices of both coloniser and colonised. The key argument is that the presence of the African voices in this text reveals simultaneously that Theal’s editorial aspirations were never absolutely imposed, and that agency and influence (albeit limited) of the colonised Xhosa co-authors were present. The article offers an analysis of the paratext (the preface, the introduction and the explanatory notes) of Kaffir Folkore, rather than a close reading of the tales themselves. To facilitate an understanding of Theal’s editorial practice, Kaffir Folkore is compared to Harold Scheub’s The Xhosa Ntsomi (1975). More generally, drawing on postcolonial folklore and book-history scholarship, the article explores how folklore texts of the colonial era, although contributing to the establishment of a literary and cultural orthodoxy in modern South Africa, constitute a telling hybrid genre, which invites a re-evaluation of colonial relations, and of individual texts themselves. In short, these texts synthesise different literary traditions (European and African), different mediums (the oral and the written), different disciplinary approaches (ethnography, folklore, literature), and most significantly, the voices of different subjects. Kaffir Folklore (1882) epitomises this synthesis
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014