Satire in J.J. R. Jolobe's literary works : a critique in relation to contemporary South Africa
- Authors: Benayo, Xolela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Jolobe, James J. R. , Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa poetry -- History and criticism , Humor in literature , Xhosa literature -- Humor , Xhosa language
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161762 , vital:40667
- Description: J.J.R. Jolobe is regarded as one of the individuals who made a valuable contribution to the development of isiXhosa literature through his works, notably in his poetry (Ilitha, Umyezo; Jolobe 1936). His poetry ranges from abstract subjects to more philosophical matters. This study is aimed at decoding the manner in which he employs satire to conscientise African people of the then horrible situation that they were facing. With that said, poetry will not be the only work that this thesis analyses in the process of evaluating Jolobe’s satire; his essays will also be examined (Amavo; Jolobe 1940). Based on the writings of various authors specialising in the subject, satire has been deemed to be a style of literary writing, one which involves invective satire. For the researcher, that statement will be rebutted, as it will be argued that the mode of satire need not be wholly invective. Jolobe’s light-hearted satire not only showcases the amusing side of his writings, but also indicates the seriousness with which they were intended. Themes covered in Jolobe’s satire have inspired the researcher to evaluate these literary texts in relation to modern contexts, especially when it comes to the relationship between the lines of the author’s experience and the public. With that said, the social role of satire is something that one cannot deny. One could therefore say that there is an urgent need for African satirists to face the existing social and economic reality as authentically as possible. The voice of a satirist should also echo the voice of their society as a whole. Satirical study in post-colonial Africa, in South Africa in particular, is useful due to the idea that the works of the likes of Jolobe may diminish in significance due to neo-colonialism. In fact, this is the point which is considered in this study of Jolobe’s satire. This study also examines stages afforded to the development of satire in Africa, especially in the post-colonial era. The purpose is to identify the effects of satire that are related to socio-political as well as religious factors. These factors are often seen as those that play a vital role is one’s personal morals, and those that are meant to shape the whole community. Jolobe addresses imperialism and the class struggle, which speaks to the society’s loyalties regarding the mobilization toward realizing the dream of being independent. This speaks to the works analysed, revealing protests against oppression and exploitation by imperialists; such works show how inhumane people could be against those who they deem to be beneath their standards. Researchers like Mahlasela (1973), Sirayi (1985), Kwetana (2000) and Khumalo (2015) are amongst those who have made it a point to study Jolobe to ensure that these works are kept alive, along with their significance. Other prospective researchers can follow suite in researching the great Jolobe. In ensuring that the aims of this study come to light, the researcher will be using socialist realism as a way of seeing that the works of Jolobe are realistic in nature. With that said, there will be an exploration of allegoric satire. Satiric allegory will be evaluated with regard to the view that it represents a unique slant on satire, whereby it deems satire to be more than just a supportive method of literary criticism. This allows the researcher to hold the view that satire should not be a restrictive framework when dealing with African literature. Satire as a modern form of criticism can be viewed as having an element of humanism, which would result in the satirist doing all he can to make sure that what is satirized is not isolated from the struggle of the community. It is for the above-mentioned reasons that we see a big challenge in the future development of satiric discourse in African literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Benayo, Xolela
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Jolobe, James J. R. , Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa poetry -- History and criticism , Humor in literature , Xhosa literature -- Humor , Xhosa language
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161762 , vital:40667
- Description: J.J.R. Jolobe is regarded as one of the individuals who made a valuable contribution to the development of isiXhosa literature through his works, notably in his poetry (Ilitha, Umyezo; Jolobe 1936). His poetry ranges from abstract subjects to more philosophical matters. This study is aimed at decoding the manner in which he employs satire to conscientise African people of the then horrible situation that they were facing. With that said, poetry will not be the only work that this thesis analyses in the process of evaluating Jolobe’s satire; his essays will also be examined (Amavo; Jolobe 1940). Based on the writings of various authors specialising in the subject, satire has been deemed to be a style of literary writing, one which involves invective satire. For the researcher, that statement will be rebutted, as it will be argued that the mode of satire need not be wholly invective. Jolobe’s light-hearted satire not only showcases the amusing side of his writings, but also indicates the seriousness with which they were intended. Themes covered in Jolobe’s satire have inspired the researcher to evaluate these literary texts in relation to modern contexts, especially when it comes to the relationship between the lines of the author’s experience and the public. With that said, the social role of satire is something that one cannot deny. One could therefore say that there is an urgent need for African satirists to face the existing social and economic reality as authentically as possible. The voice of a satirist should also echo the voice of their society as a whole. Satirical study in post-colonial Africa, in South Africa in particular, is useful due to the idea that the works of the likes of Jolobe may diminish in significance due to neo-colonialism. In fact, this is the point which is considered in this study of Jolobe’s satire. This study also examines stages afforded to the development of satire in Africa, especially in the post-colonial era. The purpose is to identify the effects of satire that are related to socio-political as well as religious factors. These factors are often seen as those that play a vital role is one’s personal morals, and those that are meant to shape the whole community. Jolobe addresses imperialism and the class struggle, which speaks to the society’s loyalties regarding the mobilization toward realizing the dream of being independent. This speaks to the works analysed, revealing protests against oppression and exploitation by imperialists; such works show how inhumane people could be against those who they deem to be beneath their standards. Researchers like Mahlasela (1973), Sirayi (1985), Kwetana (2000) and Khumalo (2015) are amongst those who have made it a point to study Jolobe to ensure that these works are kept alive, along with their significance. Other prospective researchers can follow suite in researching the great Jolobe. In ensuring that the aims of this study come to light, the researcher will be using socialist realism as a way of seeing that the works of Jolobe are realistic in nature. With that said, there will be an exploration of allegoric satire. Satiric allegory will be evaluated with regard to the view that it represents a unique slant on satire, whereby it deems satire to be more than just a supportive method of literary criticism. This allows the researcher to hold the view that satire should not be a restrictive framework when dealing with African literature. Satire as a modern form of criticism can be viewed as having an element of humanism, which would result in the satirist doing all he can to make sure that what is satirized is not isolated from the struggle of the community. It is for the above-mentioned reasons that we see a big challenge in the future development of satiric discourse in African literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Shoutfighting and other fiction
- Authors: Rasmenike, Nonqubela Evelyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Xhosa fiction -- 21st century
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144500 , vital:38351
- Description: This document consists of three parts: Part A: English Half Thesis (Creative Work) ; Part B: IsiXhosa Half Thesis (Creative Work) ; Part C: Portfolio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Rasmenike, Nonqubela Evelyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Xhosa fiction -- 21st century
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144500 , vital:38351
- Description: This document consists of three parts: Part A: English Half Thesis (Creative Work) ; Part B: IsiXhosa Half Thesis (Creative Work) ; Part C: Portfolio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Softboi
- Authors: Mall, Shireen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164373 , vital:41113
- Description: Thesis (MA)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mall, Shireen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164373 , vital:41113
- Description: Thesis (MA)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The catchup games: a novella
- Authors: Nstumpa, Siya
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167222 , vital:41448
- Description: Creative work portfolio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nstumpa, Siya
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167222 , vital:41448
- Description: Creative work portfolio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The digital rhetoric of addressing rape culture: “official” and “unofficial” arguments at Rhodes University
- Authors: Jones, Megaera
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rape in universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Universities and colleges -- Administration -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Communication in higher education - South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142621 , vital:38096
- Description: South Africa is overwhelmed with high levels of sexual violence and institutions of higher education in South Africa are not exempt from this. How higher education stakeholders have responded to the call to address rape culture on campuses has been at the centre of much attention, especially publicly on online communicative spaces. Drawing on contemporary rhetorical theories, informed by a feminist poststructuralist perspective, this study sought to explore how constituents at Rhodes University were discussing how rape culture should (and should not be) addressed on campus. Using a rhetorical analysis, this study collected and analysed online public data from ‘official’ (institutionally sanctioned) and ‘unofficial’ (institutionally independent) communication platforms, following the 2016 rape culture student-led protest at Rhodes University. In analysing and interpreting the data from the ‘official’ sites, four major themes of discussion were evident. These rhetors argued that rape culture is a societal issue, requiring collective responsibility and effort in countering it, and that any approach to do so must abide by the bounds of the law. The University’s commitment, and continued investment to address rape culture on campus were repeatedly stated; as well as, the use of external ‘supportive’ messages that bolstered the reputation, efforts, and actions of the institution. On the ‘unofficial’ sites six broad patterns of discussion were evident. These ‘unofficial’ rhetors embodied the rape culture on campus, perceiving its effects as threatening to the physical body, which led to the adoption of the argument that rape culture needs to be ‘fought’ through physical action and support. Narrow law and order approaches were contested, and the need for a victim-centred approaches were prioritised. Additionally, doubt and suspicion were cast onto the institutional management/leadership, and the University (management/leadership body) were perceived as having ‘failed’ to address rape culture adequality. Considering this ‘failure’, a divisive rhetoric argued that the ‘fight’ against rape culture should continue, despite, and separate from, the institutional body. These findings revealed how the divisive positions these various stakeholders took created a volatile climate between University management/leadership, staff, and student. I argue that such division will continue to undermine any meaningful efforts to counter rape culture on the University campus; underscoring the difficulty, and ambiguity, that comes with attempting to address rape culture on higher education campuses. This necessitates how important it will be for scholars to research, and continue researching, the ways in which a rape culture, and the various approaches which attempt to counter it, are understood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jones, Megaera
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rape in universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Universities and colleges -- Administration -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Communication in higher education - South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142621 , vital:38096
- Description: South Africa is overwhelmed with high levels of sexual violence and institutions of higher education in South Africa are not exempt from this. How higher education stakeholders have responded to the call to address rape culture on campuses has been at the centre of much attention, especially publicly on online communicative spaces. Drawing on contemporary rhetorical theories, informed by a feminist poststructuralist perspective, this study sought to explore how constituents at Rhodes University were discussing how rape culture should (and should not be) addressed on campus. Using a rhetorical analysis, this study collected and analysed online public data from ‘official’ (institutionally sanctioned) and ‘unofficial’ (institutionally independent) communication platforms, following the 2016 rape culture student-led protest at Rhodes University. In analysing and interpreting the data from the ‘official’ sites, four major themes of discussion were evident. These rhetors argued that rape culture is a societal issue, requiring collective responsibility and effort in countering it, and that any approach to do so must abide by the bounds of the law. The University’s commitment, and continued investment to address rape culture on campus were repeatedly stated; as well as, the use of external ‘supportive’ messages that bolstered the reputation, efforts, and actions of the institution. On the ‘unofficial’ sites six broad patterns of discussion were evident. These ‘unofficial’ rhetors embodied the rape culture on campus, perceiving its effects as threatening to the physical body, which led to the adoption of the argument that rape culture needs to be ‘fought’ through physical action and support. Narrow law and order approaches were contested, and the need for a victim-centred approaches were prioritised. Additionally, doubt and suspicion were cast onto the institutional management/leadership, and the University (management/leadership body) were perceived as having ‘failed’ to address rape culture adequality. Considering this ‘failure’, a divisive rhetoric argued that the ‘fight’ against rape culture should continue, despite, and separate from, the institutional body. These findings revealed how the divisive positions these various stakeholders took created a volatile climate between University management/leadership, staff, and student. I argue that such division will continue to undermine any meaningful efforts to counter rape culture on the University campus; underscoring the difficulty, and ambiguity, that comes with attempting to address rape culture on higher education campuses. This necessitates how important it will be for scholars to research, and continue researching, the ways in which a rape culture, and the various approaches which attempt to counter it, are understood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The frightened
- Authors: Msimang, Lethokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144004 , vital:38302
- Description: My novella tells the coming of age story of a young woman battling the trauma of objectification. It explores the intimate relationship between a woman and a man, the young and the old, and the camaraderie between women. Having spent the greater part of her youth in various parts of the world, my protagonist faces the stark reality of returning home to her native country. This triggers an angst which causes her to leap between lived experiences and memories. An elegy on how difficult it is to love while dragging the long shadow of shame, it uses short prose and prose poetry to reveal the intimacies and intricacies of self hate and clandestine romances, and to unravel the complexities of memory and forgetting. Built from non linear fragments it seeks to refuse cliches regarding love and to question easy assumptions around gender, family and the innocence of youth. I draw inspiration from Vita Sackville West’s’ All Passion Spent , which eloquently portrays the placid and flickering thoughts of an old woman taking leave from the frivolity of youth. I’m similarly inspired by the sincerity and confessional aspects of Virginia Woolf and French poet and photographer Alix Roubaud ’s journals and Van Gogh’s letters, as well as Lydia Yuknavitch, Max Porter and Elena Ferante’s autobiographical fiction. I also draw from J’Lyn Chapman’s chapbook A Thing of Shreds and Patches and finally Dostoevky’s Notes from Underground , for their blurring of life and writing, and their exploration of grief and death as a lingering thought, together with the oppressive urge to create. In addition I’m inspired by the poetry of a new generation of South African female writers like Vangile Gatsho.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Msimang, Lethokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144004 , vital:38302
- Description: My novella tells the coming of age story of a young woman battling the trauma of objectification. It explores the intimate relationship between a woman and a man, the young and the old, and the camaraderie between women. Having spent the greater part of her youth in various parts of the world, my protagonist faces the stark reality of returning home to her native country. This triggers an angst which causes her to leap between lived experiences and memories. An elegy on how difficult it is to love while dragging the long shadow of shame, it uses short prose and prose poetry to reveal the intimacies and intricacies of self hate and clandestine romances, and to unravel the complexities of memory and forgetting. Built from non linear fragments it seeks to refuse cliches regarding love and to question easy assumptions around gender, family and the innocence of youth. I draw inspiration from Vita Sackville West’s’ All Passion Spent , which eloquently portrays the placid and flickering thoughts of an old woman taking leave from the frivolity of youth. I’m similarly inspired by the sincerity and confessional aspects of Virginia Woolf and French poet and photographer Alix Roubaud ’s journals and Van Gogh’s letters, as well as Lydia Yuknavitch, Max Porter and Elena Ferante’s autobiographical fiction. I also draw from J’Lyn Chapman’s chapbook A Thing of Shreds and Patches and finally Dostoevky’s Notes from Underground , for their blurring of life and writing, and their exploration of grief and death as a lingering thought, together with the oppressive urge to create. In addition I’m inspired by the poetry of a new generation of South African female writers like Vangile Gatsho.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of the minimum wage on poverty and industrial relations in the hospitality industry in Grahamstown, South Africa
- Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
- Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
- Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The indigenous I/Eye: transgressive performativities of blackness within the South African Visual Arts
- Authors: Maneli, Vuyolwethu Pola
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Art, Black -- South Africa , Art Criticism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46900 , vital:39729
- Description: South African Black visual artists have to contend with the racialized economic disparities of the country within which they are enmeshed. This make them susceptible to producing work with the sole motivation of not slipping (further) into poverty, which can greatly hinder our creative autonomy. We are further constrained by the fact that visual arts institutions, whose role it is to decide and regulate what constitutes legitimate art, still operate in accordance with whiteness and a white supremacist logic. The combination of these two factors can lead to the interpellation and artistic production of a Black subjectivity that predominantly caters to – and understands itself in relation to - whiteness. This process of subjectivation, which is performative, can - and regularly does - materialize in various ways through our studio practice. However, with the intervention of critical theory (and the application of strategies of resistance to hegemony that it can provide), interrogative self-reflexivity, and a singular perspective, it is possible to create work that disrupts and transgresses these norms, ultimately contesting the prevalent notion of Black identity as a homogenous experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maneli, Vuyolwethu Pola
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Art, Black -- South Africa , Art Criticism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46900 , vital:39729
- Description: South African Black visual artists have to contend with the racialized economic disparities of the country within which they are enmeshed. This make them susceptible to producing work with the sole motivation of not slipping (further) into poverty, which can greatly hinder our creative autonomy. We are further constrained by the fact that visual arts institutions, whose role it is to decide and regulate what constitutes legitimate art, still operate in accordance with whiteness and a white supremacist logic. The combination of these two factors can lead to the interpellation and artistic production of a Black subjectivity that predominantly caters to – and understands itself in relation to - whiteness. This process of subjectivation, which is performative, can - and regularly does - materialize in various ways through our studio practice. However, with the intervention of critical theory (and the application of strategies of resistance to hegemony that it can provide), interrogative self-reflexivity, and a singular perspective, it is possible to create work that disrupts and transgresses these norms, ultimately contesting the prevalent notion of Black identity as a homogenous experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic performance -- South Africa , Educational psychology Learning, Psychology of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50568 , vital:42222
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic performance -- South Africa , Educational psychology Learning, Psychology of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50568 , vital:42222
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement
- Authors: Wewers, Carryn Lauren
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects , Employee Engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50687 , vital:42335
- Description: Many of today’s news headlines are fraught with alarming accounts of fraud and Corruption conducted by business leaders and this study was undertaken to investigate the influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement. The question has arisen whether these unethical actions among business leaders impact the perceptions of employees and whether this affects their engagement with the organisation. There has been an increase in studies on employee engagement, due to the significant positive impact that it has on an organisation and the beneficial outcomes that engaged employees produce. In this study, the research design followed a positivist approach. The research participants consisted of middle managers in the public or private sectors in South Africa. Sampling was done using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Secondary data was collected using research data from the Nelson Mandela University Library and its online database. Primary research data was collected using self-administered, standardised questionnaires making use of a 5-point Likert scale. Data was interpreted by means of inferential statistics and biographical information. Every precaution was taken to ensure the reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee as per the protocols that were in place at the time of the data collection. This study is significant in terms of the upsurge in unethical conduct in the business arena. The primary objective of this research was to determine the influence of perceived ethical leadership (Perceived Leader Integrity) on employee engagement (the factors which constitute engagement are job commitment, job satisfaction and future intentions.). In the findings, a moderate relationship was found between PLI and job commitment and job satisfaction. A negative relationship was established between PLI and future intentions. Therefore, ethical leadership had an influence on employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Wewers, Carryn Lauren
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects , Employee Engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50687 , vital:42335
- Description: Many of today’s news headlines are fraught with alarming accounts of fraud and Corruption conducted by business leaders and this study was undertaken to investigate the influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement. The question has arisen whether these unethical actions among business leaders impact the perceptions of employees and whether this affects their engagement with the organisation. There has been an increase in studies on employee engagement, due to the significant positive impact that it has on an organisation and the beneficial outcomes that engaged employees produce. In this study, the research design followed a positivist approach. The research participants consisted of middle managers in the public or private sectors in South Africa. Sampling was done using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Secondary data was collected using research data from the Nelson Mandela University Library and its online database. Primary research data was collected using self-administered, standardised questionnaires making use of a 5-point Likert scale. Data was interpreted by means of inferential statistics and biographical information. Every precaution was taken to ensure the reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee as per the protocols that were in place at the time of the data collection. This study is significant in terms of the upsurge in unethical conduct in the business arena. The primary objective of this research was to determine the influence of perceived ethical leadership (Perceived Leader Integrity) on employee engagement (the factors which constitute engagement are job commitment, job satisfaction and future intentions.). In the findings, a moderate relationship was found between PLI and job commitment and job satisfaction. A negative relationship was established between PLI and future intentions. Therefore, ethical leadership had an influence on employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The Islamic Bloc at the United Nations Human Rights Council
- Authors: Rist, Duncan Graham
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: United Nations Human Rights Council , Organisation of Islamic Cooperation , International relations , International relations -- Moral and ethical aspects , Political leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Power (Social sciences) -- United States , Human rights -- International cooperation , Liberalism -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142759 , vital:38114
- Description: Uncertainty as to the future of the liberal international order and the position of the United States within an international system in which it is not the hegemon remains a topic of debate amongst scholars of International Relations (Acharya: 2017; Duncombe and Dunne: 2018; Ikenberry: 2009, 2011, 2014; Nye: 2012 and Monteiro: 2011/2012). Fukuyama’s (1989: 4) “end of history” has not happened and a resurgence of populist leaders within established liberal democratic countries has contributed to a rapid decline of moral and ethical leadership and has further compromised the future of the liberal international order (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 27). As the relative power of the United States declines and the future of the liberal international order becomes increasingly uncertain, support for its future must be sought from outside the West (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 25 and Ikenberry: 2009). This thesis seeks to locate where potential non-Western support for the future liberal international order may be found. It does so through an analysis of how Islamic states who are part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation vote on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The OIC has a significant presence at the UNHRC and can influence the direction of the liberal international human rights regime. The evidence examined in this research project suggests that the future liberal international order and human rights regime can indeed expect some form of cooperation from the OIC. However, the OIC, and by extension Islamic states, would likely offer more support at least for human rights, if a more common understanding were to be found.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Rist, Duncan Graham
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: United Nations Human Rights Council , Organisation of Islamic Cooperation , International relations , International relations -- Moral and ethical aspects , Political leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Power (Social sciences) -- United States , Human rights -- International cooperation , Liberalism -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142759 , vital:38114
- Description: Uncertainty as to the future of the liberal international order and the position of the United States within an international system in which it is not the hegemon remains a topic of debate amongst scholars of International Relations (Acharya: 2017; Duncombe and Dunne: 2018; Ikenberry: 2009, 2011, 2014; Nye: 2012 and Monteiro: 2011/2012). Fukuyama’s (1989: 4) “end of history” has not happened and a resurgence of populist leaders within established liberal democratic countries has contributed to a rapid decline of moral and ethical leadership and has further compromised the future of the liberal international order (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 27). As the relative power of the United States declines and the future of the liberal international order becomes increasingly uncertain, support for its future must be sought from outside the West (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 25 and Ikenberry: 2009). This thesis seeks to locate where potential non-Western support for the future liberal international order may be found. It does so through an analysis of how Islamic states who are part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation vote on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The OIC has a significant presence at the UNHRC and can influence the direction of the liberal international human rights regime. The evidence examined in this research project suggests that the future liberal international order and human rights regime can indeed expect some form of cooperation from the OIC. However, the OIC, and by extension Islamic states, would likely offer more support at least for human rights, if a more common understanding were to be found.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The leadership style of Richard Branson: a psychobiography
- Authors: Fourie, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- Biographical methods , Transformational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49838 , vital:41807
- Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four components of TFL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Fourie, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- Biographical methods , Transformational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49838 , vital:41807
- Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four components of TFL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The leadership style of Richard Branson: a psychobiography
- Authors: Fourie, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Psychology -- Biographical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50557 , vital:42221
- Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four major components of TFL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Fourie, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Psychology -- Biographical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50557 , vital:42221
- Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four major components of TFL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The long road to Rhodes University: narratives of African first-generation students whose mothers are/were domestic workers
- Authors: Mapele, Nomonde
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Household employees -- Children -- South Africa , Women household employees , Rhodes University -- Students , Black people -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa , Students, Black -- South Africa -- Personal narratives , First-generation college students
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150530 , vital:38982
- Description: First-generation African students contend with psychosocial, structural, educational background and financial struggles to gain access to university. The first-generation students exercised their available resources and power, agency and acquired skills to negotiate their journey and entrance to university. They had to figure out for themselves how to navigate a daunting and complex path to university without relying on the knowledge and informative engagement with previous older familial generations who had the experience of attending university. They are a testimony of a generation of young people who have the resilience and grit to compensate for the structural deficits they have and experienced through their disadvantaged educational systems and their financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Although one would expect that teachers would automatically be the first encounter a high school student has of acquiring information on how to gain access to university, many of the previously disadvantaged school teachers are simply too inundated with work to be able to facilitate this process. First-generation students found themselves mostly having to look beyond the parameters of the classroom to acquire these resources. Following a qualitative approach of narrative enquiry, five African students with life experience of being first-generation Rhodes University students whose mothers were or are domestic workers, narrated their personal stories. A first-generation student’s agency, negotiation and navigation through obstacles, struggles and setbacks in the backdrop of having mothers who were/are domestic workers who socialised their children in a specific ideology to value and pursue education are the foundations for this narrative enquiry. This research provides a framework for investigating the concept of adequate and appropriate university preparedness to address the inadequate resources that previously disadvantaged schools have in terms of preparing their students to compete (in often times with more advantaged students) to gain access to university. These first-generation students did not come from educational environments where career counselling or aptitude tests are done to better equip them for entrance into university and appropriate subject and degree choice. Several common traits emerged that give perspective to the narrative of the journey that first-generation students’ had to endure and overcome to gain access to university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mapele, Nomonde
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Household employees -- Children -- South Africa , Women household employees , Rhodes University -- Students , Black people -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa , Students, Black -- South Africa -- Personal narratives , First-generation college students
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150530 , vital:38982
- Description: First-generation African students contend with psychosocial, structural, educational background and financial struggles to gain access to university. The first-generation students exercised their available resources and power, agency and acquired skills to negotiate their journey and entrance to university. They had to figure out for themselves how to navigate a daunting and complex path to university without relying on the knowledge and informative engagement with previous older familial generations who had the experience of attending university. They are a testimony of a generation of young people who have the resilience and grit to compensate for the structural deficits they have and experienced through their disadvantaged educational systems and their financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Although one would expect that teachers would automatically be the first encounter a high school student has of acquiring information on how to gain access to university, many of the previously disadvantaged school teachers are simply too inundated with work to be able to facilitate this process. First-generation students found themselves mostly having to look beyond the parameters of the classroom to acquire these resources. Following a qualitative approach of narrative enquiry, five African students with life experience of being first-generation Rhodes University students whose mothers were or are domestic workers, narrated their personal stories. A first-generation student’s agency, negotiation and navigation through obstacles, struggles and setbacks in the backdrop of having mothers who were/are domestic workers who socialised their children in a specific ideology to value and pursue education are the foundations for this narrative enquiry. This research provides a framework for investigating the concept of adequate and appropriate university preparedness to address the inadequate resources that previously disadvantaged schools have in terms of preparing their students to compete (in often times with more advantaged students) to gain access to university. These first-generation students did not come from educational environments where career counselling or aptitude tests are done to better equip them for entrance into university and appropriate subject and degree choice. Several common traits emerged that give perspective to the narrative of the journey that first-generation students’ had to endure and overcome to gain access to university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The meanings selected Rhodes University student-fans of hip-hop make of the gendered scenarios portrayed in designated South African commercial hip-hop music videos
- Mtengwa, Tamuka Phumelela Msawenkosi Misheck
- Authors: Mtengwa, Tamuka Phumelela Msawenkosi Misheck
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa , Misogyny -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap (Music) -- South Africa , Rap (Music) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Hip-hop -- Influence , Violence in music , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Rape culture -- South Africa , Rap music fans-- South Africa -- Makhanda , Misogyny in music , #RapeCultureMustFall , #RUReferenceList
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148305 , vital:38728
- Description: Hip-hop is frequently linked to misogyny and other forms of violence. This link, in many instances, is often presented outside of a critical understanding of complex underlying societal and gender dynamics. South Africa’s high rates of violence against women make it necessary to understand how hip-hop videos interact with society, as hip-hop, in its commercial form, has become a growing music genre in South Africa. Rhodes University, which has a notable student following of hip-hop, has experienced concerning levels of gender-based tensions as evidenced by the rise of the “fallist” movement’s #RapeCultureMustFall, #RUReferenceList and the suicide of Khensani Maseko, at the instigation of an alleged incident of rape, perpetrated by her boyfriend and fellow student. It is therefore of interest to investigate how a select group of Rhodes University student-fans of hip-hop make meaning out of selected South African commercial hip-hop music videos. The hip-hop music videos chosen for the study, hence Pitbull Terrier (Die Antwoord), Pearl Thusi (Emtee), Dlala ka yona (L’Tido), All eyes on me (AKA featuring Burna Boy, Da L.E.S and JR) and Ragga Ragga (Gemini Major featuring Casper Nyovest, Riky Rick and Nadia Nakai), were selected on the strength of their popularity and uniquely gendered scenarios. This study draws on qualitative research methods, thus qualitative thematic content analysis, focus group and in-depth interviews. The study establishes that despite gender being a contentious issue at Rhodes University, students make meaning out of the gendered portrayals based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop. This study seeks to understand how selected student-fans of hip-hop read the gendered portrayals of the music videos, based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values, and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mtengwa, Tamuka Phumelela Msawenkosi Misheck
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hip-hop -- South Africa , Misogyny -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rap (Music) -- South Africa , Rap (Music) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Hip-hop -- Influence , Violence in music , Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Rape culture -- South Africa , Rap music fans-- South Africa -- Makhanda , Misogyny in music , #RapeCultureMustFall , #RUReferenceList
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148305 , vital:38728
- Description: Hip-hop is frequently linked to misogyny and other forms of violence. This link, in many instances, is often presented outside of a critical understanding of complex underlying societal and gender dynamics. South Africa’s high rates of violence against women make it necessary to understand how hip-hop videos interact with society, as hip-hop, in its commercial form, has become a growing music genre in South Africa. Rhodes University, which has a notable student following of hip-hop, has experienced concerning levels of gender-based tensions as evidenced by the rise of the “fallist” movement’s #RapeCultureMustFall, #RUReferenceList and the suicide of Khensani Maseko, at the instigation of an alleged incident of rape, perpetrated by her boyfriend and fellow student. It is therefore of interest to investigate how a select group of Rhodes University student-fans of hip-hop make meaning out of selected South African commercial hip-hop music videos. The hip-hop music videos chosen for the study, hence Pitbull Terrier (Die Antwoord), Pearl Thusi (Emtee), Dlala ka yona (L’Tido), All eyes on me (AKA featuring Burna Boy, Da L.E.S and JR) and Ragga Ragga (Gemini Major featuring Casper Nyovest, Riky Rick and Nadia Nakai), were selected on the strength of their popularity and uniquely gendered scenarios. This study draws on qualitative research methods, thus qualitative thematic content analysis, focus group and in-depth interviews. The study establishes that despite gender being a contentious issue at Rhodes University, students make meaning out of the gendered portrayals based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop. This study seeks to understand how selected student-fans of hip-hop read the gendered portrayals of the music videos, based on their own experiences, socialisation, cultural values, and level of submission to the discourse of hip-hop.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The perceived effects of rainfall variability on food security in Senqu local municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Mangisa, Nobulungisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rainfall probabilities -- Africa,Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49902 , vital:41815
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mangisa, Nobulungisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rainfall probabilities -- Africa,Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49902 , vital:41815
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2020
The perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Konstabel, Desiree
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social settlements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46410 , vital:39579
- Description: Social housing aims to redress the housing crisis that South Africa is currently facing given the backlog that was left in the provision of free basic housing. Research conducted on the low to the middle-income group from which South African social housing tenants originate, suggests that this income bracket experiences social, physical and mental health challenges. They are three times more likely to suffer from depression than their counterparts in developed countries. Little to no literature has been published focusing on tenants who represent low to middle-income groups living in social housing in South Africa. Furthermore, the researcher did not come across literature highlighting the perceptions and experiences of tenants, who represent these low to middle-income groups, and who live in social housing in South Africa. In the context of South African social housing, there is a gap in the literature about the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative.Guided by the Social Constructionism and Sense of Community theoretical frameworks, the goal of this qualitative research study waste gain a better understanding about the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative in South Africa. An exploratory and descriptive research design was employed, focusing on the tenants of one social housing initiative. A non-probability purposive sampling procedure was followed. Convenience sampling was applied and followed up by volunteer sampling techniques. The sample size consisted of 9 social housing tenants. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted by an independent interviewer and used to collect data and analyse themes. Trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to on all levels.This research contributes to a greater understanding of the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative. The study revealed that most tenants experienced an increased sense of safety in the social housing initiative as compared to the surrounding community. The study further revealed that lower-income tenants have concerns about the long-term affordability of rentals in social housing. Among others, the study recommends that social workers advocate for inclusive social and economic policies to promote greater inclusion of vulnerable groups from low-income backgrounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Konstabel, Desiree
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social settlements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46410 , vital:39579
- Description: Social housing aims to redress the housing crisis that South Africa is currently facing given the backlog that was left in the provision of free basic housing. Research conducted on the low to the middle-income group from which South African social housing tenants originate, suggests that this income bracket experiences social, physical and mental health challenges. They are three times more likely to suffer from depression than their counterparts in developed countries. Little to no literature has been published focusing on tenants who represent low to middle-income groups living in social housing in South Africa. Furthermore, the researcher did not come across literature highlighting the perceptions and experiences of tenants, who represent these low to middle-income groups, and who live in social housing in South Africa. In the context of South African social housing, there is a gap in the literature about the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative.Guided by the Social Constructionism and Sense of Community theoretical frameworks, the goal of this qualitative research study waste gain a better understanding about the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative in South Africa. An exploratory and descriptive research design was employed, focusing on the tenants of one social housing initiative. A non-probability purposive sampling procedure was followed. Convenience sampling was applied and followed up by volunteer sampling techniques. The sample size consisted of 9 social housing tenants. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted by an independent interviewer and used to collect data and analyse themes. Trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to on all levels.This research contributes to a greater understanding of the perceptions and experiences of tenants living in a social housing initiative. The study revealed that most tenants experienced an increased sense of safety in the social housing initiative as compared to the surrounding community. The study further revealed that lower-income tenants have concerns about the long-term affordability of rentals in social housing. Among others, the study recommends that social workers advocate for inclusive social and economic policies to promote greater inclusion of vulnerable groups from low-income backgrounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The political thought of Thomas Sankara and its contemporary relevance
- Authors: Kabwato, Levison M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sankara, Thomas , Sankara, Thomas -- Influence , Burkina Faso -- Politics and government -- 1960-1987 , Cabral, Amílcar, 1924-1973 , Fanon, Frantz, 1925-1961 , Nkrumah, Kwame, 1909-1972
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146556 , vital:38536
- Description: On 4 August 1983, a thirty-three year-old army captain seized power in Burkina Faso and embarked on what can be described a revolutionary journey. Over the next four years, until his assassination in 1987 the government, led by Captain Thomas Sankara, attempted to redeem Burkina Faso from the clutches of neo-colonialism. Through popular mobilisation and organisation, infrastructure (schools, hospitals, bridges) was built, millions of children were vaccinated and diseases such as river blindness were eliminated. Women, long-subjugated by patriarchal systems took up space and led their own initiatives in freedom, including holding senior roles in the public service. On the international stage, practical solidarity was extended to countries either fighting or threatened by neo-colonialism despite the fact that Burkina Faso was poor and was itself threatened by France and her lackeys. What Sankara inherited in August 1983, twenty-three years after Burkina Faso’s independence, was a fragile neo-colonial state which was not allowed by dominant imperialist interests to set an example of what true independence means. So, in just four years, it was all over. Sankara was assassinated by his comrades and the revolutionary project he had led came to a halt. The tragedy of Sankara was the tragedy of all those attempts at revolution which occur before mass movements have had the opportunity to develop and organise themselves independently of the state. Despite this, it is apparent today that Sankara has been influential on current political movements and parties in Africa, from Burkina Faso to South Africa. One of these political movements is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa. This half-thesis is an investigation of Sankara’s political thought. It also examines the extent to which his answers to questions of nationalism and pan-Africanism both matched and differed from his predecessors. To accomplish the latter, a brief but critical analysis of the writings of Amílcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah is made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kabwato, Levison M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Sankara, Thomas , Sankara, Thomas -- Influence , Burkina Faso -- Politics and government -- 1960-1987 , Cabral, Amílcar, 1924-1973 , Fanon, Frantz, 1925-1961 , Nkrumah, Kwame, 1909-1972
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146556 , vital:38536
- Description: On 4 August 1983, a thirty-three year-old army captain seized power in Burkina Faso and embarked on what can be described a revolutionary journey. Over the next four years, until his assassination in 1987 the government, led by Captain Thomas Sankara, attempted to redeem Burkina Faso from the clutches of neo-colonialism. Through popular mobilisation and organisation, infrastructure (schools, hospitals, bridges) was built, millions of children were vaccinated and diseases such as river blindness were eliminated. Women, long-subjugated by patriarchal systems took up space and led their own initiatives in freedom, including holding senior roles in the public service. On the international stage, practical solidarity was extended to countries either fighting or threatened by neo-colonialism despite the fact that Burkina Faso was poor and was itself threatened by France and her lackeys. What Sankara inherited in August 1983, twenty-three years after Burkina Faso’s independence, was a fragile neo-colonial state which was not allowed by dominant imperialist interests to set an example of what true independence means. So, in just four years, it was all over. Sankara was assassinated by his comrades and the revolutionary project he had led came to a halt. The tragedy of Sankara was the tragedy of all those attempts at revolution which occur before mass movements have had the opportunity to develop and organise themselves independently of the state. Despite this, it is apparent today that Sankara has been influential on current political movements and parties in Africa, from Burkina Faso to South Africa. One of these political movements is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa. This half-thesis is an investigation of Sankara’s political thought. It also examines the extent to which his answers to questions of nationalism and pan-Africanism both matched and differed from his predecessors. To accomplish the latter, a brief but critical analysis of the writings of Amílcar Cabral, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah is made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Coopasamy, Kubashinie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47685 , vital:40323
- Description: Employee wellness and work engagement have a positive influence on organisational behaviour. The main aim of the research study was to understand whether a relationship existed between employee wellness and work engagement in a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). The research used a cross-sectional design and a composite questionnaire to measure employee wellness and work engagement. This was a paper and pen-based questionnaire which was distributed to 160 employees. Of the 160 questionnaires distributed only 155 participants responded. These participants are employed at NGO’s based in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London. An exploratory factor analysis determined a new more reliable factor structure for PWS. Employee wellness lost items and became a three-factor structure. The results showed that the new EFA model was best suited for the present study. Work Engagement remained a three-factor structure. T-tests and ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the constructs and the demographic groups. Correlations showed the main findings of the study to be a relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Coopasamy, Kubashinie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47685 , vital:40323
- Description: Employee wellness and work engagement have a positive influence on organisational behaviour. The main aim of the research study was to understand whether a relationship existed between employee wellness and work engagement in a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO). The research used a cross-sectional design and a composite questionnaire to measure employee wellness and work engagement. This was a paper and pen-based questionnaire which was distributed to 160 employees. Of the 160 questionnaires distributed only 155 participants responded. These participants are employed at NGO’s based in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and East London. An exploratory factor analysis determined a new more reliable factor structure for PWS. Employee wellness lost items and became a three-factor structure. The results showed that the new EFA model was best suited for the present study. Work Engagement remained a three-factor structure. T-tests and ANOVAs revealed significant differences between the constructs and the demographic groups. Correlations showed the main findings of the study to be a relationship between employee wellness and work engagement in a non-governmental organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020