Research Publications (Arts and Design)

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Advancing livelihoods and transformation of rural women : the role of critical pedagogy in bridging gender gap in South Africa
(Bridgewater State College, 2022-08-15) Maome, Itumeleng Judith; Tawiah, Sampson
The essence of advancing livelihoods is to heighten socio-economic transformation among the poor, especially rural women through education. The statement above suggests that locating these women as critical stakeholders and affording them opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge can advance values significantly. In the country in general, rural women generate less income as compared to men. Hence, educational practices geared toward women are to address this gap. Transformation, however, does not come cheap. It takes consented effort on educators, learners, and society to embrace educational provisions, programs, and new teaching methods for a sustainable change, especially for rural women. To achieve these objectives, a reflection of critical pedagogy and stakeholder theories into women’s lives is essential. The study primarily investigated the role of critical pedagogy in advancing livelihoods and transforming the socio-economic lives of women in Mthatha, South Africa. Interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary analysis form the basis for gathering data from rural women (n=35) purposely selected for the study. The emergent findings show that the curriculum of ACET does not add value to these women’s livelihood because it does not empower them with the requisite skills to fend for themselves. Therefore, the study recommended a robust investigation into the theory of critical pedagogy and the possible benefit of transformative practices in adult education, mainly geared towards women’s development
Assessing community attitudes towards home-based male caregivers for daycare children
(Indonesian Journal of Early Childhood Education Studies, 2023-11-30) Adedokun, Elizabeth Temilade; Adedokun, Theophilus
This study explored community attitudes toward home-based male caregivers for daycare children in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The aim was to understand perspectives on using male caregivers for daycare children. The study interviewed 32 parents and prospective parents in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, about their attitudes toward male caregivers for daycare children. During the interviews, respondents were asked about their willingness to use male caregivers, the reasons behind their decision, the expected impacts on children, and the need for societal change. The study occurred between February and July 2022 in Ogbomoso South and North Local Government areas. Respondents include married men and women aged 30-50, with equal numbers of males and females represented in the 32 interviewees. A qualitative approach was used alongside an accidental sampling technique. An inductive thematic analysis elicited key themes shaping attitudes and norms. A prevalent theme was associating caregiving with inherent female capabilities and maternal duties - many felt women naturally provide superior nurturing and care while men lack these innate aptitudes. Alongside this was a strong distrust of males with children, stemming from abuse and misconduct fears. However, some felt gender is irrelevant, professing egalitarian ideals. However, pursuing equality conflicted with lingering skepticism about men's care motivations. It is apparent that parents lack a framework for choosing caregivers yetchoose for their children. Such a framework could help bridge the gender inequality gap in caregiving.
Blended learning as a response to change in a merged technikon: an account of three modes of delivery in a web-based Communication Skills semester course designed for Engineering students at DIT
(2003) Pratt, Deirdre Denise
The degree to which people are facing revolutionary technological changes in the near future is matched only by the degree of inertia evinced by educational institutions, particularly tertiary institutions. Even when such institutions undergo sweeping changes, as in the case of the recent merger between Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon, the reaction of most academic departments is to make desperate attempts to adjust and consolidate, and to think with nostalgia of “the good old days” rather than to introduce innovations. Yet as Taylor (2001) points out, an institution’s survival in the face of imminent widespread technological change depends not only on changing the way it does things, but on changing the things it does, and a common factor in innovation is often the introduction of new learning technology systems (Kenny, 2002). The “Fourth Generation” learning model described by Taylor is already a reality for educators, involving interactive multimedia online, Internet-based access to World Wide Web resources, and computer-mediated communication. While Taylor is writing in the context of distance education, the “flexible learning model” described is just as appropriate for blended learning, i.e., a mixture of face-to-face and computer-mediated instruction (also referred to as “mixed mode”). Moreover, when a merged “super-technikon” such as the Durban Institute of Technology swells its student numbers to over 20,000 and sprawls over a number of campuses, some of the techniques used for distance education might well apply. However, as Glor (1997) points out, effective innovation is “not just a question of coming up with ideas, but also of developing and realising them successfully”, and the transition “from strategic vision to university wide teaching change is ... a complex and largely uncharted one” (Lines, 2000). The Fourth Generation model of instructional delivery is in fact well within the capabilities of a growing number of the DIT staff who have completed the Pioneers Induction Programme to web-based learning (Peté et al, 2002), initiated in 2000, and are going from strength to strength with the current Pioneers 2003 group. This paper looks at an initiative by one of the Pioneers 2002 group (the author) to introduce a Communication Skills course in blended learning mode, mainly in the interests of enhanced delivery, but also in an attempt to find creative solutions to problems such as larger classes and diminishing resources. It will show that, while the assumptions about enhanced delivery were justified, in one case the initiative was all but sabotaged by the unfortunate convergence of multiple “merger glitches”, which individually could have been relatively easily overcome, but collectively posed a serious threat not just to academic quality but to course continuance.
Christians’ perceptions of HIV prevention in Benin City, Nigeria : implications for HIV/AIDS communication
(Cogent OA, 2019-08-23) Usadolo, Sam Erevbenagie
Christians’ perceptions of HIV prevention and the extent to which their perceptions influence communication about the different options for HIV prevention in Benin City is examined in order to suggest possible HIV-communication strategies. Qualitative data collected from 85 participants in Benin City, Nigeria, through unstructured interviews are analyzed. Analysis of the qualitative data collected reveals a prevailing belief among Christian leaders and members of their churches that being a Christian insulates one against HIV. The analysis also reveals the characterisation of HIV/AIDS as a disease of sinners or people with loose morals and HIV is regarded as a divine punishment by some of the participants and mostly a problem of homosexuals. The study provides the grounds for developing health communication intervention practices, using one of the key community influencers such as pastors to reach communities in efforts to stem the tide of HIV infections in Africa. The findings identify the views of Christians that can be used in considering HIV communication in the city studied.
Contemporary Nigerian artists' response to postmodernist trends and its implications for effective artistic growth
(Durban University of Technology, 2023) Duniya, Giles; Adewumi, Kehinde Christopher
The arguably retrogressive development of infrastructures, socio-political systems and technology in most African states casts a shadow of doubt on Africa’s claim to modernity and by extension, postmodernity. Within the context of the arts, the argument of this paper is premised on two questions: Why do some Nigerian artists claim to be post-modern? What is the viability of such a claim, in a country that, one is wondering whether it is even a modern society? To proffer answers to these questions, the paper enunciates a historical overview of contemporary African art and artists vis-à-vis the generalized concept of post-modernity, from the subjective view that its conceptualization and understanding, have a direct influence on contemporary artistic practice and expression. The paper then interrogates certain arts, within the context of their postmodern trend. The paper's conceptual framework is premised on Peroziosi’s (2009) postulation that artworks are reflective of their original time, place, and production circumstances. The authors conclude that contemporary artists’ responses to and their manifestation of postmodernist trends are such that can be categorised into three: Those who aspire faithfully to postmodernist principles; those who are inspired by postmodernism but want to progress their society by socio-political and economic reflections, criticism and advocacies as well as those who ordinarily would not have been artists perhaps, if not for the freedom provided by postmodernism.
Developing an index on male partner involvement for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Zimbabwe
(2021-12) Chibango, Vimbai; Potgieter, Cheryl
Measuring male partner involvement (MPI) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV remains a challenge as there is no universal instrument to measure this concept. The study underpinned by the Gender and Development theory (GAD), utilised a mixed method design aimed at developing the first index for measuring MPI in PMTCT in Zimbabwe. Eight focus group discussions with men and women from diverse community groups were conducted. In addition, seven key informant interviews were conducted with managers from institutions providing PMTCT services. A ten-item tool was administered to a separate 331 respondents. Using factor analysis, seven items were extracted from a list of ten binary questions which described various activities linked to MPI in PMTCT programmes. The index, which is seen as a work in progress has strength in its inclusion of items that addressed antenatal and postnatal activities, which are crucial for the prevention of paediatric HIV.
Factors contributing to resistance in the use of information and communications technology : a snapshot on engineering graphics and design teachers
(Society for Research and Knowledge Management, 2023-10-30) Mlambo, Philani Brian; Maeko, Mogale Simon Albert; Khoza, Samuel Dumazi
The prevalent adoption of ICT in education has compelled even EGD teachers to integrate ICT in teaching and learning of EGD. However, not every teacher understands the importance of using technology in EGD lessons, even though it offers a lot of benefits for both teachers and learners. Many scholars have attributed this resistance of teachers to many factors, such as gender, age, and attitudes as well as the fact that teachers do not perceive technology as important as they believe that traditional methods are still bearing fruit. In an attempt to understand the actual reasons behind teachers’ resistance to ICT integration in EGD lessons, this study followed a qualitative approach, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. Purposive sampling was used to identify 11 EGD teachers to take part in this study. Furthermore, the study employed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework, which puts emphasis on the acceptance and adoption of technology. This framework assisted in pinpointing factors contributing to ICT resistance and how teachers can accept technology for the purpose of teaching and learning. The findings show that factors such as age, lack of proper skills to use technology, lack of exposure to technology at the tertiary level, attitude, and shortage of resources in schools are contributing to teachers’ resistance to using technology. The study recommends that the department of education should train teachers and provide schools with relevant ICT resources.
Factors influencing construction technology teachers' ability to conduct simulations effectively
(Lembaga Penelitian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat - LITPAM, 2023-03) Mtshali, Thokozani Isaac; Msimango, Simphiwe Magnificent
The efficacy of teaching hands-on skills practical activities requires teachers' willingness to implement technology enhanced pedagogy through the creation of relevant subject simulations. Teachers should be competent with workplace basics in order to prepare and demonstrate construction practical lessons that promote undeniably marketable skills that students can use to contribute to this competitive economy. The goal of this research was to look into the factors that influence Construction Technology teachers' effective teaching when conducting simulations. Purposive sampling was used to identify a total of five (5) teachers to participate in this study. Non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews were also used as a complementary data collection tool. The conceptual framework that guided this study workplace basics. According to the findings of this study, most Construction Technology teachers lack basic workplace skills as well as the ability to maintain effective teaching when conducting simulations. This is due to poorly made artifacts and a failure to use all available tools and equipment. Furthermore, the study discovered that teachers do not always plan for their theory lessons, and the challenge is even more difficult for practical lessons. The study suggests that Construction Technology teachers attend practical skill development training for Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) 2 while also visiting industries, universities, and colleges to gain exposure to the trade environment in order to stay current with technological developments. Most importantly, teachers should engage in ongoing professional development and learn the fundamentals of the workplace basics skills.
Gender-based violence : an exploration of its forms, concepts and causes in South Africa
(2022-05-28) Olalere, Folasayo Enoch
Just as in many other countries, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is also pervasive in South Africa, where cultural norms and gender-based customs and traditions condone and reinforce abusive practices. Even though women are the most reported victims of gender-based violence, research shows that men too can be victims. According to Article 13 of the Istanbul Convention, a preventive intervention requires heightened awareness as a first step in changing attitudes and behaviour that perpetuate the different forms of GBV. However, to create an effective awareness, the various forms, concepts, and causes of GBV must be identified and used as a guide in developing awareness. Hence, this paper seeks to investigate the forms, overarching causes and contributing factors influencing the prevalence of gender-based violence in South Africa. The study conducted a systematic literature review to identify, select and critically appraise existing empirical studies on GBV in South Africa. The systematic review used PRISMA guidelines for literature selection and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) data extraction form to extract relevant data, and this data was further analysed using thematic analysis. The findings from the systematic review were described using a summary table, which reveals the different forms of GBV, the overarching causes and the contributing factors to GBV in South Africa. These findings will help develop awareness campaigns that challenge persistent myths, prejudices, stereotypes and disrupt different pathways that lead to GBV
If bronze, why not wood? a case for the repatriation of the Yoruba Ere Ibeji
(Durban University of Technology, 2022) Adewumi, Kehinde Christopher
In light of the current trend of repatriation of illegally acquired African art which are scattered all over galleries and museums in Europe and the Americas, consideration should also be given to the Ere Ibeji of the Yoruba. These figures are not mere objects of curiosity for Western fascination, but they are strongly tied to the birth and death of twins in Yoruba culture. This paper seeks to revisit this tradition based on literature, in line with its resultant art forms in a bid to contribute to the gamut of existing knowledge on the Yoruba twin tradition, as well as to (re)generate contemporary understanding(s) of the subject matter. Perhaps, this will aid the understanding of the significance of Ere Ibeji to the Yoruba; thereby contributing to the call for their return. The paper recommends that local preparation for the return of these artefacts should include training and re-training of the museum custodians of the cultural objects, construction, and renovation of structures to house the artefacts, and the reinforcement of legal frameworks to protect the cultural objects from illegal displacement. The paper concludes with a note that the return of looted artefacts should not begin and end with the bronzes of Benin and Ife alone, these wooden effigies from the western part of Nigeria also matter.
The impact of domestic chores on the career progression of women in higher education : the case of the Durban University of Technology
(Business Perspectives, 2015) Awung, Mabel; Dorasamy, Nirmala
Recent research has shown that even though women have made some progress as compared to where they were twenty years ago, this progress has proven to be resistant to change in terms of higher level and rewarding positions (Turner, 2012; Hofmeyr and Mzobe, 2012; Botool and Sajid, 2013; Mouley, 2013). According to Boushey and Farrell (2013, p6), this lack of progress results from a lack of flexibility and unpredictable scheduling at the workplace. Others argue that career interruption for childbirth and rearing; domestic responsibilities; gender parities at the work place; organiza-tional structures; and policies that do not meet the needs of female employees affect career progress (Wallace and Smith, 2011, p. 3 and Chiloane-Tsoka, 2010, p. 6). The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to examine the nature of the progress of female employees of the Durban University of Technology, and the extent to which domestic responsibili-ties may be an impediment to such progress. Through a survey of the female employees’ perceptions of their progres-sion, the study adopts a feminist theoretical framework to argue that domestic chores are an obstacle to the career pro-gression of women in higher education. The study then recommends that more policies need to be put in place in order to improve the working conditions of women, and to ensure that there is effective monitoring and evaluation of the policies in place.
Information and communications technology in engineering graphics and design classrooms: a post COVID-19 era
(Lembaga Penelitian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat - LITPAM, 2023) Mlambo, Philani Brian
The integration of information and communications technology in teaching and learning is growing at an exponential rate due to many factors we have observed lately, such as the outbreak of COVID-19. The unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 took the world by surprise. Many sectors such as health and education were left shattered due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The outbreak compelled the educational sector to come up with alternative majors to keep the teaching and learning process alive as the physical classes were suspended as means to curb the spread of COVID-19. In an attempt to investigate different ways Engineering Graphics and Design teachers used to conduct lessons during the COVID-19 lockdown, this study employed a qualitative approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study indicate that COVID-19 did influence the way teachers are teaching post-COVID-19. The study findings further reveal that WhatsApp was the tool most teachers relied on to keep teaching and learning alive, however, some teachers were experiencing problems. The study recommends that teachers should continue using WhatsApp as a way of extending lessons during home hours.
Investigating health care providers’ attitudes towards victims of sexual violence and abuse in a university in south west Nigeria
(Journal of Critical Reviews, 2020-07-21) Adedokun, Theophilus Adedayo
Health care providers play a fundamental role in the society as the foremost members of the health care service team for the victims of sexual violence and abuse and their attitudes towards victims of sexual violence and abuse can play an essential role in the standard of health care services provided for sexual violence and abuse victims. Thus, this study investigates the attitude of care providers towards sexual and abuse victims in a university health center in Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University in South west Nigeria. A random sampling of 40 students of Obafemi Awolowo University and 15 health care providers from Obafemi Awolowo University health center was conducted. A survey and focused group discussion were used as the research instrument of this study. The result of the study shows that the females are mostly the victims of sexual violence and abuse and this is because of the attitude of culture towards female gender. The finding also reveals that sexual violence is a function of power relation between the abused and the abuser and this study concludes that sexual violence is an abuse of power. The study also showed that health care providers have insufficient knowledge in dealing with sexual violence and abuse victims. This study therefore recommends that health care providers should be more professional in dealing with victims of sexual violence and abuse. Health facilities should also provide posttraumatic intervention within the health facilities to complement the work of health care providers and to soothing the pains of the victims.
Linking psychosocial factors to young South Africans’ intention to use condoms : the moderating role of HIV/AIDS information
(e-JSBRB, 2018) Usadolo, Sam Erevbenagie; Usadolo, Queen
Purpose: The present study examined the constructs of the theory of planned behaviour regarding their predictability of intentions to use a condom among Xhosa-speaking adolescents in Eastern Cape, South Africa, using HIV/AIDS information as a moderator. Design: Quantitative data were collected from 196 adolescents in Eastern Cape, South Africa. A regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Results: A regression analysis showed that attitude and perceived behavioural control were significantly related to the intention to use a condom, but subjective norm was not. However, due to the moderating effect of HIV/AIDS information, attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norm predicted intention to use a condom. Conclusion: The findings show that HIV/AIDS information plays an important role in increasing the effect of the theory of planned behaviour on intention to use a condom. Thus, more emphasis should be on beliefs about the adverse effects of condom use, the ability to negotiate condom use, and the importance of other significant others in increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS in order to increase intention to use a condom.
Modelling social algorithms as design templates for educational software
(2006) Pratt, Deirdre Denise
Education involves a process of initiating learners into complex socio-cultural processes which may vary from culture to culture and even between institutions within the same culture, making it difficult to design versatile courseware which has some relevance for the social process to be mastered by learners. Moreover, social elements often operate intra- as well as extra-systemically in social processes, which makes it difficult for the courseware designer to differentiate between the commonalities and variables in learning processes. Yet in spite of the complexity of human social behaviour, psychologists have identified social algorithms which apply to various key domains, and which prepare young people for effective social functioning in a variety of life situations. It is the contention of this paper, based on doctoral research on modelling composition, that it is possible to identify social algorithms which underpin human learning, and which might form the basis for effective courseware, given that such programs would require customisable options so as to cater for the extra-systemic elements applying in various socio-cultural contexts. One of the means whereby social algorithms can be identified is provided by Franck’s modelling process, which uses the principle of reverse engineering. The modelling process is described in some detail, as is the central concept of the social mechanism (i.e. algorithm) with specific reference to the development of educational software in the form of a process-based writing tutor program.
Petals of activism : elucidating notions of feminism in the works of Helen Nzete
(Informa UK Limited, 2023-12-31) Adewumi, Kehinde Christopher
The ongoing patriarchal hegemony in African societies and other parts of the world has fostered diverse feminist reactions both verbally and visually. This paper considers the works of Helen Nzete, a contemporary female artist who employs her mixed-media creations in confronting the patriarchal strongholds of her society, Nigeria. Helen’s second solo exhibition titled “V is for . . . ” tells a story of the female existence without rights in African societies. Thus, she aligns her thoughts and agitations with several other female artists such as Zanele Muholi, and the Guerrilla Girls in protesting against the socio-political imbalance that exists in their societies. To properly understand the form, content and context of Helen’s V is for . . . , this paper employs the visual semiotic theory as a tool to deconstruct the symbolic paradigms of the artist’s works. The paper establishes that Helen’s works were created as a form of feminist activism against unfair structures in society which promote the commodification, objectification and dehumanization of the female. Her works (re)present the woman as a figure of beauty, influence and power
Pornographic objectification of women through Kwaito lyrics
(Routledge, 2012-10-29) Blose, Maud
This Profile discusses the portrayal of women through Kwaito music and their frequent pornographic objectification in the popular township music genre. It considers the apparent shift away of Kwaito from its roots in the moment of popular expectation of the liberated South Africa and its desire to be an expression of the voices of the townships, both democratic, indigenous and controversial. The Profile draws on research to enquire into opinions of fans on the representation of women and asks whether the musicians have strayed from the track which has brought them into the limelight, popular support and success. While not representative of the whole genre, the Profile reviews a sample of lyrics and asks if there is another direction where popular music might go, particularly, whether gender equality and women’s sexual exploitation will continue to exist in tension and contradiction. It is argued that popular music as an example of township music culture that embraces the ideas of post-apartheid freedom and that speaks to the democracy, and of non-racism and gender equality, may have been overtaken by a more compelling commercial pull: that as long as it sells on the streets, anything goes. It is argued that gendered cultural values hold importance both in how women are represented by men and women in a male-dominated music industry and in a culture that must increasingly be aware of the crisis posed to women of uncritical acceptance of cultural messages that accept gender violence and abuse as a necessary ingredient for success.
Teachers’ readiness towards the integration of information and communications technology in teaching and learning of engineering graphics and design in KwaZulu-Natal
(OpenEd Network, 2023-09) Mlambo, Philani Brian; Maeko, Mogale Simon Albert; Khoza, Samuel Dumazi
The integration of information and communications technology (ICT) into the education system has led to changes in the way teaching and learning are conducted. These changes have necessitated the need for teachers to have ICT skills that would help them integrate ICT into teaching and learning (T&L). Hence, this qualitative study was conducted to investigate the state of readiness of Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) teachers in the integration of ICT in T&L in uMgungundlovu secondary schools. Convenience sampling was employed to select nine EGD teachers to partake in this study. Semi-structured interviews and classroom observations were used to collect data. Data gathered from interviews was subjected to thematic analysis, and data gathered from observations was reported descriptively. The findings of this study revealed that EGD teachers in uMgungundlovu District are ready to integrate ICT into the T&L of EGD, as they indicated that ICT integration in EGD lessons is essential. The study further revealed a shortage of ICT resources and a lack of ICT skills among teachers, which hinder the successful integration of ICT. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) provide teachers with ICT training so that those who are technically disadvantaged can be equipped with relevant ICT skills. The study further recommends that DBE give the schools an AutoCAD license, as it has been proven to be a useful ICT tool.
Towards digital inclusion in South Africa : the role of public libraries and the way forward
(CJEAS Ltd, 2022-05-13) Adedokun, Theophilus Adedayo; Zulu, Sylvia Phiwani
Digital inclusion continues to be a recurring theme and pose serious challenge in achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal. Factors such as growing population, age, gender, education, economy etc., continue to play a major role in inhibiting people’s digital access. As a result of the instant exchange of information, people now have access to knowledge, information, data, and other useful things to them than the world has ever recorded in history. People then see the need to be digital inclusive and to be part of the fascinating historical development of ICTs. To enhance people digital inclusiveness, the role of public libraries cannot be overemphasized. This study explores the role of public libraries in making ICTs more accessible to the populations of South Africa, and how these libraries increase ICTs relevance to people’s lives, needs, aspirations, and ultimately, in bridging the digital divide. This study adopts the digital divide approach in discussing the state and role of public libraries in South Africa in bridging the digital gap among its citizens. The authors integrate data from studies on digital inclusion and from Public Library Access studies to give clearer picture on the issue of digital inclusion and the role of public libraries in South Africa. This study found that digital inclusion goes beyond internet literacy and computer access, but it signifies technical proficiency and people’s ability to access appropriate digital services and contents as and when needed. This study also found that the public libraries play an indispensable role in providing and sustaining digital inclusion for people across South Africa, however not without some challenges.