Theses and dissertations (Arts and Design)

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The accessibility of further education and training colleges to South African sign language users in KwaZulu-Natal
(2018) Sawula, Nqobile Lovable; Makhubu-Badenhorst, R.L.; Pratt, Deirdre Denise
After twenty-four years of democracy, the predicament of people with disabilities has finally become part of the transformation agenda. There has been a growing acceptance that people with disabilities can play active roles in both transforming their own lives and contributing to society. For this to transpire, access to proper education and training opportunities is fundamental. There is thus a need for higher educational institutions to divest themselves of all forms of discrimination against those with disabilities. This requires that people with disabilities be given equal opportunities to enter higher education programmes and to succeed in them. Despite the strong legislative and policy framework for addressing disability in the education sector, access to higher education for disabled students, particularly the South African Sign Language (SASL) users, is believed to be limited. Using the Social Model of disability, this study seeks to investigate the accessibility of Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges to SASL users in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). In this investigation, a total number of fifty South African Sign Language users filled in questionnaires and two representatives from Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges in KwaZulu-Natal were interviewed. This study targeted SASL users who were out of school and wanted to further their studies at higher education institutions. The participants were recruited by inviting all d/Deaf and hard of hearing people from the four selected Deaf organizations/associations in KwaZulu-Natal to participate in the study. The study undeniably reveals that FET Colleges are not accessible to SASL users in KwaZulu-Natal. This is because FET Colleges in KwaZulu-Natal do not provide access services like SASL interpreters for the d/Deaf community, which violates d/Deaf people’s right to education and is a barrier to the d/Deaf students who want to further their studies. Furthermore, this research identified that the Deaf community in KwaZulu-Natal is not well informed about devices that can be used to assist them in classrooms in order to access information.
A critical evaluation of cloth bead sculptures made by rural female artists in Kwazulu Natal (1970 to 1999)
(2002) Khanyile, Isaac Nkosinathi; Starkey, Anthony Roland
Cloth bead sculptures are art objects made by female artists from cloth, beads, wood, wire and other materials that are stitched by hand. They are freestanding representations of the human figure, animals and inanimate objects and have traditionally been important ritual, as well as aesthetic, objects in Zulu communal life. The research for this dissertation was based on qualitative methods which brought together information from the women discussing their life and work. These discussions with individuals and groups looked at the women's own explanations of their work, including its traditional, ritual and communicative functions in rural Kwa Zulu Natal. They also discussed their experiences in selling their artwork in relation to the past discriminatory practices of apartheid South Africa, which was the context for their lives. From the 1970s some rural women brought some of these figures to Durban for sale in the streets to supplement their meagre resources. Later the African Art Centre became the main retail outlet for selling African Art and Craft and white people associated with it became the 'official' spokespersons and interpreters of such their art work. This had the consequence of depriving the rural women artists of their own voice. They were thus not able to give their own interpretation and explanation of their work. Interpretation of these sculptures in the dissertation has taken into account the traditional communicative role of bead figures and the symbolic function of colours, patterns and textures created by the beads and other materials. Cloth bead figures brought in for sale to local and international buyers always represented more than simple decorated figures to the artists themselves. Indeed these bead figures, like other works of art produced by black South Africans, became a vehicle for the
A cultural studies project : exploring the perceptions of undergraduate media university students on the representations of black gay men in two of South Africa’s leading telenovelas, Uzalo and The Queen
(2022-09) Dube, Andile Samuel; Frankish, Tarryn; Wade, Jean Philippe
Even though the South African Constitution protects the rights of LGBTQ+ people and bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, gay people in this country are still victims of the most horrific homophobic abuse and vile discrimination. By venture of its vast reach, the media, television in particular, is an important tool to educate and inform people of the rights of gay people and teach about sexuality. Content creators are responsible for producing the programmes people are exposed to on television, therefore, they are tasked with creating representations of gay people. This study explores the perceptions of media undergraduate students on the representations of black gay people in television, specifically, SABC1’s Uzalo and Mzansi Magic’s The Queen. These two telenovelas have been chosen, because they have black gay characters and are among the most-watched shows on prime-time television. Uzalo has an average of approximately 10 million viewers and The Queen has roughly eight million viewers per episode. The research followed a Cultural Studies approach to explore the role of telenovelas and the active audience paradigm to examine the dynamics of power in the representations of LGBTQ+ on television in South Africa. The study also draws on feminism to highlight the discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community in the African continent. Representation Theory is used as a lead theory in this study, while Social Cognitive Theory is used as a second theory. Two focus groups were held with undergraduate media students from the Journalism Programme and Video Technology Department from the Faculty of Arts and Design in a South African university. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data from these two focus groups. The study found the visibility of gay people on television has increased over the years. In addition, there are instances where the representation is positive and educational, however, the majority remains negative and relies on stereotypes. These findings indicate the media is a powerful tool that can be used to educate the wider public with regard to marginalised people. Going forward, educational implications of LGBTQ+ persons’ representations need to be considered when represented. Therefore, the study posits that representations on popular culture are important as these telenovelas are part of creating the reality that is lived by the minorities they represent. As such, television does not only represent the world, but it helps in its creation and the audience who watch these telenovelas are co-creators
Curatorial practice as reflexive inquiry : a case study of an art museum exhibition
(2018) Stretton, Jennifer Ann Rosalind; Roome, John; Kethro, Philippa
The exhibition Beauty & its Beasts: has the female stereotype changed?, which forms the focus of this case study, was held in the Durban Art Gallery, 30 March – 28 May 2017 and extended to 31 July 2017 (Appendix 1). The gallery has a colonial and patriarchal history and the exhibition sought to overcome public associations with this past by inviting engagement from traditionally marginalised sectors of society. To this end, Giddens’s view of reflexivity is applied in this study to curatorial practice as reflexive inquiry into public and community issues around feminism. Collaborative curation was seen as promoting reflexive inquiry, and involved the conceptualisation of feminist themes, selection and sourcing of artworks, the planning of gallery space for maximal visitor engagement with the exhibition, and the elicitation of public response. The methodology detailed the ways in which these curatorial interventions provided avenues of curatorial inquiry. The gallery space was seen as an ethnographic field in which the experiences, attitudes and beliefs of visitors could be observed. The use of a mannequin on which visitors could pin notes recording their responses allowed privacy and therefore authenticity. As a result visitor responses showed strong engagement and were often confessional and cathartic. It also became evident that visitors experienced the exhibition in richly varied, intersectional ways. Intersectionality spoke of a differently positioned and located community for whom a variety of influences, such as sexuality, spirituality, subjection, gender, class, race, age, motherhood and belonging, all connected with feminism. With hindsight, the collaborative and reflexive planning of the exhibition had taken an intersectional approach to curation, using themes such as Abjection, Dolls, The Usual Suspects, Smoke and Mirrors, Spirituality & Ritual, Who’s Looking at Whom?, Unspoken, and A Mother’s Love. The inquiry concluded that an intersectional approach is appropriate for the curation of exhibitions dealing with controversial and unresolved social issues. Further, the study bore out the notion of reflexivity through collaboration. Recommendations are made for extending the study through community research and the archiving of exhibition data as a curatorial resource.
Decoding government publications : a reception study of the Metro Ezasegagasini
(2024) Payet, Charmel Nikita; Usadolo, Sam Erevbenagie; Ngubane, Zwakele
The government is responsible for transparently communicating with the public about its work. To fulfil this mandate, the eThekwini Municipality distributes the bi-weekly Metro Ezasegagasini publication as a communication tool, with almost similar content to community newspapers. Community newspapers have survived the decline in newspapers as their news coverage is of interest and focused on the communities they cover. This study explored how readers of the Metro Ezasegagasini decode the content and the influence this may have on how they perceive the municipality. The Theory of Reception was used as the analytic lens in the study because the theory focuses on the way an audience decodes text. A qualitative research approach was adopted because this study aimed to gain insight from the readers’ experiences with the metro publication. Data was collected from three focus groups in rural, township, and urban settings. A thematic research approach was used to analyse the data by identifying, analysing, and then reporting on themes. The study found that the Metro Ezasegagasini was fulfilling its role of educating and informing the public about developments in the city. It also emerged that the different backgrounds of participants impact how readers interact with the text and whether they view it as a credible source of information. Participants from the township and rural areas adopted a more favourable position to the publication, while participants from the urban community were more critical of the content. The study also found that participants enjoyed reading the publication because of its strong community focus. Another issue that emerged during the study was the accessibility and distribution of the publication, with many readers highlighting the lack of easy access to the publication.
Design for racial reconciliation dialogue : a South African case study
(2022-09) Robbertze, Victoria Louise; Kethro, Philippa; Warburton, Chantelle
The issue of racism and cross-cultural hostility is still prevalent in post-apartheid South Africa, including in church-based contexts. ‘One New Humanity’ (ONH) is an initiative that seeks to promote racial reconciliation dialogue through church congregant meetings in Durban. This research serves the ONH initiative through a practice-related case study that culminates in the design of a social media campaign. The aim of both the research and the campaign design is to stimulate increased racial reconciliation dialogue amongst ONH congregants, and in so doing spread racial reconciliation to wider communities. Research interviews with ONH congregants and pastors were framed using the theory of relational dialectics. This theory concerns conflict in interpersonal and social relations that are dialectical and contradictory. Relational dialectics is also closely linked to Bakhtin’s dialogical theory. The relational dialectics framework is established in the literature review and is then used as a methodological tool of inquiry leading to its final application in the graphic design of illustrated posts for a social media campaign. The graphic design of the social media campaign is a response to, and application of, the research inquiry into ONH congregants’ views on current racial tensions in South Africa. It is also guided by ONH pastors’ goals for their initiative. The praxis of the study then encompasses the guiding strategy for the ONH campaign, the creative brief for graphic design and the resulting social media content. This enables the ONH leadership to review the campaign for real time implementation. The visual language of the social media campaign draws upon screen print and linocut effects that are reminiscent of anti-apartheid posters of the liberation struggle. From the research data analysis through to the formulation of the creative brief and the design production, the campaign follows responsible design values regarding the impact of graphic design on the viewer’s thinking about racial reconciliation. The ONH Campaign takes the position that both sides of any racial conflict issue need to be understood for racial reconciliation to proceed. This even-handed understanding may be best communicated through provocatively juxtaposed visual image pairs that are digitally disseminated. As such, the research knowledge artefact lies within the ambit of ‘graphic design for good’ endeavours. The research conclusion reflects on the citizen design approach taken in this study, and it may support further ‘graphic design for good’ praxis research.
Experiential learning of family business owners and its influence on business sustainability in Masvingo province of Zimbabwe
(2021-08) Machida, Simbarashe; Mukeredzi, Tabitha; Mago, Stephen
The survival of family-owned businesses beyond the first generation continues to be negatively affected by the death or incapacitation of their founding members. Despite the contribution of family-owned businesses, about 50% of the total global GDP (Rahman et al. 2017) statistics show that only 3% of these businesses survive past the third generation (Kilic and Folizoz 2020). The demise of the founders of the family businesses results in the businesses’ collapse, often after ownership and management has been taken over by heirs, notwithstanding their experience gained from working with the founder members. This qualitative study explored the experiential learning of family business owners and its influence on business sustainability. The study also analysed the kinds of knowledge gained and the support provided by other family members. An interpretive paradigm was adopted in which a multiple-site case study involving three settings: rural, growth points and urban areas in Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe was employed. Two-interview series, complimented by nonparticipatory observations and photo elicitations explored the family business owners who were extracted through purposive, convenience and snowball sampling designs. Data from 21 family business owners explored was transcribed and analysed manually through open coding. The study drew on Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning theory to illuminate the study, and explain the experiential learning of the family business owners. The study found that family business owners across the three research settings experientially learnt through participation in business activities subsequent to observation, and also through reflection. Findings revealed that experiential learning had a direct influence on business sustainability within a given generation. Contextual variations in learning processes emerged as family business owners in the rural setting encountered challenges around a lack of electricity and poor physical infrastructure, inhibiting their experiential learning through use of ICTs and the appropriate transportation of goods. In addition, informed by conceptual frameworks (Grossman 1990; Mukeredzi and Manwa 2019) the study also discovered that family business owners acquired practical knowledge about the use of sophisticated technology, entrepreneurial skills and soft skills. While urban based family business owners were transparent regarding their employees’ salaries, their counterparts in the rural setting did not pay their employees regular salaries. Drawing on Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory, this study also discovered that family business owners enjoyed support from family members in terms of teamwork and social support Collaboration was common in family-owned businesses in the rural setting, where close family ties seemed intact. However, emotional and informational support was received from other family members across all the three research contexts. Notwithstanding the experiential learning and kinds of knowledge attained, including support from other family members, the experiential learning of the family business owners had no significant influence on the long-term business sustainability when ownership and control shifted from one generation to another. Business sustainability was enhanced within a given generation. It also emerged that family business owners operated without succession planning, a critical aspect for business sustainability across generations. From this study, I argue that experiential learning of family business owners should be complemented with succession planning to enhance business sustainability across generations. The study suggests that family business owners should open up, discuss and develop succession plans that will enhance transition from one generation to the next. The study also suggests that family business owners should develop and implement remuneration policies that govern the salaries of the nuclear family members who work in the family businesses. With government support, family business owners in rural settings should consider the installation of solar systems to enhance the use of ICT.
Fault lines : homophobic visual perceptions of masculinity
(2017) Thomas, Nathan; Kethro, Philippa; Carey, Piers
This study explores connections between masculinity and homophobia in a Faculty of Arts and Design at a South African university. Connections between masculinity and homophobia may have consequences for the visual representation of the male body in graphic design. Literature suggests that gender is socially constructed and performed, and that masculinity and homophobia are connected. As such understanding this connection might assist graphic designers who are often tasked with visually representing gendered bodies. The study uses critical theory as the research orientation for inquiry, which is then related to masculinity studies. Photo elicitation using context-free images of male body language in focus groups is the main data generation strategy. Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis with particular reference to participants’ personal stake and interest in masculinity are employed as analytical tools. Overall, the research data reveals four discursive ‘positions’ in relation to visual perceptions of body language: human or situational performance of masculinity, socially gendered performance of masculinity, effeminate or ‘gay’ performance of masculinity, and homosexual performance of masculinity. However, in the data these positions overlap and combine when participants manage their stake or interest in masculinity. The thesis of this study is therefore that homophobic visual perceptions of masculinity may permeate gender performance as ‘fault lines’. Although the study finds these homophobic fault lines in visual perceptions of masculinity, there is also evidence of acceptance of non-mainstream forms of masculinity.
A feminist study into the field experiences of female SABC reporters
(2023-03-01) Govender, Genevieve; Frankish, Tarryn; Muringa, Tigere
This study aimed to explore and describe the field experiences of female radio reporters at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) from a feminist perspective; to ascertain if sexism and harassment is experienced, and if so, in what ways. The study also aimed to determine whether or not patriarchy underpins interactions with newsmakers while reporting, and if so, to what degree. Numerous studies have been undertaken turning the lens into newsrooms and media organisations with regards to gender transformation. While more women have become part of the new machinery post democracy, studies have shown that these women still face staggering incidents of sexism and patriarchy, creating for them glass ceilings that prevent their upward progression towards news management. Studies further indicate that sexism and patriarchy are often nuances and embedded into daily newsroom interactions. Significantly, researchers argue that the problem is a societal issue manifesting within the news industry. The study therefore explores the field experiences of female reporters in relation to patriarchy and sexism. This research was a feminist study, which employed a qualitative approach with a critical theory paradigm. The sample consisted of eleven (11) female reporters employed within the South African Broadcasting Corporation, given the extensive reach of the public broadcaster and the multiple beats covered by the radio employees. The findings of this study detail multiple layers of discrimination and harassment experienced by female radio reporters within the SABC when engaging with newsmakers. Evidenced in the research is the manner in which entrenched societal and cultural values limit and influence the productivity of the reporters and in some instances, impede their freedom to effectively tell the story. Aside from the documented glass ceilings that stunt the upward progression of female reporters, the study posits the existence of invisible walls that stymie their transversal advancement within their designated scope of reporting.
Graphic design for social justice in South Africa
(2012-10-16) Ravjee, Latha; Andrew, Richard Charles; Sutherland, Ian Gilbert
In this dissertation I examine of the role of graphic design in the struggle for social justice in South Africa - with specific reference to the concept of human rights. I am motivated by an overwhelming awareness that the Bill of Rights in post-apartheid South Africa exists in striking contrast to the daily struggles for human dignity. In addressing this contradiction I present a historical examination that focuses on the visual impact of the creative combination of images and text to effect socioeconomic and political change. Drawing from Steve Biko’s philosophy of psychological liberation and Paulo Freire’s educational philosophy for critical thinking, I distinguish between propaganda and education. I take the stand that people are not really free if they blindly accept the myths of the established state order and I explore the various ways in which society is misguided by these myths. I argue that unlike graphic design that maintains the status quo and represents the propaganda of the established order, ‘graphic design for social justice’ represents the voice of people’s power against state power. Through this study and practice I conclude that the role of graphic design for social justice in South Africa is to uncover the myths of state power by presenting scenarios that encourage critical thinking, dialogue and open debate about power and the abuse of power in the continued struggle for human dignity. It is intended that this body of work, and the exhibition that results from it, contributes in part to the writing and documentation of a history of South African socio-political graphics.
An investigation into the exercise of male power in middle management in Technikons in KwaZulu-Natal, with particular reference to verbal communication
(1998) Turnbull-Jackson, Carolyn Jeannette Anne; Prosser, Julia Judith
This study focused on the exercise of male power in middle management in technikons in KwaZulu-Natal, with particular reference to verbal communication. The glass ceiling, blocking promotions to senior positions, is a reality for women in technikons and the researcher explored the ways in which exploitation and marginalisation occur when sexism and power is wielded by males through verbal communication.
An investigation of cultural dislocation in the work of selected artists
(2015-08) De Vries, Jetteke; Starkey, Anthony Roland; Roome, John William
This dissertation sets out to investigate cultural dislocation in the work of Leora Farber (1964), Viviane Sassen (1972), George Alamidis (1954) and my art practice. The paper begins by highlighting the importance of this study and defines terminology for the purpose of this research. In addition an explanation of the research methodology used is provided. The study is contextualised through a discussion of writings by Stuart Hall (1997), Edward Said (1987), Heidi Armbruster (2010), Chloe Sells (2011), Katheryn Woodward (1997), Michel Foucault (1967), Leora Farber (2012) and Lorin Friesen (2013). An analysis of the selected artists’ work reveals an investigation of cultural dislocation within diverse cultural contexts. Farber investigates her position as a second generation Jewish woman in post- colonial, post-Apartheid South Africa through the use of three protagonists. She does this in an attempt to create a lasting Jewish / South African hybrid identity. She explores not only her Jewish heritage and its connotations, but also the changing notions of white identity in post 1994 South Africa. Sassen, in her photographic depiction of obscured African subjects, challenges the viewer’s perceptions of Africa and positions herself as being ‘in-between’ Africa and the Netherlands, where she “will always be the stranger … and will never be part of the culture” (Sassen in Jaeger 2010). Alamidis’ work explores cultural dislocation in the context of migration, eloquently expressed through the use of the identity cards of 1950s Greek immigrants as visual metaphors for the loss of identity. I explore cultural dislocation through the history of three female protagonists (my grandmother, mother and myself) and their migration between the Netherlands and Southern Africa. The protagonists’ cultural narratives provide an historical context for a discussion of my art practice in the form of an exhibition titled Discovering Home. The conclusion outlines the research findings and identifies possible areas of future research. The main research finding reveals that the formation of a new subject identity, post migration, is dependent on a specific (historical) time and (geographical and psychological) space. An area of possible future research, in the context of cultural dislocation, is the use of Foucault’s (1967) theory of heterotopias to explore the idea of the ‘third space’ functioning as a personal heterotopia.
Lesotho police education and training in community conflict management : a case study of the child and gender protection unit in Maseru (CGPU)
(2022-09) Molefe, Clifford Fonono; Mukeredzi, Tabitha; Preece, Julia
The purpose of the study was to explore how the Lesotho Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) in Maseru, under the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), managed conflict situations when dealing with families and communities. The study examined the extent to which police had received training in conflict management and the kind of further education and training that was still needed to manage conflicts more effectively. The police mediated through interviews with affected individuals. The LMPS Strategic Plan describes the vision of the LMPS as follows: “By 2016, the LMPS shall be a professional and accountable police service, providing safety and security in partnership with the community, with particular emphasis on crime prevention, reduction, detection and human rights observance” (LMPS n.d. n.p.). This mandate has direct relevance to my study and the formation of the CGPU. A Qualitative case study design was used. It covered two police stations in the country, namely the Maseru Urban and Maseru Rural police stations. These police stations are in two administrative districts in the rural and urban areas of Lesotho. Thirty (30) people, including police and family members were interviewed. Sixteen (16) police officers and 14 community members in Maseru responded to a semi structured interview guide. Eight of these officers and seven of the community members were also observed during mediation sessions. This study adopted the symbolic interactionism theoretical framework, which acknowledges that different people perceive issues differently. Individuals use language to communicate meanings they think are relevant to a certain group of people, and interaction with symbols becomes the key aspect of communication. As a result, meanings and language play a role in aggravating or decreasing conflicts in families. It was evident, when taking a symbolic interaction perspective, that police culture and institutional language held its own forms of meaning-making, thus making it a fine line between making meaning out of the language of the law and finding ways to make sense of the conflict through cultural and gender perspectives. Meaning making was therefore complex and sometimes contradictory. Since the police deployed in the CGPU should perform professionally, the study dwelt on whether the police had the relevant skills and knowledge as far as education and training were concerned. The findings revealed that the majority of the police had spent many years in the unit without access to education and training, either in or outside of the country. While education and training was the focus of the study, the study also revealed that cultural issues played a major role in conflict management. Participants had different views regarding this issue. Some believed that culture contributed to the fuelling of conflicts in families; however, there were those who believed that it did not play any role in aggravating conflicts. Gender issues became a key aspect in conflict management. It appeared that the police were occasionally biased when performing conflict management. These findings led to recommendations on how police in the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) should be trained on how to manage conflict situations more effectively in the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS). This included exploring how police managed gender-based violence or domestic violence in conflict situations. Findings revealed that the source of conflict were assault, abuse, gender based violence and misuse of family funds. Therefore, police working in CGPU needed education and training on the fields such as counselling, psychology, and play therapy. Adult education programmes for the police officers, planned with institutions like University of Lesotho (Institution of Extra-Mural Studies), were recommended.
A practise-based action research self-study : "how do I improve my practice as a bridal-gown designer in a highly-competitive market?"
(2016) Walters, Casey Jeannne; Scott, Lee; Roome, John William
In my practise-based action research self-study I have developed ways in which to improve my practice as a bridal-gown designer in a highly-competitive and import-driven bridal-gown market. My earnest intent was to improve my practice using action research methods whilst simultaneously developing a solution through critical reflection and practice-based approaches as an economically-sustainable designer of bespoke, cost-effective, competitively-priced bridal gowns. I realised the potential for professional influence and positive economic growth through entrepreneurial thinking, not only for me but for others; it was this which cemented a sense of values in me as an action researcher. I have displayed a healthy marriage between equally important views of practice as theory and the theory as practice. I explored relevant literature that would validate my practice and aid in answering my critical questions, which became evident as validation chapters in my study. Carrying out internships with three bridal gown designers opened my eyes to the real world of business, a sense of theory as practice, where I could see, first-hand, the effects the import industry had on local designers and what they were doing to survive. The conceptualisation of foundational bridal blocks was a solution to save time in my own creative process so that I could produce cost-effective bridal gowns at a competitive price, in a sustainable manner. Once I had explored and created my own interpretation of the foundation block concept that transformed into a small collection of bridal gowns, I used the foundation blocks as a starting point to design bridal gowns for ‘real’ bridal clients. My study is personal in nature; by way of using self-study methods and also the personal ‘one-on-one’ connection I have with my ‘real’ bridal clients. I extended this ‘personal factor’ by holding a public exhibition to which I invited my friends, family, the public and my peers to view and give critical feedback on my work as a bridal gown designer.
The psychosocial effects of poverty on the academic performance of secondary school learners from child-headed households in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe
(2023-11) Chidhumo, Vincent; Abraham, Jose; Kufakunesu, Moses
ABSTRACT This phenomenological study, which was based on an interpretive research paradigm, was conducted in Zimbabwe's Chimanimani District in the Manicaland Province with the purpose of examining the psychosocial effects of poverty on the academic performance of secondary school learners from child-headed homes. The psychological theory of Erikson and the ecological systems theory of Bronfenbrenner were used as the theoretical frameworks. Data collection methods included focus groups, interviews, and document analysis. Participants were carefully chosen, and there were 32 secondary school learners, teachers, administrators, and members of the School Development Committees. In the data analysis, themes and content were looked at. The study established that a large number of learners from child-headed homes lacked access to a healthy diet, high-quality education, school uniforms, fees, knowledgeable staff, resources, and support from the school, which had a detrimental effect on their health as well as their psychological growth and academic success. It is suggested that stakeholders help kids from childheaded homes to lessen the psychosocial effects of poverty on their academic performance based on the findings of the current study. To help learners from low-income households, the government ought to prioritize financing for BEAM expansion. The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development must examine the curriculum offered by teachers' colleges to train guidance and counseling school instructors. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should adequately staff and resource the School Psychological Services in order for it to effectively fulfill its mandate of treating learners with psychological, social, and emotional issues. In addition, school administrators should give priority to incomegenerating initiatives that would help disadvantaged populations, particularly learners from families with secondary school learners. The study created a diamond child-headed home intervention model based on the literature review and research findings, which can be used in the development and implementation of programs to address the welfare and educational help of learners from child-headed households.
The reconstitution of African women's spiritualities in the context of the Amazwi Abesifazane (Voices of Women) project in KwaZulu-Natal (1998-2005)
(2006) Stott, Bernice; Starkey, Anthony Roland
This study will investigate and critically evaluate the reconstitution of African women’s spiritualities in the context of the Amazwi Abesifazane project. This project forms part of the endeavours of Create Africa South, a Non Governmental Organisation situated in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, which was initiated by the artist Andries Botha. It encourages women, post trauma, to ‘re-member’ themselves by creating memory cloths of embroidery and appliqué reflecting on their experiences in pre- and post-apartheid South Africa. This interdisciplinary study theorises that it is an archive that speaks about African women resisting destructive forces and reconstituting their spiritualities through the therapeutic effects of creativity. The study will not include research into the many other activities undertaken by Create Africa South. Rupture is implied in the use of the word ‘reconstitution’. Reconstitution encompasses the act of constituting again the character of the body, mind and spirit as regards health, strength and well-being of the women (McIntosh, 1970:261). In this study, spirituality is defined as the way in which the women in the Amazwi Abesifazane project reflect upon and live out their belief in God. The power of storytelling is examined from the perspectives of narratology, narrative therapy, sewing and orality/literary studies as resources for the women’s reclamation of their lives. Defining feminisms in South Africa is problematised by issues of race, class and culture. In a context of poverty, everyday survivalist strategies are the diverse forms of resistance seen in the Amazwi Abesifazane project. The women’s stories, cloths and interviews are triangulated as primary data. They are examples of the rich art of resistance against despair and are located in a paradigm of hope. In conclusion, I strongly call for government support in declaring the project a national archive. The multidimensional mediums of the Amazwi Abesifazane/ UbuMama projects nurture the women’s creativity and revitalise their spiritualities towards personal and national transformation.
The role of education in land restitution, redistribution and restrictions as individual, group and national empowerment through land reform
(2013) Yeni, Clementine Sibongile; Conolly, Joan Lucy; Sienaert, Edgard
This study is focused on the role of education to improve awareness of two critically important aspects of the South African situation 19 years after the first democratic elections in 1994. In the first instance, the study aims to augment the grades 10-12 Life Orientation curriculum to promote understanding and appreciation of land rights as human rights for every citizen in South Africa to address the social injustices of the past. In the second instance, the study focuses on grades 10-12 Agricultural Sciences curriculum to ensure that every learner who leaves school is in a position to care for land responsibly, and to use land productively for his or her own benefit and the benefit of others in the future. These foci have been informed by numerous interactions with people in four small communities on the Southern KwaZulu-Natal coast, who have been victims of landless as a result of the Group Areas act of 1960, and are claiming restitution for the land lost, and are required by law to make the restituted land productive. The study records first hand stories told about land ownership, landless, land claims, land restitution, and land (ab)use stories, in the form of narratives, such as autobiographies, auto-ethnographies, accounts of action research and self study. My research participants and I are the authors of our land stories. We tell our stories as a way of making the private public in the interests of a fair and just society. The forms of presentation include narratives, dialogues, playlets, literary references and critical reflections. The perspectives used include the native worldview, rurality as a dynamic, generative and variable milieu, the orality-literacy interface, the effect of oppression, and values and beliefs, customs and mores which (in)form a civil and civilised society. During the course of the study, the role of stories to reveal what is happening in the lives of those people most affected by unjust laws, and to empower them to take action in their own best interests became evident. The major role of education in land reforms cannot be overemphasized, which is why I have used what I have discovered from the many interactions with many people to inform two grades 10-12 school curricula: the grades 10-12 Life Orientation curriculum and the grades 10-12 Agricultural Sciences curriculum .
The role of pedagogical content knowledge in preservice teachers’ choice of examples to create opportunities for learning analytical geometry in KwaZulu-Natal multilingual classrooms
(2023-11) Zulu, Sibongile; Brijlall, Deonarian; Thamae, Mamothibe
The study set to respond to calls for research in multilingual mathematics teacher training classrooms with the intention to advance the quality of mathematics preservice teachers (PSTs) content knowledge and improve mathematics education for school learners. In this qualitative study, the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of PSTs in one of the universities in the KwaZulu Natal Province in South Africa was explored. This was to understand how it guides their choice of examples for teaching analytical geometry in multilingual classrooms. Grade 11 analytical geometry lesson plans of 21 PSTs who had been given an analytical geometry test were analysed. The test was to investigate the PSTs content knowledge, which is a basis for PCK, and the lesson plans were analysed to examine the PSTs PCK from the way they structure their lesson objectives and choice of examples. Semi-structured verification interviews were conducted to follow up on both the test responses and lesson plan content, mainly the choice of examples. The domains and subdomains of the Shulman’s PCK born Mathematics Teacher’s Specialised Knowledge (MTSK) model and patterns of variation from the variation theory were used as the theoretical framework, which also guided the analytical framework. The study established that the PSTs had limited content knowledge, and PCK for teaching analytical geometry at Grade 11. The limited knowledge was seen in the way the PSTs relied on procedures for problem solving rather than conceptual understanding, and for this reason they chose procedural examples for teaching the topic. The study also found that the language of learning and teaching affects the PSTs ability to explain concepts in their problem solving, and this also affects their examples choice. Interview responses confirmed that the PSTs are not cognizant of the use of language in their example choice. Therefore, PSTs in multilingual teacher training must be explicitly taught to choose examples and consider learners in multilingual classrooms.
Street art and mural art as visual activism in Durban : 2014 – 2017
(2019) Chapman, Daniel; Roome, John; Farouk, Ismail
This research presents the theories pertaining to the real and imagined role of street art and mural art in current society, focusing on South Africa and Durban. This research also aims to improve my art practice by attempting to apply these theories. By investigating selected activist street and mural artists and movements, I have also aimed at learning from the work of those I admire. By extending my research beyond public two-dimensional art practice into the theories of African cities, cultural studies and white privilege, I have attempted to understand the socio-political factors involved in critical art making in the highly contested post-apartheid public space of Durban. I have discovered that my own belief in the value of street art and mural art in the public space, which this research aims to validate, does not appear to be encouraged or supported within the city of Durban, at large, which is reflected in a stunted street art and mural art culture. Within the context of post-apartheid Durban, a South African city in rapid transition environmentally, socially, economically and culturally, I would like to present street art and mural art as a pragmatic and effective means of cultural response. In this research a practice-based qualitative methodology was used. This is accompanied by theoretical research to contextualize and inform the art practice. The action research comprised of artwork produced in public spaces. Typically, this process involved identifying an ecological/social/political issue which is the artwork’s subject. The combination of practice- based and action research is the most suitable methodological approach for this study which essentially attempts to uncover knowledge pertaining to the function of mural art and street art in the world, more specifically in Durban. My findings show that the foremost function of street art and mural art appears to be the transformation of the public space into a more convivial living environment. The major strategies identified in the theoretical framework in attempting to initiate conviviality through street and mural art include site specificity and participation. Despite a history of attempting to democratize art in South Africa, post-apartheid contemporary society still suffers as a result of restricting the functionality of art by continuing to focus predominantly on the gallery and museum systems. I have found that mural and street art potentially align with the informal functioning of much of South Africa’s public space, encouraging an alternative to the western construction of public space. In conclusion, I argue that street art and mural art can be used as an effective transformative strategy to break down the invisible social barriers present in post-apartheid South African cities, by repurposing the physical barriers of walls.
Techno - Feminism(s) : an investigation into challenging patriarchal hegemony in new media art
(2020-10) Kieswetter, Sarah; Streak, James Gregory; Matsha, Rachel Matteau
This study aimed to use my own practice to explore patriarchal hegemony in new media art, and its relationship with technology (in this case the internet) through a feminist lens. In this research, the term ‘patriarchal hegemony’ refers to the internet/social media being an inherently male-dominated and controlled space. The theoretical framework is informed by theories from cultural studies addressed though a feminist scope. Furthermore, this study sought to critically analyse how techno-feminist (digitally driven and online feminist activism) artists and activists use technology, the internet, and social media as new innovative platforms. This feminist activism seeks to disrupt and create awareness of the dominant patriarchal hegemonic thinking within contemporary society (Morgan 2017:11). I used my own art practice as a point of departure to investigate techno-feminism and also conducted research on the work of other selected feminist artists who use their digital presence to articulate their media-based art activism. In addition, I critiqued how internet GIFs can be used as visual mechanisms to create awareness of patriarchal hegemony and propose alternatives.