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Conference eQoboqobo

- Lubabalo, Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox, Student Researcher

Authors: Lubabalo, Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox , Student Researcher
Date: 27-02-2014
Subjects: Oral history Africa , Healers South Africa Interviews
Language: Xhosa , English
Type: Oral histories , Sound recordings , Interviews , audio recording
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/458416 , vital:75741 , KHA-008
Description: uLubabalo Ntshoko nongumphandi uthetha ngokubaluleka komhlaba kunye nemdlela ekutyetywe ngayo eQoboqobo. UDr Michell Cox waseRhodes obhale incwadi ethi Voices for the Forest incwadi le ibhalwe ngemithi yonke esiyibilisayo nokubaluleka kwendalo empilweni yethu , Lubabalo Ntshoko and Dr Mitchell Cox speaks about the importance of nature and natural resources in Qoboqobo at a conference and she references her book titled Voices Of the Forest
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Date Issued: 27-02-2014

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Analysing role transitioning from functional specialist to leadership: A case study of a media development agency

- Nompumza, Sisanda, James

Authors: Nompumza, Sisanda, James
Date: 2025-10-10
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:80670
Description: The study explored the role transition experiences of media development agency employees transitioning from functional specialists to leadership roles. Role transitions can pose significant challenges, which can adversely affect individual performance and organisational effectiveness. Challenges included identity transformation, role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload. The study used a qualitative case study design, collecting data through semi-structured interviews from eight managers who transitioned from functional specialist roles to leadership roles. Thematic analysis was conducted to organise the data and identify thematic patterns and themes that emerged from their experiences. The results indicated that participants faced challenges associated with competing priorities; balancing the responsibilities of their former responsibilities and new role as a leader; ambiguous expectations in the new role; and ambiguity connected to a fast-paced and overwhelming workload. Organisational supports, such as mentorship programs, onboarding and continual development programs, the provision of mentors for professional development, and security provisions, were essential for managing transitions. Participants were able to create adaptive coping mechanisms, including self-directed learning and personal networks, to engage with peers in leadership roles. The research provided theoretical and practical insight into role transitions, which were beneficial in generating new actionable recommendations for the public sector organisations looking to improve their leadership development initiatives. While the study is exploratory with limitations for generalisability, it has opened space for future research in role transitions, which could include a longitudinal study of leadership transitions into new roles, comparative studies of public sector institutions, and an exploration of female and male issues in role transition experiences. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-10-10

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Evaluating the impact of the biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), on Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae) (water hyacinth) senescence and detritus formation at Hartbeespoort Dam

- Bessinger, Rochelle

Authors: Bessinger, Rochelle
Date: 2025-10-10
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/492792 , vital:80658
Description: This study evaluated the biological control of Pontederia crassipes (water hyacinth) at Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa, focusing on the impacts of plant senescence on water chemistry and detritus formation. Two studies were conducted, the first under laboratory conditions where the amount of detritus formed from senescing water hyacinth plants under biological and chemical control, as well as changes in water chemistry could be compared. This study found that water hyacinth produced increased amounts of detritus over time, compared to healthy plants across all treatments, indicating that senescing plants add to the sediment load of the water. Additionally, pH was found to decrease over time in the presence of senescing plants, restoring the acidity of water compared to alkaline water when water hyacinth plants are healthy. The second study was conducted in situ at Hartbeespoort Dam and monitored the effects of density of the biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris, water hyacinth cover and eutrophic water on detritus formation. It was found that biological control effectively decreases water hyacinth abundance leading to the senescence of the plants, ultimately increasing the amount of detritus produced. Detritus production was significantly correlated to water hyacinth root length, plant abundance and root biomass. Findings indicate that while biological control effectively decreases plant abundance, it may influence nutrient concentrations in the eutrophic dam waters. This research suggests that the senescence of water hyacinth mats impacts sediment loading and nutrient water chemistry, these impacts are no different to water hyacinth under biological, chemical or no control at all. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology
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Date Issued: 2025-10-10

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The impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector

- Mayekiso, Christopher Melumzi

Authors: Mayekiso, Christopher Melumzi
Date: 2025-10-10
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: vital:80669
Description: The research investigated the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector. In addition to determining whistleblowing's impact in reducing corruption in the private sector, the study also aimed to examine barriers faced by potential whistleblowers and analyse whistleblowing's moral motivation and impact on organisational reputation and stakeholder trust in the private sector. The research outlined the background of the research which highlighted that South Africa's private sector has faced numerous corruption scandals, which have undermined public trust and investor confidence. The background also underscored that whistleblowing, which may be internal or external, is a strategy that has been useful in exposing corruption scandals in many organisations. However, even though there is presence of legal protections enshrined in the constitution, presidential encouragement and mechanisms to encourage whistleblowing, corruption continues to plague the private sector in South Africa. This problem motivated the research to find out about the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption, barriers that might be hindering the impact and moral motivation for whistleblowing as well as the impact thereof. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a post-positivist research which provides reality based on socially constructed views around whistleblowing and its impact on reducing corruption within the private sector. The research subsequently utilised a qualitative research approach which provided a suitable approach of exploring issues and understanding underlying reasons and motives in the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption within the private sector. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect purposeful secondary data regarding issues on whistleblowing's impact in the South African private sector. Through thematic content analysis, secondary data collected from court cases, whistle-blower reports, and government reports was analysed to test the study’s propositions. The main themes of this study were structured around barriers, motivations, and impacts. The study’s findings revealed that the deterrence of potential whistleblowers affects the ability of whistleblowing to reduce corruption in the private sector as some cases of corruption are exposed or dealt with due to fear of job loss, harassment or physical harm. The impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption is lessened by weak legal and managerial safeguards that are supposed to protect whistleblowers. The findings show how the interplay of retaliation, inadequate protections and institutional distrust creates a hostile environment for whistleblowers undermining the whistleblowing’s impact in reducing corruption in the private sector. Leveraging the opportunities presented by these components of ethical conduct, reputational damage and stakeholder trust, there is a potential to improve the impact of whistleblowing in reducing corruption in the private sector. The study discussion also highlighted the critical need for organisations to reform, cultural changes in the corporate environment and legal enforcement that is stronger to support whistleblowing to ensure that it has a positive impact on reducing corruption. , Thesis (MBA) -- Rhodes Business School, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-10-10

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The promotion of IsiXhosa in mainstream media: a case study on the strategies used by media practitioners to promote IsiXhosa

- Dyasi, Siviwe

Authors: Dyasi, Siviwe
Date: 2025-10-10
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/492803 , vital:80659
Description: As diverse languages mark South Africa’s linguistics, the dominance of English often marginalises indigenous languages, including isiXhosa. This dominance of English is the result of the colonial and apartheid legacies as English and Afrikaans were prioritised over indigenous languages in the media industry during these eras. This study highlights the critical role of media in language promotion. Through the use of qualitative case study approach, four media practitioners were interviewed. In this study, the necessity of including audiences in the interviews was observed. Thus, 10 participants were further interviewed from different backgrounds. The findings on employed strategies included bilingual programming, community-driven content creation, and the incorporation of traditional storytelling techniques that resonate with isiXhosa-speaking audiences. Furthermore, the research identifies partnerships with educational institutions and cultural organisations that aim to promote isiXhosa through workshops, documentaries, and social media campaigns. The study also addresses challenges media practitioners face, including resource limitations, audience engagement, and the need for language training. This study further investigates the competition between isiXhosa and other indigenous languages such as isiZulu. Despite these obstacles, the commitment to promoting isiXhosa reflects a broader movement towards linguistic equity and recognising the cultural heritage embedded in indigenous languages. This study contributes to the discourse on media representation and the promotion of indigenous languages, offering practical recommendations for enhancing the role of mainstream media in promoting isiXhosa. Documenting encourages a more inclusive media landscape, honouring South Africa’s rich linguistic diversity. The study also looked at the effect of the colonia and apartheid eras on indigenous languages, not neglecting the long dominance of English and Afrikaans in South African television. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-10-10

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A systematic review of mental health care access in disadvantaged communities in South Africa

- Dube, Nkosingiphile Zama

Authors: Dube, Nkosingiphile Zama
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Mental health services South Africa , Rural mental health services South Africa , Social psychiatry South Africa , Healers South Africa , Help-seeking , Systematic reviews (Medical research)
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478295 , vital:78174
Description: Background: Access to mental healthcare in disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa faces numerous challenges, particularly due to cultural beliefs that impact help-seeking behaviours. Systematic reviews provide critical insights into the barriers and facilitators of healthcare access in such contexts. This review aims to evaluate the available literature on mental healthcare access in rural South African communities, with a specific focus on the influence of cultural beliefs on help-seeking behaviours. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies published between 2010 and 2023. Studies were included if they examined barriers to mental healthcare access in rural South African settings and involved culturally relevant factors. Screening, selection, and appraisal of studies were carried out using PRISMA guidelines, with data extracted and synthesized through qualitative thematic analysis. Results: A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings identified barriers such as financial constraints, scarcity of mental health facilities, stigma, long distances to services, language barriers, and cultural beliefs. Cultural practices, such as attributing mental distress to witchcraft or ancestral displeasure, were found to influence perceptions of mental health and discourage professional intervention, with traditional healers and community elders frequently being the preferred resource. Some community members, despite limited knowledge, utilized smartphones for mental health applications, while others relied on traditional practices and community support networks. Conclusion: This review underscores the need for a culturally sensitive, integrated approach to mental healthcare in rural South Africa, blending traditional and modern practices. Recommendations include conducting rural needs assessments, fostering collaboration between mental health practitioners and traditional healers, and enhancing teacher training. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Decoding #BlackGirlMagic: an analysis of how Black women at a South African university construct and celebrate their identities through the hashtag

- Kayumba, Urielle Ngoie

Authors: Kayumba, Urielle Ngoie
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Black Girl Magic , Identity formation , Identity (Psychology) , Empowerment , Women, Black , Representation (Philosophy)
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478394 , vital:78183
Description: The emergence of the Black Girl Magic hashtag in 2013 marked a pivotal moment in the realm of social media, igniting a powerful movement that resonated far beyond the digital sphere. This hashtag, which initially gained traction on platforms like X/Twitter and Instagram, served as a catalyst for celebrating the multifaceted achievements and resilience of Black women. The profound impact of this movement on an individual level became the focal point of my personal journey, delving into the transformative effects of #BlackGirlMagic within the context of a media landscape historically characterised by a lack of diverse representation. The study takes a closer look at the significance of the hashtag in fostering a sense of acceptance among Black women. In a world where mainstream media has perpetuated narrow beauty standards and marginalised narratives, #BlackGirlMagic emerged as a beacon of empowerment (Mason, 2021). This research does not shy away from acknowledging the complex and nuanced dimensions inherent in this movement. It explores how factors such as featurism, colourism, texturism, body types, and nationalities intersect with the celebration, recognising that while #BlackGirlMagic champions empowerment, it also grapples with inherent limitations that need to be addressed (Sinon, 2020). The study explores how Black women students at Rhodes University use and understand the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic in their lives. The research considers the experiences and cultural practices of Black women in online spaces (Bevins, 2020). By delving into the ways in which they engage with #BlackGirlMagic, the study explores the digital landscape as a dynamic and evolving arena where identity, empowerment, and representation intersect. This approach allows for a deeper comprehension of the lived experiences of Black women in the online realm, shedding light on how Black women students at Rhodes University use #BlackGirlMagic and the challenges they face in seeking to be included and represented. By focusing on the experiences of Black women students at Rhodes University, the research can contribute to the broader discourse on digital activism and the role of social media in shaping contemporary feminist movements. This localised perspective offers valuable insights into how global movements like #BlackGirlMagic are adapted and reinterpreted within specific cultural and institutional contexts, highlighting the importance of digital spaces as sites of both empowerment and contestation for Black women. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Interpretations of a contemporary transgender representation as encountered in the South African soap opera, Generations: The Legacy by Ndakane’s rural audience

- Thuku, Sinalo Vincent

Authors: Thuku, Sinalo Vincent
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: LGBT activism , Representation (Philosophy) , Sexual minorities in mass media South Africa , Television soap operas South Africa , Television viewers Attitudes
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478405 , vital:78184
Description: The study investigates how people from Ndakane, a rural community in the Eastern Cape, interpret a transgender narrative in the soap opera Generations: The Legacy. Located within the theoretical framework of cultural studies and drawing on audience reception theories, the study focuses on how Ndakane residents bring their understanding of gender and sexuality, derived from their lived sociocultural experiences, to their decoding of the transgender narrative. The study is contextualised against the backdrop of prevalent hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa, particularly in rural and township areas, where such violence is reported to be more severe. This study contributes to the broader discourse on media representation, audience reception, and the role of cultural narratives in shaping societal attitudes toward marginalised identities. The research highlights the significance of media representations of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in soap operas like Generations: The Legacy, in fostering visibility and potentially enhancing acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ communities. By examining the sociocultural factors that influence audience interpretations, the study investigates how the portrayal of a transgender character offers viewers an opportunity to challenge and rethink their preconceived notions of gender and sexuality. Using Stuart Hall's (1980) Encoding/Decoding model, the study analyses the audience's dominant, negotiated, and oppositional reading positions when engaging with the transgender narrative. A qualitative research approach was employed to gather and analyse data. The findings reveal that the interpretation of the transgender storyline among Ndakane residents aligns with Hall’s (1980) concept of polysemy, indicating that viewers derived varied meanings from the narrative. While some viewers embraced the storyline as an opportunity to explore new perspectives on gender and sexuality, others adopted negotiated readings. Although these viewers did not entirely align with the ideological stance of the producers, they nonetheless accepted the narrative and its implications to some extent, acknowledging it as an acceptable representation. These findings underline the critical role of media in shaping public discourse on LGBTQ+ issues, especially in culturally conservative spaces. By offering a nuanced exploration of audience interpretations, the study underscores the transformative potential of media to challenge deeply rooted social biases and foster inclusivity in communities that may otherwise remain resistant to change. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Massed prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD and alcohol use: a single case experimental study of a university student

- Abrahams, Sherwin Owen

Authors: Abrahams, Sherwin Owen
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Prolonged exposure therapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Alcoholism , Flooding , College students Alcohol use South Africa , College students Psychology
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478284 , vital:78173
Description: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are common among university students in South Africa. Bantjies et al. (2023) found a PTSD prevalence of 21.0% (n=28,268), and McGowan and Kagee (2013) reported that 90% (n=1337) had experienced at least one traumatic event. There is a high comorbidity between PTSD and AUD, especially in hazardous drinkers (Peltzer & Pengpid, 2015). Despite the prevalence, research on effective trauma-focused therapies (TFTs) in low-resource settings is limited (Booysen & Kagee, 2021). This study evaluates the effectiveness of massed-prolonged exposure (MPE) therapy for comorbid PTSD and AUD among South African university students, using a Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED). The participant (n=1) underwent comprehensive assessments using CAPS-5, AUDIT, PDS-5, and PCL-5, confirming PTSD and AUD diagnoses. Regular PCL-5 assessments during the intervention showed significant symptom improvement, and post-intervention assessments indicated the participant no longer met PTSD criteria. AUDIT scores also improved from 11 (harmful/hazardous drinking) to 6. The participant found MPE therapy to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. This study supports the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of MPE therapy and highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions to improve PTSD outcomes within university settings and in low-to-middle-income countries. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Mbonalelo kha vhurangaphanda ha vhafumakadzi: young Vhavenḓa women’s views on their traditional leadership roles historically and post-1994

- Nengwekhulu, Omphulusa

Authors: Nengwekhulu, Omphulusa
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Chiefdoms South Africa , South Africa Politics and government 1994- , Colonialism , Apartheid South Africa , Primogeniture South Africa , Patriarchy South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478427 , vital:78186
Description: This is a qualitative research study that examines how young Vhavenḓa women in post-apartheid South Africa views different traditional leadership roles that Vhavenḓa women have historically played and continue to play in Venḓa society. Therefore, the research question that this Master of Arts (MA) research study sought to research is the following: How do young, 21st-century Vhavenḓa women view the traditional leadership roles historically and currently held by Vhavenḓa women in Vhavenḓa society? To grapple with this research question, this study employed a combination of purposive and snowball sampling strategies to recruit seven research participants. Research participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview approach, which allowed the researcher to build rapport with research participants. Data was manually coded into five themes, namely: 1) The Role of Makhadzi in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 2) The Role of Vhakoma in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 3) The Role of Vhakololo in Traditional Leadership Among the Venḓa Community, 4) The customary practice of male primogeniture and how it contradicts the South African Constitution post-1994, and 5) The socialisation process that puts boys and men on a leadership pedestal. The data was then analysed and discussed in Chapters Four and Five through an Africana Womanist theoretical framework. An important finding in this study is that makhadzi, the father’s sister and also a woman who is a custodian of traditional leadership, is the traditional role that all the participants recognised as the leadership role that Vhavenḓa women have historically played and continue to play. Another role identified by participants as significant within the Venḓa leadership structure is Vhakoma, the Queen Mother and the chief's mother. However, there was limited familiarity with the role of Vhakololo, the royal members or people born into the royal family, as only one participant identified it as a leadership role traditionally occupied by Vhavenḓa women. Research participants suggested that colonial modernity contributes to a lack of knowledge about their culture. Another important finding of this study is that in post-1994 South Africa, there has been a tension between customary practices such as male primogeniture and the South African Constitution. Consequently, some women leaders have used the courts to challenge this practice. Ultimately, this study contributes to the discourse about women’s empowerment and the dismantling of patriarchal structures that undermine women's potential as leaders in the Venḓa context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Mental healthcare users’ perceptions of mental health services at a primary healthcare level

- Zwane, Siphelele

Authors: Zwane, Siphelele
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Mental health services South Africa Makhanda , Primary care (Medicine) , Mental health consumer , Mental health education South Africa , Help-seeking
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478372 , vital:78181
Description: This study interrogates the complexities of mental healthcare in primary healthcare settings, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of participants within the Makana municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, which is characterised by a low socio-economic status. The matter of mental healthcare is of great significance within the context of South Africa, a country grappling with multifaceted challenges. Over the years, mental health has progressed from being marginalised to being more widely acknowledged. While the integration into tertiary and urban healthcare settings has become smoother, primary healthcare has encountered numerous obstacles. This presents a concern, due to the socioeconomic difficulties faced by individuals accessing primary care, which predispose them to mental health issues. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct research focusing on the experiences and perspectives of mental healthcare users within primary healthcare, a relatively underexplored area. The primary objective of the current research study was to contribute to the existing knowledge base, providing valuable insights for relevant stakeholders and policymakers, such as the National Mental Health Policy Framework 2023-2030, to reference when formulating strategies to enhance the integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare. The study used purposive sampling to interview mental healthcare users within the Makana municipality. Employing a qualitative design facilitated in-depth dialogue between the participants and the researcher, generating valuable data. Thematic Analysis was employed to analyse and present meaningful data, providing an overview of the participants' shared experiences. The study identified four significant themes: the utility of primary health clinic; the urgent need for mental health education; socioeconomics, and mental health, and the complex dynamics of help-seeking behaviours. The findings underscore the pressing need to integrate quality mental health into PHC, emphasising the importance of mental health education, increased resources, task-sharing, and the prioritisation of both physical and mental illnesses. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Municipal demarcation: an exploration of ethnic conflict and violence in the 2015 Malamulele and 2016 Vuwani protests

- Shivambu, Matimu

Authors: Shivambu, Matimu
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Municipal boundary , Apartheid , Territorial dispute , Demonstrations South Africa , Tribalism , Political corruption , Municipal services South Africa Limpopo
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478438 , vital:78187
Description: In 2015, communities in Malamulele, located in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, protested against the Thulamela Local Government Municipality, citing inadequate service delivery and favouritism toward Venda-speaking areas. The protesters demanded the establishment of a new municipality for Tsonga-speaking residents, disrupting daily life through road blockades and shutdowns of schools, transportation, and commercial activities. In response, the government demarcated the Thulamela Municipality and created the Collins Chabane Local Government Municipality, which included Vuwani and other Venda-speaking communities. However, this inclusion sparked violent protests in Vuwani in 2016, fueled by claims of insufficient consultation and a desire to remain within the Makhado Local Government Municipality. This study utilised qualitative research methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, to capture the experiences and perspectives of participants from Vuwani and Malamulele. It applied conflict and territory theories to analyse the underlying issues. The findings reveal that colonial policies of divide and rule, along with apartheid-era Bantustan policies, significantly influenced these protests. The study underscores the importance of public participation in community matters, highlighting the unequal provision of services among different groups and emphasising the need for reconciliation. The protests were deeply rooted in the legacy of colonial and apartheid histories and cannot be understood in isolation from these historical contexts and their enduring impacts. This research addresses a gap in the academic literature by exploring the ethnic dynamics and sequence of events in the 2015 Malamulele and 2016 Vuwani protests. It provides insights into the decisions of the government, Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), and community stakeholders that fueled these conflicts, contributing to a broader understanding of post-1994 ethnic violence and conflict in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Perceptions and reflections of primary healthcare professionals on mental health services in Makhanda

- Piliso, Zandisiwe

Authors: Piliso, Zandisiwe
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Primary care (Medicine) , Mental health services South Africa Makhanda , Medical personnel , Ecological Systems Theory , Mental health personnel South Africa Makhanda
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478344 , vital:78179
Description: Primary mental healthcare in South Africa is still in its early stages, despite policies that have been developed, such as the National Mental Health Framework Policy. Provinces such as the Eastern Cape are far behind development, which can be attributed to limited resources. The scarcity has been noted in the literature, but not extensively. Literature concentrated on healthcare professionals’ perspectives towards primary health greatly narrow, particularly in the Makhanda area. With the integration of primary mental health services, healthcare workers’ viewpoints have impacted on service delivery. This study aims to add knowledge and explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals on primary mental healthcare in Makhanda. The ecological systems theory was used as a theoretical framework for the study. Thematic analysis was used to examine the healthcare professionals’ insights and to extract meaning for the participants involved in the study. Thirteen participants were used, using purposive sampling in four primary healthcare settings. Data were collected using semi-structured and one-on-one interviews. The study revealed three themes including, (i) Scarcity of Mental Health Services, (ii) Mental Health Literacy, (iii) Barriers to the Provision and Use of Physical and Mental Health Services. The findings suggest that there are limited mental health care services in primary care and that there is a gap between service provision and physical and mental healthcare. The data also revealed that mental health literacy is limited, which links to the stigma around mental illness. Furthermore, evidence points out that more mental health education, human resources and training of healthcare professionals would further improve the mental health services in the Makhanda area. In addition, there are barriers to the provision of not only primary mental health care but healthcare, as well as a lack of medical equipment, human resources, and structural space that make it difficult for healthcare professionals to perform their jobs and affect clinic functioning, at times. Another barrier is that the perception of mental health service provision is simultaneously viewed in a positive and negative light and mainly received negatively by service users. In conclusion, healthcare professionals experience a deficiency of resources and a limited provision of mental healthcare, which highlights the lack of implementation of policies that have developed nationally and globally. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Reclaiming the ‘Self’: self-objectification and victim-survivors’ bodies in Margie Orford’s The Eye of the Beholder and Akwaeke Emezi’s Freshwater

- Landsberg, Zoe

Authors: Landsberg, Zoe
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Self-objectification , Self in literature , Victims in literature , Detective and mystery stories History and criticism , Magic realism (Literature) , Sex crimes in literature
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478453 , vital:78188
Description: Self-objectification is conventionally viewed by objectification theorists as a negative process that is pursued by victims as a result of experiencing sexual violence. What makes self-objectification particularly negative is that it confirms that the victim feels alienated from their body following their harrowing experience. In this thesis, I argue that Margie Orford and Akwaeke Emezi depart from this view of self-objectification. Instead, through the protagonists in their respective novels, The Eye of the Beholder and Freshwater, Orford and Emezi offer a positive revision of self-objectification by articulating it as a necessary process in a victim’s journey toward reclaiming their body and, with it, their concept of ‘self”. To make this argument, I begin by drawing on Western existential phenomenology and African ontology to develop what is referred to as the basic relational view of the ‘self’ which understands the ‘self’ as the connection point between one’s body and one’s subjecthood. Applying this understanding of the ‘self’ to the selected texts, I show that it is the connection between each protagonist’s body and spirit that is disturbed by their experience of sexual violence. Initially aligning with the negative view of self-objectification, Orford and Emezi confirm this disturbance through their protagonists’ pursuits of self-objectifying behaviours. However, using Elaine Scarry’s artist–artifact model and Russel W. Belk’s articulation of the ‘extended self’, I demonstrate that it is by means of self-objectification that the protagonists are presented as able to reestablish a meaningful connection to their violated bodies and thereby reclaim their disrupted concepts of ‘self’ as they journey towards survivorhood. In this way, through the victim–survivor journeys of their respective protagonists in The Eye of the Beholder and Freshwater, Orford and Emezi inscribe the process of self-objectification with an unorthodox duality where it is not a wholly negative process, but rather one that is pivotal to a victim’s survival. Thus, I conclude in this thesis, Orford and Emezi offer a positive revision of self-objectification, a revision that has not yet been studied in the scholarship on the selected primary texts. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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Resisting gender-based violence in post-1994 South Africa

- Dube, Nobuhle Lynn

Authors: Dube, Nobuhle Lynn
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Gender-based violence South Africa 1994- , Activism , Social media , Masculinity , Patriarchy , Women Violence against South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478416 , vital:78185
Description: This study investigates the origins of gender-based violence, along with some of the legal, policing, and socio-cultural barriers to effectively addressing gender-based violence in post-1994 South Africa, as perceived and articulated by Black women activists. To that end, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with eight Black South African women activists involved in the fight against GBV, based in different parts of the country. The analysis and the discussion of the research findings are framed around six themes and theorised through an African feminism lens. A key finding of this research project is that GBV in post-1994 South Africa can be attributed to multiple sources which include poverty, African culture, women’s liberation in post-1994 South Africa, patriarchy, and toxic masculinities. Another finding of the study is that GBV activists joined the fight against GBV for various reasons, which included personal experience with GBV, a development of feminist consciousness, and a desire to change the justice system and how society understands GBV. A consistent theme in the interviews was that the struggle against GBV is not the sole responsibility of women and girls and that society as a whole bears the responsibility for the fight against GBV. While participants recognised the importance of the compulsory South African high school subject – the life orientation syllabus – participants pointed out that this subject tends to focus mainly on unplanned teenage pregnancies, the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV prevention among young people in South Africa. Thus, the life orientation syllabus foregrounds the dangers of sex, rather than prioritising encouraging students to recognise GBV and equip students with tools to effectively deal with it. Research participants highlighted the importance and benefits of getting involved in the fight against GBV. Participants further recounted that it was the #TheTotalShutDown movement in 2018 that led to President Cyril Ramaphosa meeting with the organisers of #TheTotalShutDown and forming an organising committee, consisting of representatives from the presidency, non-profit groups, and the organisers of #TheTotalShutdown, who worked together to produce the National Strategic Plan against GBV & Femicide which led to the introduction of legislation such as the Domestic Violence Amendment Act 14 of 2022, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act 12 of 2022, and The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 13 of 2022. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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The exploration of Black and Brown drag performance communities: an artistic tool for creating safe spaces

- Adriaan, Aaron Robert

Authors: Adriaan, Aaron Robert
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Sexual minority culture South Africa , Performance art South Africa , Drag performance South Africa , Intersectionality (Sociology) , Autoethnography , Theater South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478383 , vital:78182
Description: This research investigates the role of drag performance in South Africa, particularly its contribution to the fostering and maintenance of safe spaces for Black and Brown Queer communities. Inspired by the community building legacy Kewpie. This research project employs auto-ethnographic research practice to generate a better understanding of modes of Queer drag praxis drawing on Linda Tuhiwai Smith's (1999) concept of the "insider/outsider" researcher. The project acknowledges the ethical challenges of researching vulnerable communities. This research is guided by self-reflection and information gathered from fieldwork; informed by an awareness of the theory of ‘intersectionality’ (Carbado, Crenshaw, Mays, Tomlinson 2013) exploring the complexities of race, class, and sexuality within Cape Town’s Queer community. In this way, the study navigates the complexities of race, class, and sexuality within the drag context of Cape Town through the viewpoint of this researcher. The contextual exploration of drag unfolds across two interconnected disciplinary avenues: Firstly, the historical context of drag and its evolution within the performance art canon: to understand the place of contemporary drag in the broader artistic and cultural discourse. Secondly, the study investigates theatrical histories and conventions that have influenced and transformed drag practices. This is done to frame drag performance with forms of theatrical performance. This historical and disciplinary background is used to formulate a distinction that is at the centre of this research: proposing that contemporary drag practice in the City of Cape Town can be understood and to some extent distinguished by the categories of embodied costume and embodied performance. Embodied costume within the scope of this research view the use of drag aesthetics and visual elements in artistic expressions and performances that fall outside of traditional ‘drag show’ culture. Embodied performance refers to drag performances that fall within the context of traditional ‘drag show’ genres, communities, and venues − reminiscent of cabaret performance. This conception highlights the performative aspects of the drag persona, which is an extension of the performer’s identity. While some performers and performances can exemplify either embodied performance or embodied costume, these categories are not mutually exclusive, with incalculable overlaps in keeping with the rich possibilities of drag practice. The purpose of highlighting these distinctions is to create a critical framework for exploring the unique position drag occupies between fine art and theatre, incorporating both fields of practice, and synthesising them into a unique language for the expression of alternate gender narratives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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The feasibility and acceptability of Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD at a community trauma centre in Cape Town: a qualitative analysis

- Markham, Kate Emily

Authors: Markham, Kate Emily
Date: 2025-04-25
Subjects: Prolonged exposure therapy , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Psychic trauma Treatment , Community-based corrections South Africa Cape Town , Social workers South Africa Cape Town
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478339 , vital:78178
Description: South Africa deals with pervasive trauma stemming from its history of political violence, high crime rates, and social challenges, ultimately contributing to a significant burden of trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among its population. Despite the prevalence of PTSD, evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) remain underutilised, particularly in low-resourced areas. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of PE among social workers at The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture in Cape Town. This study used a qualitative research design, with special emphasis on Implementation Science. The study used the concepts of feasibility and acceptability to guide the research. The results revealed several key themes. Social workers’ pre-implementation themes included the perceptions around PE and implementation in South Africa, with three subthemes emerging. First, the impact of South African socioeconomic and political factors on The Trauma Centre. Second, perceptions surrounding the implementation of PE. And finally, the improvements and feasibility of PE; the social worker’s post-intervention findings focused on the feasibility and improvement of PE, post-treatment views, and the hurdles and limitations to implementation. The client's post-intervention findings explored refugee struggles, associated psychological distress, with two sub-themes of self-worth and suicidal ideation, and second, a lack of support and helplessness, loneliness, and isolation. The final theme looked at the experiences of PE, more specifically the positive client experiences with PE, and the challenges of PE. The implementation of PE at The Trauma Centre revealed both successes and challenges. Findings from this study suggest that PE can be effectively administered through task-shifting in low-resource settings. However, this study also highlighted significant challenges in the feasibility of implementing PE long-term in this context. Clients revealed ambivalent feelings regarding PE. Those who experienced positive outcomes demonstrated the potential for PE to be utilised in resource-limited settings. Those who did not find PE beneficial, highlight the need for future research to adapt PE to be culturally specific and feasible for a resource-constrained setting. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2025
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Date Issued: 2025-04-25

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