Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
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Deobandi Orientated Dār al-‘Ulūms in South Africa, Deobandiyyat: Background, Typology, and Diverse Ideological Conceptualisations Among ‘Ulamā’
No full textA number of South African Muslims consider themselves Deobandi by affiliation. “Deobandiyyat” (allegiance to the thought of the Darul ‘Ulūm in India and its founders) was promoted and found expression early in South African society. It was especially the Jamiatul Ulama groupings and the dār al-‘ulūms that promulgated and continues to entrench Deobandi thinking in society. In 1973 the first dār al-‘ulūm was established in South Africa. Here traditional scholars were trained to serve the religious community of the country. Ever since, the number of these traditional institutions has mushroomed. They have commonalities and are divergent in some ways. Each has its own catchment area and ideology and as such represent the diversity present in the South African Muslim community. This article explores the ideological congruences and diversions of the various dar al-ulūms in South Africa and shows how these are tied to the broader theological debates within the community. This article also examines some of the ramifications of these debates
Foster Parents’ Views on the Content of an Adolescent Risk-Behaviour Management Programme
No full textParenting interventions are regarded as a vehicle through which child development and protection can be promoted. This article reports on a study that explored foster parents’ views on the content of an Adolescent Risk-Behaviour Management (ARBM) programme for foster parents. The 12 study participants were foster parents recruited from designated welfare organisations in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in North West, South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and a focus group guide was used to facilitate the discussion. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached. The findings showed that, regardless of whether their fostered adolescents present with risk behaviour, foster parents are more likely to embrace their role when they feel empowered, equipped and driven, and this is likely to enable them to respond effectively to stressors associated with parenting. This can position them to reflect, assess their behaviour, and increase their knowledge on how to respond effectively to their adolescents’ needs. It was also found that context, language and socioeconomic background should all be considered when training foster parents. These factors seem to be important in determining how foster parents take in, comprehend, and use the information
Technical Vocational Education and Training Students’ Migration Between Programmes
No full textTechnical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges constitute a relatively new sector of South Africa’s education system. This sector offers different programmes, including three-year National Certification Vocational (NC(V)) programmes and Report 191 or National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) programmes. The enrolment at TVET colleges has risen dramatically since the recapitalisation of these colleges. However, students’ inclination to shift to Report 191 (NATED) courses during or after NC(V) programmes tarnishes this growth. This has an impact on the effective operations of TVET colleges and may render NC(V) programmes ineffective. This study investigated the causes of student migration between programmes so as to suggest improvement measures. A qualitative case study was conducted on a single TVET institution in Limpopo, South Africa. Purposive sampling was used, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 10 students and four lecturers. The students’ registration records, the departmental TVET policy (Post-School Education and Training), and the college admission policy were reviewed to supplement the interview data. The interviews were audio-recorded and observations were documented to ensure the accuracy of data. The data was interpreted using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The findings revealed that students switched programmes because companies undervalue NC(V) programmes, which might impair their career prospects. This relocation also impacts on resource allocation owing to inaccurate enrolment statistics. Based on the study’s findings, TVET colleges and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) should promote NC(V) programmes more. The DHET should inform prospective employers about different programmes offered by TVET institutions, to enhance their prominence
Bridging Cultural Differences Using Communication for Knowledge Retention in the Cross-Border Mergers of the Telecommunications Industry of Lesotho
No full textThis article has been extracted from the first author’s PhD thesis which investigated how knowledge retention may be enhanced in the context of cross-border mergers and acquisitions. This study investigated different ways of retaining knowledge in the cross-border mergers in the telecommunications industry of Lesotho. This multimethod study triangulated quantitative data collected from seven former employees and 14 staff members of the merged (resultant organisation) Econet Telecom Lesotho by using questionnaires and selecting senior staff members purposively through interviews. The results of the study revealed that there were visible cultural differences between the two organisations. These cultural differences were noticeable even at the managerial level. The findings also pointed to the fact that these cultural variations tended to impede knowledge retention among staff members. This study therefore proposes a framework that can be used to bridge organisational cultural differences using communication to promote knowledge retention in the context of cross-border mergers, not only in the telecommunications industry of Lesotho, but across all industries in the region and internationally
A Theoretical Framework for Environmental Social Work in South Africa: Towards Transformative Eco-social Practice
No full textThe role and responsibilities of social workers over the years had to adjust to the specific needs and challenges brought by the rapid changes of the 21st century. These include global issues such as wars, poverty, human rights violations, mass migration, human trafficking, and climate change issues which contribute to environmental challenges such as floods, wildfires, droughts, famine, and many more. Climate change issues and the accompanying environmental challenges called for the expansion of social work skills and responsibilities to include the cultivation of environmental citizenship and sustainable development. They further called for a paradigm shift in social work training and practice from an anthropocentric world view to include an eco-social world view where non-human as well as human interests are considered. It is in this context that a theoretical framework for environmental social work is proposed. The framework incorporates core features for eco-social practice such as environmental justice, environmental education, environmental awareness, environmental citizenship, and environmental awareness and integrity. The framework also draws on aspects of the Transformative Eco-social Model by Boetto. The framework suggests a different attitude and understanding towards what social work and sustainable development entail
Exploring the Use of Legal Databases Among Law Students at North-West University, South Africa
No full textThis article presents a comprehensive analysis of the usage statistics of legal databases by law students at North-West University (NWU) for 2023, focussing exclusively on usage statistics. The primary objective was to assess the frequency with which each legal database available to students was used and to evaluate whether these resources are being used effectively. Using data obtained from the university’s library records, this study examines the number of times each legal database was accessed by students between January and December 2023. The study focused on the following legal databases: JutaOnline, LexisNexis, HeinOnline, Westlaw, JSTOR, Sabinet African Journals, and Sabinet Legal. The research employed quantitative methods to analyse usage patterns, including the total number of database accesses, the frequency distribution, and comparisons between different databases. The study aimed to provide valuable insight into the use of legal databases among law students, shedding light on which databases are used most frequently. The implications of these findings can inform library management and university administration in optimising resource allocation, improving access to high-demand databases, and enhancing support for student research and learning activities in the field of law
Causes of Morbidity and Mortality in Children Under Five Years: Experiences of Nurses in Burundi
No full textChild morbidity and mortality remain significant public health challenges globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The main objective of this study was to describe the causes of child morbidity and mortality, explore strategies for their reduction, and examine nurses’ experiences and perspectives regarding child deaths. This descriptive and qualitative study involved individual interviews conducted online via Zoom with 15 nurses in Burundi. We consolidated our findings into two themes: factors contributing to child morbidity and mortality, and potential solutions for reducing child mortality. The data revealed that infectious diseases and malnutrition are the primary causes of child morbidity and mortality. Contributing factors include poverty, limited access to healthcare services, malnutrition, and poor sanitation. Effective interventions to reduce child mortality rates include immunisation programmes, maternal and child healthcare services, improved nutrition, enhanced sanitation facilities, and educational initiatives. To prevent child deaths, the following are recommended: comprehensive healthcare services, ongoing education for healthcare providers, and institutional support for health education
Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Learning Technologies for Nursing Education in Low-Resource Settings: A Scoping Review
No full textThe use of digital learning technologies is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. However, there is a lack of published evidence regarding their application in nursing education, particularly in low-resource settings. To inform the development of digital learning guidelines for use in such contexts, a scoping review was conducted to examine the use of these technologies and the associated challenges. The review question was: What are the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of digital learning technologies in nursing education in low-resource settings? The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology was followed. The databases Scopus, Academic Search Complete, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched using the following criteria: student nurses and nurse educators in nursing education institutions; low-resource settings, defined as low- and middle-income countries; and the use of digital learning technologies. Studies involving non-nursing health professions were excluded. Retrieved papers were screened by title and abstract, with full text reviews conducted as needed. Data were analysed thematically using the digital competence framework. Few studies have been conducted in African countries. Key themes included the use of digital learning technologies in general, their application in clinical teaching and theoretical instruction, and the emergence of artificial intelligence in nursing education. Most reported uses were related to students’ online learning experiences. The main challenges were linked to pedagogical competence, along with the need for administrative and technical competencies, thus extending the existing digital competence framework
Exploring the Psychological Challenges and Coping Strategies among Postnatal Mothers with Babies Admitted to a Nursery Neonatal Unit in Malawi
No full textBackground: The experience of having a newborn baby in a high-dependent neonatal unit can be stressful and overwhelming for mothers, causing an interrupted development of a healthy parent-infant attachment and parental role alteration. Our study aimed to explore the psychological challenges and coping strategies among postnatal mothers with babies admitted to a nursery neonatal unit. Methodology: We employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive exploratory sampling design. As determined by data saturation, 10 post-natal mothers were selected using a purposive sampling strategy. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data. A thematic analysis was performed to analyse the qualitative data collected. Ethical approval was sought, and participant rights were considered. Results: Participants ranged in age from 21 to 41 years and all were married; their newborns were admitted to hospital for periods ranging from seven to 49 days. The admitted babies were suffering from respiratory distress syndrome, prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, severe pneumonia, and necrotising enterocolitis. The psychological challenges of mothers were anxiety, emotional stress, lack of a support system, and feelings of isolation, guilt, and self-blame. The coping strategies utilised were healthcare support, peer support groups, past experiences, prayers, improvements in the baby’s health, and acceptance. Conclusions: The mothers’ experience of caring for babies admitted in neonatal nursery units triggered the emotional turmoil, thus affecting their psychological well-being. While mothers utilise a variety of coping strategies that promote maternal involvement and self-care, it is important for healthcare professionals to integrate mental healthcare services into maternity care
Professor Canaan Sodindo Banana and His Border-Crossing Antics: Lessons for the Church and Citizenry in Kairos Moments
No full textProfessor Canaan Sodindo Banana (5 March 1936 – 10 November 2003) was a complex person with a complex historical context that began with his birth from mixed parentage. His father, a practitioner of Christianity and a herbalist, further influenced him to see no difference between African ancestors and Hebrew patriarchs. He became a cleric in the Zimbabwean Methodist Church from where he was exposed to the World Council of Churches (WCC) Programme to Combat Racism (PCR). In 1971, he resigned from the church after it voted against the PCR, which he felt was justified. Instead, in 1973, he travelled to the United States, without a passport, probably to free himself from oppression. When he returned to Zimbabwe and joined politics, to fill the gap created by the arrest of nationalists, he was active in the United African National Congress (UANC), but frustrated by its moderate approach to the problem of racism, in 1976, he joined the radical Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU). In 1998, when he was accused of sodomy, probably to deter him from joining the opposition for his sharp disagreements with former President Robert Mugabe, he crossed the South African border with Botswana without a passport. This article discusses the history of ethnicity, African identity and African Traditional Religion, Western Christianity, and the rise of African consciousness as well as the violence that emerged from the colonial powers in Banana’s life. This context shaped his character and personality, so much so that “what he became to us was a product of his historical context”. Banana defied the sense of security found in colonial borders, and his attempt to free himself from the constraints of hegemony were useful lessons for hid Kairos moments