Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
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Questioning the Merit of Streamlining the Regulation of Activities in the Kruger National Park Through the Use of Environmental Management Instruments and Environmental Impact Assessment Exclusions
No full textThe South African government has recently proposed a streamlined environmental impact assessment (EIA) process to fast-track decision-making and expedite a broad range of activities linked to the construction and upgrading of tourism infrastructure, maintenance, conservation and rehabilitation in the Kruger National Park (KNP). This proposal is founded on the adoption of the KNP’s Management Plan and a Generic Environmental Management Programme as environmental management instruments (EMIs) under the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998. The intention is to exclude South African National Parks (SANParks), the management authority for the KNP, from having to undertake any form of EIA and from having to secure an environmental authorisation from the competent authority prior to undertaking these activities. This article critically explores the merits of implementing such an approach in a state-owned national park established to protect the area’s sensitive and vulnerable ecosystem and species, viewscapes and sense of place. It highlights an array of issues and risks associated with the proposal which, if implemented, hold the potential to undermine the effective management and conservation of the KNP. These risks include a perceived fundamental misunderstanding of the role of management plans, EMIs and EIAs; the potential broad scope of the exclusion; the extent to which the exclusion potentially undermines key constitutionally entrenched principles of administrative justice; and anomalies in the array of proposed conditions built into the exclusion that may undermine the operation of these conditions as satisfactory safeguards
The voice of history Sigmund Freud I E.T.A. Hoffmann/ G.H. Schubert
No full textIn "The uncanny", Freud\u27s essay on E.T.A. Hoffmann\u27s story "The sandman", an attempt is made to reconcile the disparate voices mediating the world of the text. The resultant analysis is not only a flattening of Hoffmann\u27s complex narrative; it also demonstrates a problem in the psychoanalytic understanding of the way in which narrative mediates history. This problem arises from a belief in the ability of scientific discourse to understand historical phenomena while overlooking the forms of their mediation. This essay attempts to show that the difficulties arising out of Freud\u27s interpretation of "The sandman" are prefigured in the story itself. Drawing upon current trends in Romantic psychology (most notably the work of G.H. Schubert) and popular conceptions of. history, Hoffmann builds upon the assumption that narration mediates psychic and historical phenomena only by revealing its own inadequacy as a form of mediation. This assumption blurs the boundary which Freud sought to uphold between literary and scientific discourse. Consequently, a careful reading of Hoffmann and his sources reveals a fundamental doubt in the essentially Freudian project of a discourse of truth and a technique of its implementation.
Opsomming
In Freud se essay "The uncanny" oor E.T.A. Hoffmann se verhaal "The sandman", word \u27n poging aangewend om die uiteenlopende bemiddelende stemme van die wereld van die teks met mekaar le versoen. Die gevolglike analise lei nie net tot \u27n afplatting van Hoffmann se komplekse verhaal nie, maar di! illustreer ook \u27n probleem in die psigoanalitiese opvatting betreffende die manier waarop die geskiedenis deur die narratiewe bemiddel word. Hierdie probleem spruit voort uit \u27n geloof in die vermoe van wetenskaplike diskoers om historiese verskynsels le verklaar sonder dat die vorme van historiese bemiddeling in ag geneem word. In hierdie opstel word probeer om aan le loon dat die probleme wat voortspruit uit Freud se analise van \u27\u27The sandman" alreeds in die verhaal self voorspel word. Deur le put uit resente strominge in die Romantiese psigologie (in die besonder die werk van G.H. Schubert) en populere opvattings van geskiedenis, steun Hoffmann op die veronderstelling dat die narratiewe slegs psigiese en historiese fenomene kan bemiddel deur die blootlegging van sy eie ontoereikendheid as vorm van bemiddeling. Hierdie aanname vertroebel die grens wat Freud tussen literere en wetenskaplike diskoers probeer handhaaf. Gevolglik onthul \u27n noukeurige lesing van Hoffmann en sy bronne \u27n grondliggende twyfel in die essensieel Freudiaanse projek van \u27n diskoers van waarheid en die implementeringstegnieke daarvan
An Assessment of Service Quality Standards in Service Provision Offered to Postgraduate Students in Selected University Libraries in South Africa
No full textThe article sought to investigate the existing quality standards governing service being provided by academic libraries to improve and promote the quality of service offered in South African university libraries. Although these libraries are providing similar services to their constituencies across South Africa, it is crucial to set and document standards for service provision in South African university libraries. The study was conducted in selected academic libraries in South African universities. Although both quantitative and qualitative approaches were applied, the quantitative approach was predominantly used in executing the study. A survey was also applied as the study’s design. For academic libraries to offer effective service provision to the academic community, service quality standards should be developed and complied with by all academic libraries in South African universities. The study revealed that although academic libraries in South Africa provide similar services, there is, however, no documentation of standards for academic library service provision. Academic libraries in South Africa rely on the benchmarking of service provision developed by first-world academic libraries, thus applying international standards for service provision. It is hoped that this article will be beneficial to academic libraries in South Africa as it seeks to standardise service provision and promote adherence to the stipulated standards. The study adds value to the body of knowledge on academic library service provision
Transcending the Traditional Fieldwork Placement in Child and Youth Care through a Rural Community in Ndwedwe
No full textCommunity engagement has been identified as a powerful pedagogical tool, despite its gradual integration into the core functions of teaching and research within the higher education landscape in South Africa. The initiation of university–community partnerships can strengthen the well-being of vulnerable individuals and families in marginalised communities, which resonates with child and youth care education. Using qualitative research methodology, this article seeks to explore how twelve students experienced being placed in a rural context for their fieldwork practicum placement. This was found to differ from traditional child and youth care settings (such as child and youth care centres), as they received mentorship and supervision from community-based child and youth care workers and the nature of their engagement activities were identified and supported based on community needs and the support of community members. Using thematic analysis, the data reflected that there were rich opportunities to learn within community spaces and to develop interventions within grandmother-headed households, strengthening the activities within the community safe park while simultaneously learning alongside rural child and youth care workers
An Afrocentric Treatise of Psalm 105 as an Instructional Song on Historical Divine Exclusivity
No full textThe use of songs for instructional purposes is a shared tradition in both African folk culture and the Hebrew scriptures. This article examines Psalm 105 as a song which emphasises divine exclusivity, drawing connections to African song traditions that serve to preserve essential beliefs for future generations. While all psalms were originally sung, their melodies have been lost over time, though they continue to be used in liturgical contexts. However, scholarly analysis of the psalms as songs has declined. This article begins by exploring the role of songs in African traditional cultures as tools for information retention and teaching, highlighting their parallels with the psalms. It then provides an analysis of Psalm 105 and concludes with the implications of viewing the psalms through the lens of song
Revering Heritage, Empowering High School Learners: Enhancing English through Multilingual Inclusion
No full textWhile South African language policies espouse multilingualism, the education system appears to function differently. Although policies recognise learners’ home languages, most schools choose either English or Afrikaans as the medium of instruction. This article considers a Heritage Day event at a high school in KwaZulu-Natal where language rights were respected, albeit for a short time, transforming learning and empowering second-language learners. It aims to explore how fostering multilingualism can promote the development of listening and speaking skills in English, empower learners, and enhance confidence and participation. The key question is, how may the use of learners’ home languages alongside English instruction enhance linguistic confidence and participation? This article is part of a larger study using a critical paradigm and qualitative approach, with data generated through field notes, observations, and interviews. The findings reveal that when home languages and English are respected, learners gain a deeper appreciation for both, leading to increased self-confidence, better expression, a sense of belonging, and greater classroom participation. Considering this, I suggest the use of learners’ home languages, sparingly, to enhance their motivation towards and confidence in the learning of English. The findings offer valuable insights into fostering multilingualism as a strength in English language education by supporting transformative approaches that celebrate linguistic diversity, nurture confidence, and empower English language learners. Integrating learners’ home languages alongside English instruction can significantly enhance language learning. It is recommended that schools incorporate multilingual practices, train teachers on how to support language diversity, and advocate for policies that value linguistic inclusion to further empower learners
Reimagining Education in Africa: Innovations, Equity, and Policy for a Transformative Future
No full textThe State of E-Records Readiness at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Eswatini
No full textThis article presents findings on the e-records readiness status of the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital (RFMH) in Eswatini. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of e-records readiness at RFMH, where a client management information system (CMIS) was being implemented. The study triangulated three theories/models: the International Records Management Trust (IRMT) e-records readiness assessment tool; the Technological-Organisational-Environmental (T-O-E) framework; and the Community Clinic Electronic Health Record readiness assessment toolkit. The target population comprised 108 staff members. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, observations and document reviews. SPSS version 28.0.0.0 was used for quantitative data analysis and manual content analysis for qualitative data analysis. RFMH’s e-records readiness was at moderate risk owing to poor records management integration and fragmented electronic systems. Insufficient financial resources hinder staff training on electronic records management (ERM) and the CMIS. The study recommends harmonising electronic systems, implementing the Eswatini National Records Management Policy, fully implementing the CMIS and establishing service level agreements, use of official e-mails, and aligning pre-service training with digital healthcare
Cognitive, Emotional and Behavioural Functioning of Adolescents: A Jordanian Cross-Sectional Study
No full textAdolescence is a transitional period characterised by significant biological and psychological changes that profoundly impact individuals’ overall well-being. This study aimed to assess the psychological functioning of adolescents in Jordan through a correlational analysis, focusing on the relationship between various demographic factors and cognitive, emotional and behavioural well-being. A descriptive correlational study was conducted with 363 adolescents selected using a stratified sampling method. The participants filled out the Youth Self-Report Pediatric Symptom Checklist (Y-PSC). The data was analysed using basic statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression. The results showed that the mean score for the Y-PSC was 27.50 (SD = 20.14). Specifically, the mean score for the attention subscale was 4.65 (SD = 5.63); for the internalising subscale it was 3.91 (SD = 3.00); and for the externalising subscale it was 4.90 (SD = 4.22). According to the Y-PSC and its subscales, the following proportions of the sample exhibited psychological impairment: 36.6% (n = 133) on the Y-PSC total score; 21.5% (n = 77) on the attention subscale; 37.7% (n = 135) on the internalising subscale; and 29.8% (n = 107) on the externalising subscale. Male gender, lower family income, lower maternal education level, having a chronic disease, and age were significant predictors of poor psychological functioning in adolescents, as indicated by significant differences in the Y-PSC scores (p < .05). Thus, the study found that Jordanian adolescents experience higher levels of psychosocial issues compared to adolescents in other countries. Understanding the factors that contribute to these issues is crucial for helping adolescents transition to adulthood in a healthy manner. Further research in Jordan is needed to develop programmes that will promote better psychosocial health. In terms of originality, Jordan has been deeply affected by political instability, which has placed extra pressure on the country’s mental health services. Therefore, the study has underscored the importance of identifying at-risk adolescents and enhancing their cognitive, emotional and behavioural well-being
Beyond African Ecclesiastical History: A Comparative Look at Storytelling Techniques
No full textThis article sets out to demonstrate the import of storytelling techniques in ecclesiastical history and across the various academic disciplines. As techniques in communication, they are critical pillars in both ancient and modern history. Storytelling is one of the facets of culture that has remained largely intact for generations, especially in tropical Africa. In appreciating that storytelling techniques go beyond mere narration (refer to language proficiency, figures of speech, music, and drama, among others), the article draws from some Euro-American and African examples to demonstrate their broad spectrum and execution. It asks: How have storytelling techniques manifested across historical times, especially among some critical events such as the Protestant revivals of 18th-century Europe and America, the Second World War (1939–1945), and in the postcolonial African quests for a just and democratic society? Despite the ambitious nature of this article, it will only cite a few representative cases so as to address this concern. Given this, London’s Methodist preacher, Rev. William Edwin Sangster, serving at London’s Westminster Central Hall during the Second World War, and Kenya’s Archbishop David Gitari, who served during the turbulent times of single-party dictatorship (1980s and 1990s), have been cited to give an informed understanding on the significance and execution of storytelling techniques over the years. An extensive review of relevant literature and some limited interviews with people who are connected to this topic have been considered