Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
Not a member yet
6222 research outputs found
Sort by
AI-Driven Paradigm Shift in Translation Education and Career Trajectories: Navigating Human-Machine Synergy in the Digital Era
No full textThis study examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on translation professions and pedagogical frameworks. Through systematic analysis of evolving occupational roles and educational requirements, six emerging career trajectories necessitated by artificial intelligence (AI) integration are identified: AI translation coordinators, human language specialists, content localisation experts, real-time translation mentors, multimedia translators, and neural network optimisation specialists. The research reveals a fundamental paradigm shift from conventional linguistic expertise to hybrid competencies combining technological proficiency with cultural intelligence. The study’s findings demonstrate that while AI excels in operational efficiency, human translators remain indispensable for cultural interpretation, creative adaptation, and quality supervision. The article proposes a dual-focused development strategy emphasising domain specialisation, strategic technology adoption, and enhanced business acumen. These insights provide a roadmap for educational institutions to redesign curricula and for professionals to cultivate adaptive skill sets in machine-augmented translation ecosystems, ensuring sustainable career development amidst rapid technological disruption
Conceptions of Rain and Rainfall Patterns: A Sehananwa Philosophical Perspective
No full textLike all other African nations, Bahananwa harbour a strong aversion to deviant behaviour that results in societal ills such as moral decay and environmental disturbances. To mitigate the impact of such occurrences, practices that disrupt the delicate balance between people, land, and rainfall are governed with great reverence through philosophical tools such as taboos, rituals, and totems. Rainfall serves as a critical barometer for assessing the well-being of the equilibrium of natural forces. Accordingly, this article investigates these essential concepts in relation to rainfall patterns. A combination of exploratory qualitative research methodologies was employed to elicit insights and ideas from prominent members of the Bahananwa polity. Ultimately, the thematic analysis yielded a deeper understanding of how Bahananwa perceive the connection between morality and natural phenomena, with a particular emphasis on rainfall. By highlighting Sehananwa conceptions of rainfall and morality, this article aims to contribute to the discourse on climate change from a distinctly African perspective and to elevate awareness of African knowledge systems. Most urgently, the article advocates for a behavioural change towards indigenous forms of knowledge and environmental issues
The Ethnographic Understanding of the Interplay Between Zulu Culture and Afropop in Zinhle Madela’s Artistic Identity
No full textThe Afropop genre is rapidly growing within South Africa, enjoying support from diverse population groups. South Africa, a country with diverse and distinct indigenous cultures and traditions, has unique influences on the country’s Afropop music. The paper aims to explore the interplay between Zulu culture and Afropop in Zinhle Madela’s artistic identity in the Afropop genre as it continues to gain popularity locally, regionally, and internationally. The paper seeks to answer two research objectives: (1) understanding how Zulu cultural values and traditions underpin Zinhle Madela’s music and (2) exploring the significance and influence of Zulu aesthetics in visual performance and style. The paper employs the qualitative ethnographic approach as the sole research method underpinning the study, adopting purposive sampling as the primary sampling technique. In-depth semi-structured interviews and field observations were utilised as instruments for data collection. The collected data was thematically analysed. The findings were presented in terms of two main themes and subsequent subthemes. The findings relate to Zinhle Madela’s representation of cultural values and traditions in music and the intentional use of Zulu aesthetics in visual performance and style. Two recommendations are highlighted in the paper and relate to (1) conducting more research on Afropop within the Zulu culture from various perspectives and artists, and (2) fostering partnerships between researching academics and artists for knowledge preservation and documentation
A Contemporary Recontextualisation of Meanings and Identities of Ṅwenda: A Qualitative Study of the Vhavenḓa from South Africa
No full textThis study explores the contemporary recontextualisation of the traditional ṅwenda in Vhavenḓa culture, examining its evolving meanings within a modern socio-cultural framework. It investigates the impact of transformation on cultural heritage preservation and the roles of governmental and traditional leadership. Historically a marker of age, status, and identity, ṅwenda is increasingly worn for aesthetic and fashion purposes. Grounded in modernisation theory, this qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews with elderly Vhavenḓa women, traditional leaders, and a government official. Thematic analysis revealed that while modern adaptations influence cultural preservation, deliberate efforts are needed to sustain its historical significance. Findings emphasise the role of younger generations in cultural transmission, highlighting intergenerational dialogue and education as essential for integrating ṅwenda meaningfully into contemporary society. The study advocates for youth engagement in safeguarding Vhavenḓa cultural identities, ensuring the resilience of traditional knowledge amid rapid sociocultural change
Developing a Theoretical Framework for Conflict Management and Engagement for South African Shop Stewards
No full textShop stewards in South Africa experience high job demands and pressures. They need role-related conflict management skills and support to remain engaged. This study aimed to develop a theoretical framework for conflict management for South African shop stewards. The study approach was exploratory and qualitative. From the two trade unions, 20 (n = 20) shop stewards were purposively selected and interviewed, and their responses were thematically and manually analysed. From the transcribed interviews and using inductive and deductive thematic data analysis techniques, the findings indicated that shop stewards encountered interpersonal, intrapersonal and inter-union rivalry conflicts. Practically, this study developed a conflict management framework for those who are in union leadership. Socially, the study provides for harmony in the workplace by making shop stewards aware of the conflicts and how to manage them. Line managers will understand the conflict-related challenges experienced by shop stewards and be able to understand and collaborate well with them. Organisations should develop policies and procedures for shop stewards or trade unions and adhere to existing structures and agreements that assist shop stewards in managing conflict in the workplace
Enabling Design: Creating an Equity-Focused Framework for Blended Learning: Blended Learning as a Blueprint for Higher Education Transformation
No full textEquity issues in higher education, which reflect South Africa’s oppressive past, have been highlighted since the student protests of 2015–2016 and were made more visible during the pandemic-response pivot to online teaching. Post-COVID, blended learning has become an accepted part of mainstream university education. This paper describes a new framework that builds on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and learning design approaches but foregrounding equity considerations aimed at creating inclusive learning environments for diverse students. Drawing from existing learning theories and cases in practice, the Enabling Accessible Blended Learning for Equity (ENABLE) framework offers support materials with theoretical references and practical tools to prompt lecturers to think about their approaches to curriculum design with a new mindset. This paper further reflects on the framework’s role in both providing a stronger theoretical grounding to the academic development field and reiterating its social justice concerns
The Portrayal of Moral Perversion in Selected Detective Shona Novels
No full textThis paper interrogates moral insanity as expressed in selected detective Shona novels. The novels under study are Kawara’s Sajeni Chimedza (1984), Masundire’s Mutikitivha Dumbuzenene (1991), Mahanya’s Munzwa Mundove (1999), and Zvaita’s Dandemutande (1998). Moral insanity includes acts such as theft, nepotism, embezzlement of funds, corruption, falsification, and abuse of public authority with the intent to extract personal rewards at the expense of the public. The publication of many novels discussing moral perversion is a clear testimony that the theme is topical in literature. In these novelistic discourses, writers portray people in influential positions as having a voracious desire for self-aggrandisement and wealth accumulation at the expense of the general citizenry. Nevertheless, this study argues that negative images of people in influential positions portrayed by the writers foster what Chinweizu (1987, xii) calls “intellectual meningitis” which cripples the development of purposeful literature as it is anchored on blaming the victims of a system. Guided and informed by Afrocentricity, the study argues that novelists should go beyond satirising and chastising people in influential posts and provide home-grown solutions to the problem of moral perversion.
Violence Prevention Research in Africa, 2002 to 2020: Lessons From the African Safety Promotion Journal
No full textIn this study, we examined trends in research on violence prevention in Africa from 2002 to 2020 through a content analysis of manuscripts published in the African Safety Promotion: A Journal of Injury and Violence Prevention (ASP). With a focus on intentional injury and violence prevention scholarship, the analysis aimed to assess how publications in the ASP documented and contributed to the field of violence prevention over two decades. Drawing from a dataset of 270 manuscripts, we selected 94 for detailed analysis based on their relevance to violence-related themes. Each manuscript was categorised according to its research focus, prevention type and intervention modality, and author characteristics. The findings reveal a strong concentration on violence, with studies primarily dealing with the nature and extent of violence, risk and protective factors, and prevention or intervention strategies. Among the strategies, tertiary prevention efforts predominated, with a focus on enforcement and education strategies. Author characteristics indicated that most manuscripts were co-authored, with most authors identified as female and affiliated with South African institutions. The results underscore a concentrated research focus on the magnitude and impact of violence in Africa, key vulnerable groups and critical interventions. However, the study also reveals significant gaps, particularly in research on primary prevention and broader interdisciplinary collaboration. These findings, based on an analysis of publications in one Africa-focused journal, call for greater research investment in comprehensive, context-specific violence prevention strategies and more publication platforms to address the particularised health and social challenges faced by African populations
Children’s Trauma-Related Needs Versus Caregivers’ Preparedness: A Disconnect in the Trauma-Informed Care of Children in Child and Youth Care Centres
No full textChildren being cared for in child and youth care centres frequently have specific care needs because of their complex trauma histories. Neuroscientific research provides insight into the difficulties these children experience, reframing trauma symptoms as creative adaptations to their adverse circumstances. Although reminiscent of resilience, the children’s coping strategies may present as maladaptive in the context of alternative care. Amidst inadequate preparation, training, and support for its workforce, concerns are growing regarding the quality of care provided to children in child and youth care centres. In a qualitative research study, 50 semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore caregiving from the perspectives of children, caregivers, social workers and managers from four child and youth care centres in Gauteng, South Africa. The research findings indicate that the children essentially felt unheard and misunderstood in terms of their trauma-related needs, while participants perceived that caregivers lacked the required information, skills, and support to work with this vulnerable population. We conclude that, in addition to the multi-level systemic issues inherent in alternative care institutions, such a disconnect could strain the caregiver-child relationship, leaving caregivers overburdened and children deprived of appropriate care. It is recommended that caregivers receive training on trauma-informed care to address children’s needs in a holistic and developmentally appropriate way