Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
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Revealing the Untold Stories: Documenting the Experiences of Marginalised Widows within the Church Leadership of Black Reformed Churches in Limpopo, South Africa:
No full textWidows within the Black Reformed Church in South Africa often find themselves marginalised, their voices disregarded, and their opportunities for leadership roles restricted. This study aims to delve into the hidden narratives of widows facing marginalisation within the Black Reformed churches in Limpopo, South Africa, utilising qualitative research methodologies. The study further aims to investigate the firsthand encounters and difficulties that widows encounter within the framework of their religious community and suggest ways that Reformed churches should implement to improve their assistance and facilitation. Widows are a minority within Limpopo’s Black Reformed churches. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring that a wide range of demographics is represented. This included widows from various age groups, socio-economic origins, and faith affiliations. Data collection was carried out with cultural sensitivity, giving priority to the perspectives and experiences of widows through their oral stories while also ensuring that ethical considerations are maintained. Participants’ consent was obtained before conducting interviews and conversations. The data was analysed using thematic analysis to find recurring patterns, motifs, and narratives. The research seeks to develop a thorough comprehension of the experiences of widows in the Black Reformed churches in Limpopo by consistently comparing and interpreting data. This research is significant in developing future policies of the church on the importance of the general inclusion of widows in the church leadership
The Memoir, Ministry, and Martyrdom of David Koi (1820–1895) of Forodhoyo Kitoro Christian Community, Kilifi, Kenya
No full textSignificantly, Evangelist David Koi was murdered at the Kenyan Coast two years before the execution of the famous Ugandan Martyrs. And yet, the story of East African Christianity is often told without any significant mention of his contribution. The purpose of this article is to reconstruct the story of David Koi using literary works, family oral narratives, and archival documents to document his memoir, ministry, and martyrdom. The article argues that whereas Koi was ignored by Church Missionary Society Europeans in Rabai as a unique leader of a kitoro African Christian village, rejected by his people, the Agiriama, as an African chief who advocated a “whiteman’s religion,” hated by Muslim Arabs as the one providing hiding haven for their run-away slaves, and suspected by the British colonial masters as the elitist leader who protected his people against intended taxes, Koi’s life, leadership, and death have never been appreciated enough as a hero of quite uncertain times
The Theatre of Action: An Approach to Storytelling in the Children’s Ministry of the Methodist Church
No full textOne of the fundamental doctrines of the Methodist Church is the concept of the priesthood of all believers, as articulated by John Wesley. This principle laid the foundation for lay ministry, which primarily involves adults who are not ordained clergy and therefore do not have the authority to oversee all ecclesiastical activities. Within this context, children’s ministry encompasses individuals devoted to providing spiritual guidance to children in a manner appropriate to their level of understanding. Two effective methods utilised in this ministry are theatrical storytelling and the musical element. This article aims to offer some insights into how women involved in children’s ministry can effectively narrate scriptural stories, as well as how children can engage with Scripture through action-based dramas and music. The information is thus very limited, and the article is presented as a means of preserving the history of this unique movement of children from its inception to its current state
A Systematic Review of Choice of Livelihood Strategies and Associated Factors among Rural Households in Ethiopia
No full textHouseholds are exposed to different natural and man-made risks and vulnerabilities. Choosing effective livelihood strategies is a crucial step in overcoming these obstacles. This review aimed to assess the factors influencing households’ choice of livelihood strategies in Ethiopia, using the preferred reporting items systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This systematic review was carried out by using various published articles from academic databases. We performed a keyword search, centred around the theory of sustainable livelihood, in several online academic databases. A total of 725 research articles were sourced; 12 of these were duplicates and eliminated. A total of 682 irrelevant papers were removed following the initial screening stage. Of the 31 remaining articles, 24 were eliminated, as they did not address the aim of our study, were not full-text articles, or they had methodological issues. Finally, seven English articles investigating the factors that hinder the choice of livelihood of households in Ethiopia, published during in the last 10 years, were selected for review. Our systematic analysis led to the conclusion that households use various livelihood activities, namely agriculture, non-agriculture, and off-farm livelihoods, to sustain them. In Ethiopia livelihood alternatives were impacted by physical, financial, social, human, and natural capital. The way of living of rural households in Ethiopia is mostly affected by education and access to credit
Raised by the Herd: Insights from African Elephants for the Support and Continuing Professional Development of Newly Qualified Social Workers in South Africa
No full textNewly qualified social workers in South Africa face numerous challenges when transitioning into the workforce, highlighting a gap between their perceived work readiness and the realities of professional practice. Despite completing a four-year Bachelor of Social Work degree with substantial work-integrated learning, many graduates feel inadequately prepared for their roles and experience insufficient support and development upon entering practice. These challenges align with international trends, where newly qualified social workers often lack essential guidance, supervision, and structured professional development. Drawing on lessons from the collaborative care seen in African elephant calves, this study explored the barriers faced by, and the support and development needs of, recent social work graduates in South Africa through a quantitative study operationalised through a cross-sectional survey design. Through non-probability sampling, 39 participants from various social work sectors completed a self-administered, web-based questionnaire tailored to the South African context. Data analysis, using descriptive statistics and content analysis, revealed a pressing need for structured support initiatives, such as mentorship, supervision, and tailored induction programmes. These initiatives are essential to enhance job satisfaction, foster professional and personal growth, and improve retention rates. Insights from elephant calf socialisation, particularly the concept of being “raised by the herd,” emphasise the importance of extended nurturing environments and continuous development for young professionals. This emphasises the role of cooperative care and effective communication in supporting newly qualified social workers. Recommendations include a collaborative, accountable approach involving key stakeholders to address existing gaps, enhance access to support initiatives, and provide specialised training
Children’s Views on Poverty and Environmental Risks: Lessons for Ecological Social Work and Ecological Citizenship
No full textClimate change has a disproportionate effect on people who are socially and economically excluded and live in degraded environments. Children’s current and future well-being are the hardest hit. However, children need not necessarily be passive victims: They have agency to engage meaningfully and contribute sustainable solutions. This research draws on a qualitative study with five children who were purposefully selected to share their views on poverty and environmental risks through photo-voicing and one-on-one interviews. The aim was to draw lessons from children’s experiences of poverty and environmental risks to inform ecological social work and citizenship. The data were analysed according to themes. The findings indicate that children understand the multidimensional nature of poverty and its interrelatedness with environmental risks. Furthermore, they have an environmentally oriented attitude towards being responsible citizens for themselves and the community. They proposed strategies to engage in action that can contribute to sustainable development. The study concludes that children’s participation can and should play a significant role in informing ecological social work. Furthermore, developing ecological citizenship is fundamental for social work to contribute to a new eco-social world with a sustainable approach to the environment and justice for all.
Black Crescent Rising: Islamic State in Africa
No full textTracing the Islamic State’s origins from the Middle East, this article seeks to understand the group’s expansion and rise on the African continent, as well as why local militant groups have joined its black banner. In an effort to minimise this terrorist scourge, the article seeks to examine its modus operandi within the African context, explore contemporary counterterrorism approaches, and propose alternative counterterrorism strategies in an effort to eliminate the threat posed by the Islamic State to Africa and its peoples
Migration of Applications and Information Systems to Cloud Computing Infrastructure: Lessons from a South African Retail Bank
No full textThe aim of this study was to investigate the benefits and challenges of moving information systems to the cloud infrastructure as part of phasing out legacy systems and preventing digital fraud. This study employed a qualitative research methodology and used interviews, observations and document analysis as data collection methods. It was confined to one bank and is therefore classified as a case study. To protect the identity of this organisation, the researcher gave it a pseudonym called SA Retail Bank. The study yielded three major findings. Migration of applications to a cloud environment is characterised by several unexpected technical, regulatory and people challenges. However, the migration yields operational benefits such as reducing fraud, quick recovering of stolen moneys, and advancing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Technology acceptance theories should also be prioritised to get the support of both internal users and customers. The findings of this study present important lessons for digital businesses in South Africa and abroad. The research yielded theoretical and practical contributions. Recommendations were also made for future research
Legal Histories of Land Tenure in Africa
No full textThe legal systems of most African countries are a legacy of past European colonial powers, which at independence stayed largely intact, protecting private property rights and land tenure inequalities. The former British colonies covered a larger combined land area than any other colonial power, and this article applies a legal history approach to land law “genealogies” in four of them: Nigeria (West Africa), South Africa, Kenya (East Africa), and Zambia (Central Africa). The three professions most involved with land (law, surveying, and planning) were part of colonial power structures, associated with violent evictions, the “dual mandate” separating private property rights from African land tenure, and separate governance arrangements for urban areas that contributed to unplanned peri-urban settlements
Profiling of Postgraduate Students as a Framework for Service Quality in South African Academic Libraries
No full textThis article reviews literature on the importance of profiling library clients in the era of change in the information needs of university communities. The article emanated from the recommendations of a study that evaluated service quality in selected academic libraries in South Africa. A mixed-methods approach was used of which the quantitative approach was the dominant one. A survey design was used. The findings revealed that for academic libraries to be recognised and valued in their respective academic institutions in South Africa, they should be acquainted with the individual needs of their clients to provide a customised service. This article seeks to benefit libraries and librarians in the academic sector in South Africa and compel them to rethink their services, reposition themselves and ensure that they provide services that meet the needs and demands of their respective academic communities. It also seeks to assist academic libraries in strategies to be used in service provision that contribute positively to academic success among universities