Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
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Fertile Ground: Reading Yellowstone through the Analytical Lens of the Afrikaans Plaasroman
No full textYellowstone is an American, contemporary Western primetime television series which has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. In this article, we critically read purposive samples from this popular cultural text through the prism of the plaasroman (Afrikaans farm novel), a seminal subgenre in Afrikaans literature. Through an analysis of a range of tropes, we identify similarities between these seemingly disparate genres in terms of the representation of the Boer and Frontier myth, ownership and belonging, centre-periphery dichotomies, and identity. The value of this analysis is two-fold: First, it lies in what such a comparative analysis reveals about the contemporary moment in both a local and transnational context. The resurgence of nostalgic yearning for a particular brand of patriarchal, heteronormative, conservative, rural simplicity in the narratives of Yellowstone is read against the background of farm, and land, as depicted in the plaasroman. This is relevant given that there is a similar propensity for nostalgia in certain South African contexts which takes the form of appropriations of the construct of the Afrikaner Boer imaginary and the concomitant utopian farm ideal. Second, and perhaps more importantly, we argue that analysing Yellowstone from the theoretical vantage point of the plaasroman, which originates from a minor language and literary system, inverts the ways in which Global North genre-lenses are usually used to read Global South genres. The research follows a controlled case comparison approach and, building on a deep description of the plaasroman, presents an analysis and interpretation of Yellowstone’s first season
Post-Apartheid Haptic: Tact and Tactility in Zoë Wicomb’s Playing in the Light
No full textSet against South Africa’s transition from white minority rule to democracy, Zoë Wicomb’s Playing in the Light (2006) evokes a world of metaphorical skins understandably thin, injured, and sensitive to scrutiny. Addressing questions of heritage and belonging, this article examines the novel’s nuanced representations of racial identity, reading modes of sociability along the skins that facilitate social interaction between the text’s fictional bodies. These domains of interpersonal engagement are analysed in three sections: “The Veiled Touch,” “Skinned,” and “The Light Touch.” The latter considers a light, transitional sociability that may foster intersubjective constitution of identity in relationships not conducive to unreserved intimacy. Ironically a remnant of colonial decorum, tact emerges as an intermediate, non-imperial mode of engagement, of expressing respect amid vast socio-economic inequality. Tact owes its haptic character to the association with tactility, a linguistic correlation that emphasises intercorporeality. The vulnerability of the self acquires a distinctly visceral quality in the novel, as bodies try to find their feet (rather literally) and forge relationships across former divides. Contributing to the burgeoning body of research on the haptic sense in literature, touch is identified as an inventive motif by which Wicomb destabilises racial classification and feels her way towards a language of tactile reciprocity. As a conceptual framework, the haptic—involving touch, kinaesthesis, and proprioception—has much to offer vocabularies of proximity and relationality, and reimaginings of social space after apartheid
Drag Artists in Shanghai: Balancing Local and Global Influences in Queer Cultural Production
No full textThis article discusses a case study of a group of local and expat drag artists based in Shanghai, China. Theoretical perspectives of “global gay” discourse, queer temporality and Chinese-centric queer theories were employed to question how Shanghai’s drag artists navigate drag’s growing popularity, Chinese state restrictions and Western dominance. Through analysing semi-structured interviews and performance video samples of seven drag artists and one LGBTQ+ venue owner, queer cultural productions in China were explored to ask how they offer new possibilities for queer knowledge production, and propose futurities that are simultaneously transnational and rooted in China. While the influence of Euro-American LGBTQ+ discourse was documented and acknowledged, other perspectives revealed more nuanced conceptualisations of the binary between copy/original, the frictions inherent in cultural exchange, and diverse forms of resistance. Shanghai’s drag scene is evolving in distinct ways, incorporating both global and local influences and cultural traditions. With queer knowledge still largely attributed to the West, and non-Western experiences vastly underrepresented, it is important to recognise what underground cultural productions such as those in Shanghai offer global queer cultural exchange
Influence of Adansonia digitata Stem Extract Immersion Time on Properties of Biosynthesised Silver Nanoparticles
No full textThe emergence of the multidisciplinary field of nanoscience with potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, renewable energy, agriculture and environmental remediation has led scientists to search for safer methods of synthesising nanoparticles. We based this study on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for varying immersion times of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min, while employing Adansonia digitata as a reducing and capping agent and labelled A, B, C, D and E, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the synthesised AgNPs for all samples have three peaks positioned at 2θ = 37.94°, 44.07° and 64.37° corresponding to (111), (200) and (220) planes, respectively. The samples have a preferred orientation at 2θ = 37.94° corresponding to (111) plane irrespective of the duration of immersion of Adansonia digitata root extracts. The preferred intense peak shows a polycrystalline phase composition of the green synthesised AgNPs, demonstrating the creation of face-centred cubic crystalline of AgNPs. The intrinsic stress, σs, dislocation density, δ, specific surface area, S, crystallite size (D), surface area (S) to volume (V) ratio, lattice parameter, a and atomic packing factor were calculated from XRD data and presented. The particle sizes obtained from the SEM analysis are 69.88, 18.69, 15.45, 19.64 and 20.08 nm for samples A, B, C, D and E, respectively. The optical energy band gaps are 2.37 eV, 2.42 eV, 2.59 eV, 2.52 eV and 2.34 eV for samples A, B, C, D and E respectively. The synthesised AgNPs can be used in energy storage and conversions owing to their properties
An African Perspective on the Interplay Between International Solidarity and Vaccine Equity
No full textThis article explores the relationship between international solidarity and vaccine equity from an African viewpoint. The importance of international solidarity in addressing vaccine inequities has not been properly acknowledged. International bodies such as the United Nations have recognised and articulated both the concept of international solidarity and vaccine equity on a global scale. The patenting of vaccines as regulated by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) often increases vaccine inequities. Compulsory licences are used seldom, leading to calls for a temporary waiver on the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property to enable developing states to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines. To advance vaccine equity during the pandemic, several initiatives such as COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) and the African Union (AU) COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Access Strategy were implemented. While COVAX relied on vaccine donations from developed states, the AU’s approach embraced international solidarity. International solidarity is frequently observed in soft and hard law instruments but not explicitly termed as such. The African approach to international solidarity views it as an obligation of justice; the principle of ubuntu provides useful insights on this concept. Recommendations in this article include forming a collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and WTO to manage vaccine patents, adopting legal instruments that recognise international solidarity as an obligation and implementing reparative justice. Reparative justice is a comprehensive recommendation since it enables states to manufacture vaccines, maintain their health systems and address patent rights and temporary initiatives simultaneously. As vaccine inequities stem from colonial legacies, it remains to be seen whether a stance will be taken against the powers of affluent states in anticipation of the next pandemic
Cybersecurity Risks: A Sine Qua Non for University Libraries in Africa
No full textIn addressing the pressing issue of cybersecurity risks, it is imperative to situate academics’ focus within the specific context of university libraries in Africa. The realm of information management and academic resources in this region is not exempt from the escalating challenges posed by cyberthreats. It has become evident that a gap exists in understanding and effectively mitigating these risks within the unique environment of African university libraries. This article reports on a study which indicated that academic libraries may face threats, such as line tapping, improper system processing, and the use of malicious software. These threats bear significant consequences, such as the potential loss of sensitive data, damage to reputation, and financial losses. The study therefore examined cybersecurity risks in African university libraries and the need to promote cyberethical practices. The study employed a qualitative research approach based on the explanatory research method. In so doing, the use of a systematic literature review was adopted to examine cybersecurity risks in African university libraries and the imperative to promote cyberethical practices. Using a purposive sampling technique, the researchers collected articles published between 2015 and 2023 on the databases of Emerald and ResearchGate for the review. The study findings illuminated the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity risks, encompassing issues such as malware attacks, phishing, ransomware, and identity theft. These risks, if unaddressed, can lead to severe consequences, including intellectual property theft, reputational damage, and financial losses. Therefore, the study recommends that African university libraries should prioritise cybersecurity education for both staff and users; must develop and regularly update comprehensive cyberethics policies that address the unique challenges faced in the African context; and should explore avenues for improving their technological infrastructure. Investments in advanced security systems, regular software updates, and the adoption of emerging technologies will strengthen African university libraries’ resilience against cyberthreats
The Case for Arts in Reconciliation and Peacebuilding in Africa
No full textIn the aftermath of a violent conflict, especially where there have been mass atrocities, violations of the rule of law and human rights abuses, the achievement of reconciliation and peacebuilding remains an immensely difficult challenge. Recently, arts-based approaches to reconciliation and peacebuilding have been supported as an emerging area of research and practice. It is increasingly being seen as a central facet of peace-building and transitional justice. Despite this, arts-based approaches to peacebuilding as an area of study and practice remain under-researched. There remains a gap in understanding the impact community-devised arts projects can have on peace formation amongst diverse actors. This paper fills this gap by analysing the academic evidence to determine how arts can positively promote peacebuilding, healing, reconciliation, and social transformation in Africa. The paper highlights the role that arts and cultural programmes play as part of a spectrum of interventions linking culture, security, and development to sustainable peace. The findings show how arts can be utilised as a powerful means of communication. It suggests programmes that could serve as measures when locally led with an understanding founded in local cultural traditions. The research draws caution against the ability of arts to transform conflict-ridden areas where there is propaganda and underlying agendas. This paper identifies possible future agendas of research and practice that could create evidence based on the role that arts play in peacebuilding and policies to ensure sustainable peace and reconciliation
Structural Inequalities in Namibia and South Africa: A Critical Social Work Perspective
No full textNamibia and South Africa share land and maritime borders and the interrelated structural challenges of poverty and socio-economic inequalities amidst progressive economic growth that are rooted in their apartheid past and contemporary economic development trajectories. Such inequalities are defined along racial, class, gender and other social locations that either grant privilege, power and access to socio-economic opportunities or result in marginalisation, oppression and resource deprivation. The rationale for this article is linked to the historic call for social work to intensify efforts in promoting social and economic equality. Despite Namibia and South Africa’s geographical proximity and their intertwined histories, there is a dearth of social work studies that offer a comparative critical social work perspective on structural inequalities in these former apartheid strongholds. While social work should actively engage in contesting the structural contradictions of poverty and inequalities amidst abundant resources, the reality is often that of the uncritical acceptance of existing socio-political inequalities, such that the profession’s enunciated commitment to social justice becomes perimetric. Thus, the article argues for the inclusion of critical social work approaches in social work education and practice against a backdrop of ideological divides, political trends and contextual factors that limit social workers’ critical and structural level engagement
Historical Development of Social Work and Social Welfare Services in Ethiopia
No full textSocial work in Ethiopia has been influenced by the ideology and political economy of governments in power. To explore the core problems social work and social welfare services have experienced, this research employed a systematic review of literature. Organised social welfare services in Ethiopia is a fairly recent phenomenon beginning with the establishment of the first school of social work in 1959. This school was closed in 1974 and then reopened in 2004. The field experienced other challenges too, including its informal merger with the Department of Sociology during the socialist regime. Since social work in Ethiopia is heavily influenced by the Western curriculum and its professional associations have little ability to professionalise the field, its contribution to improving social welfare services is unsatisfactory. Further, because there is no regulatory body, the associations pursue their commitments only sporadically. This has a negative effect on providing quality social welfare services. The future will be determined by the degree to which social work is professionalised
Article-Processing Fees and Subsidies: The Colonial Entanglement of Knowledge Production in South Africa—The Case of Gender-Based Violence Research
No full textIn this article, we studied the contribution of the current South African publishing ecosystem to the hierarchisation, elitism and monopolisation of knowledge production in social-justice studies, taking as an example the research area of gender-based violence (GBV). We examined the Sabinet database of articles published in South African journals on GBV between 2018 and 2022, and reviewed the pre- and post-production value chain related to the publication of these articles (especially the article page-fee structure and the governmental subsidy system). In addition, we couched this discussion in feminist decolonial critique. We conclude that the current publishing ecosystem—with the more or less active involvement and/or support of the government, journals and academics—greatly limits the diversity of voices able to contribute to the production of knowledge on GBV. This ecosystem hampers, minimises or even excludes the first-hand knowledge and experiences of those located outside of academic institutions (particularly, local researchers unaffiliated with South African universities, grassroot activists and members of non-governmental organisations). It conversely renders academics and the tertiary educational institutions which employ them as the only actors capable of benefiting financially from or contributing to the knowledge-production chain and, in return, feeding it. This cycle seems to propel the creation of an echo chamber of views, perspectives and opinions with academics and their tertiary educational institutions de facto acting as the only knowledge producers in the country. We propose that the solution to such an unjust situation is a radical decolonisation of the deeply epi-colonial South African publishing ecosystem