KovsieJournals - University of the Free State (UFS)
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Potential for using the datafree application Moya during civil unrest and displacement situations for continuity of education
Full text linkIn times of increasing civil unrest and displacement, ensuring the continuity of education necessitates innovative solutions. This article advocates for the use of data-free applications to prevent educational exclusion. It examines the challenges faced by displaced and marginalised students, including disrupted educational infrastructure, limited access to quality instruction, psychological trauma and an exacerbated digital divide. By emphasising the imperative of social justice through inclusive education, the article posits that data-free applications can serve as critical tools in low-bandwidth or offline environments. These applications can bridge connectivity gaps, providing access to communication channels, support services and educational resources. By evaluating the efficacy of such applications, 2620 Google reviews of the South African data-free Moya application were collected. Thematic analysis was used for reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic, as this was a time of educational disruption. Findings reveal that users appreciate the application’s utility for communication and resource access in data-constrained contexts. However, challenges related to message delivery, profile updates, account verification, feature access and network reliability were also noted. Despite these issues, the application’s ability to provide data-free communication shows potential. This paper emphasises how data-free applications might revolutionise teaching in times of crisis. To guarantee that every student has the chance to learn, especially in the face of hardship, it requires all parties involved to work together. Education is a vital lifeline in times of adversity, not a luxury.
Psychosocial impact of war on the social and emotional development of young learners: An integrative review of Literature
Full text linkThe psychological impacts of war on young learners\u27 social and emotional development are examined in this integrated review. Not only can war and armed conflict have a profound influence on individual children, but they also negatively affect the entire family system. The difficulties associated with relocation, migration, and acclimatisation to new conditions exacerbate the repercussions of war. Instead of growing and developing in a safe, predictable, emotionally and physically healthy environment, children are faced with war. Children who have witnessed or experienced conflict are more likely to face psychosocial difficulties, which could seriously jeopardise their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. By combining the results of a wide range of studies, the review demonstrates how exposure to armed conflict significantly alters children\u27s and teenagers\u27 developmental trajectories. The results show that trauma-related problems are common, social behaviours have changed, and the foundations of education are being undermined. The review emphasises the necessity for targeted policies and practices that address the unique needs of war-affected youth, advocating for a holistic approach to foster resilience and recovery. Furthermore, the review underscores the importance of creating social interaction and collaborating with international organisations to offer peace education as a subject to bring social cohesiveness to a warring nation
Re-bordering education: Embracing resilience in addressing refugee students’ precarity in South African higher education amidst global crises
Full text linkResearch into refugee studies is vital because this group grapples with their identity in society and their experiences as they strive to overcome the challenges they encounter in higher education. This paper is based on a combination of existing literature and empirical evidence from a PhD thesis, where data was collected through unstructured interviews with refugee students that provided in-depth narratives. It focuses on how refugee experiences of improving their qualifications through universities in their host countries became a crisis due to inadequate institutional support mechanisms that replicated the harsh experiences they faced in broader society. The paper highlights that despite some dire refugee experiences, these formed an important foundation for their resilience. The paper’s key findings point to the inadequate support mechanisms for refugees in universities and how this reflects the broader societal support limitations. Instead of categorising the refugees as victims, the paper points to their experiences as essential in shaping their resilience. This paper concludes that the holistic experiences of the refugees throughout the migration trail, from planning to leave their country to their experience of the education system and broader society in the host country, ought to be viewed as an integral part of forming their resilience
Internal displacement and education: Overcoming barriers for learners in Kenya’s Northern Rift Valley
Full text linkMany countries face the problem of refugees and internal displacement. Internal displacement is not new to Kenya and is a recurring problem that impacts displaced children’s education. One factor affecting displacement is banditry, stemming from community fights over resources. This paper uses theoretical and conceptual arguments to explore the causes and effects of internal displacement on learning, focusing on banditry and how they can be mitigated. Fraser’s social justice theory has been used to frame this discussion. Three questions guided this inquiry: What causes internal displacement in the Northern Rift Valley of Kenya? What challenges do internally displaced learners in Northern Rift Valley face? What strategies can be used to mitigate the challenges internally displaced learners face? The paper argues for a social justice framework to address and alleviate internally displaced persons’ challenges in the North Rift Valley of Kenya
Primary causes of the condition of public sector fixed infrastructure in South Africa
Full text linkThis fourth article in a series being published in this Journal on the condition of South Africa’s public sector fixed infrastructure describes what it identifies as the primary causes of this condition. The first two articles dealt with efforts to monitor the condition, and with studies of the condition and their findings. The third discussed some consequences of that condition. For this article, qualitative research methods were employed, primarily through the application of desktop research and data analysis of grey literature. The findings on the primary causes of infrastructure condition of ten sets of documents dating back to 2006 were reviewed to identify the commonly cited causes of failure (among them, skills shortages, budget constraints, weak systems, poor data, and poor governance) and to understand if there could be underlying factors common to multiple elements on this list of usual suspects. In its findings, the review suggests that factors of leadership and institutional capacity, socio-economic context, and culture underlie the commonly cited causes – that is, the commonly cited causes are profoundly shaped by these underlying factors
Chief with a Double Agenda: Unravelling the Puzzle to Buthelezi’s Animosity towards Mzala Nxumalo
Full text linkThe demise of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in 2021, the longest-reigning Zulu monarch on record (3 December 1971-12 March 2021), and that of the queen regent Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, brought Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi into the limelight. As the traditional prime minister of the Zulu kingdom and an elder statesman, Buthelezi strategically seized upon this solemn occasion to reinforce his preferred historical narrative. Seeking sympathy and aiming to portray himself as a peacemaker on the right side of history, he singled out Mzala Nxumalo as a “propagandist” intent on tarnishing his reputation. This article contends that Mzala’s book, “Gatsha Buthelezi: Chief with a Double Agenda”, lies at the core of this animosity, spanning over three decades. Therefore, it traces Mzala’s central arguments presented in the book and examines Buthelezi’s responses to them. Additionally, the article provides an overview of Mzala’s background and his relationship with Buthelezi, summarising the primary thesis articulated in his book regarding Buthelezi’s role in the South African political landscape. While acknowledging weaknesses in Mzala’s methodology and academic approach, particularly in terms of rigour, the article asserts the enduring significance of his book in shaping scholarly discourse. It argues for the “unbanning” of the book, emphasising its importance in fostering academic dialogue and upholding principles of academic freedom. The article underscores the necessity of diverse perspectives, including critical ones, in achieving a comprehensive understanding of historical events
From the Council of Nicaea to the Age of AI: What kind of human did Jesus become?
Full text linkThe Council of Nicaea is significant in Christian theology as it debated the primacy of Jesus, which included the nature of Jesus’ humanity. To consider Jesus’ humanity, a certain understanding of what it means to be human must be employed. This article explores the evolving understanding of our humanity, considering the emergence of AI technology (and its impact on our selfunderstanding).Do the arguments for Jesus’ humanity still hold when measured against the current understandings of being human
Truth and reconciliation: Indigenous storytelling reflection on Inxeba Elingaphakathi
Full text linkThis article revisits the South African project of truth and reconciliation through the lens of inxeba elingaphakathi, the inner wound, and reflects on it through indigenous storytelling pastoral theology. This invisible wound is carried by individuals and communities in the aftermath of historical violence and systemic injustice caused by apartheid. Drawing on African indigenous perspectives, the article explores truth and reconciliation beyond institutional processes, framing them as spiritual, ethical, and communal acts. It interrogates the limitations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in addressing the depth of grief and trauma from this era and reflects on how indigenous storytelling pastoral theology may offer healing, restore dignity, and nurture relational wholeness. Ultimately, it argues for an indigenous storytelling approach to healing – one that focuses on embodied care, collective memory, and the ongoing recognition of wounds shaping South Africa’s moral and spiritual landscape
Landscape values and place dependence within the urban parkettes of Kigali City, Rwanda
Full text linkCities often lack accessible green spaces, limiting opportunities for residents to connect with their surroundings. Urban parkettes – mini or pocket parks – provide small but vital spaces that deliver recreational, aesthetic, biodiversity, and environmental benefits, while supporting place dependence among users. Yet, few studies in the African context examine how landscape values shape place dependence within these spaces. This exploratory study investigates parkettes in the Central Business District of Kigali City. It analyses user perceptions of landscape values, examines relationships between these values and place dependence, identifies the most influential values, and reviews key constructs of place dependence alongside spatial attributes of the parkettes. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining surveys of 185 on-site respondents, 13 interviews, and field investigations through photography and mapping. Findings reveal varying landscape spatial attributes with sizes ranging from 382 m2 to 6,034 m2, with total parkette green network of 11,124 m2. Regression analysis identified air quality, recreational, and therapeutic values as significant predictors of place dependence, while economic value was least important. Correlation analysis revealed moderate positive associations between landscape values and place dependence. The study recommends enhancing place quality through parkette naming, signage, shade trees, bollards, and small shops to improve user satisfaction and place dependence outcomes. A conceptual framework linking principles, place quality, place expectations, and outcomes is proposed to guide future research. Findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners to create people-centred urban green spaces that strengthen attachment and encourage regular use
Key determinants of green construction finance uptake in Kenya
Full text linkThe construction sector has a significant impact on the environment, yet the uptake of green construction in Kenya remains low, partly due to barriers in accessing green construction finance (GCF). This study evaluates the key determinants influencing GCF uptake in Kenya’s construction industry. Using quantitative research methods, a survey of 69 registered developer firms was conducted, evaluating eight key determinants, namely awareness; availability and accessibility; institutional and regulatory factors; financial and cost-related aspects; environmental considerations; technological and technical factors; risk, and sociocultural influences. Findings revealed moderate awareness of technical aspects but poor understanding of financial mechanisms, incentives, and application processes. While GCF is perceived as available, bureaucratic and regulatory barriers limit accessibility. Long-term financial gains and environmental benefits are recognised, yet high upfront costs, regulatory uncertainties, skill gaps, and low public awareness constrain adoption. Technological readiness and certification bodies are crucial for GCF uptake, but sociocultural attitudes, trust deficits, and inadequate policy coherence remain significant barriers to widespread GCF adoption, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study contributes to research and policy, by providing recommendations to guide strategies (e.g., combining capacity-building programmes, streamlined institutional and regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, technological support, risk mitigation, and social advocacy) that can improve green finance accessibility and promote sustainable construction practices in Kenya