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Disease and Dis-Ease amid Covid-19: Public Policy Measures by BRICS Countries
Get PDFSince the emergence of COVID-19 in Wuhan China in early 2019, the global spread of this virus has impacted markets, health systems and general households across the world. Even with draconian containment measures, such as monitored movement restrictions, closed borders and the various lockdowns, the disease has appeared highly difficult to contain. Within a few months, it reached all BRICS countries, affecting more than 39.7 million people, which accounts for 26.3 percent of global infections, declaring it a global pandemic by the WHO. Unfortunately, the rapid spread and imposing nature of this virus has not provided countries with enough time and space to reflect on the far-reaching consequences that arise from poor public policy measures as well as disease control measures by their respective health systems. As a result, a lot of dis-ease amongst the public, government policy implementers and health care providers has raised. This has negatively impacted people\u27s day-to-day activities and lives. Increased mortality rates amongst the elderly have been a growing concern as well as the increasing effects on all other age groups across BRICS countries. Using a comparative study approach, this paper seeks to analyse the effects of Covid-19 and the dis-ease that arises from its proximity in BRICS countries. Additionally, the paper will provide a qualitative overview of public policy approaches comparing the member countries, and addressing the effects of this pandemic and the dis-ease it has caused amongst BRICS countries
Technological entrepreneurship readiness: An analysis across BRICS countries
Get PDFTechnological entrepreneurship presents opportunities for accelerated growth during the Fourth Industrial Revolution and assessing the readiness for such entrepreneurship would be important to investors (interested in profit) and governments (interested in economic growth). The aim was to assess and rank the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries on their level of technological entrepreneurship readiness, as to direct investor funding or alternatively guide government initiatives. Data which was collected in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, for the World Values Survey, was used in the study (N=13 895). Mean and composite scores linked to entrepreneurship as well as the embracement of technology were compared across countries. These were combined to generate a score used to rank the countries. With each of the individual, as well as the composite variables, significant differences were found across the BRICS countries. China was rated the highest on attitudes towards science while South Africa was rated highest on the openness to entrepreneurship. On the composite score, technology entrepreneurship readiness, China scored the highest. China was ranked as the BRICS countries most viable for technology entrepreneurship. Technology investors should thus consider directing their venture capital eastward. The governments of the other countries should take note of their shortcomings and the results could inform policies to enhance readiness. The results, at a theoretical level, provided some insights into the conceptualisation of technology-related entrepreneurship.
 
An Analysis of the ANC’s Power at the 55th National Conference of 2022
No full textIn the lead-up to the centenary of the ANC in 2012, Booysen proposed an analytical framework in which to assess the ANC’s power and ability to retain that power in future. The analytical framework examines ANC to power in four dimensions, the ANC in relation to the people, the state of the ANC organisationally, the ANC electorally and application of said power. The analytical framework indicates milestones to measure whether the party is strengthening or weakening. This paper adopts Booysen’s analytical framework to examine ANC Power at the time of the 55th National Congress held in 2022. Using the milestones indicated by the framework this paper argues that the ANC has weakened across three of the four indicators namely the ANC in the state, in relation to the people and electorally while it has strengthened organisationally
Evolution of Kenya’s Foreign Policy During the Cold War: An Examination of Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Palestine During the Moi Era (1978-1990)
Get PDFThis study critically outlines Kenya’s Foreign Policy as it evolved during the cold war under Moi’s era toward the Middle East. The study exemplifies the underlying strategies, sources, national and personal interests, objectives, priorities, and implementation of Kenya\u27s foreign policy. The study is premised on the need to elucidate if Kenya’s belief in regional peace and security was the cornerstone under which Kenya’s foreign was formulated and implemented. It was believed that any inconsistencies in Kenya’s foreign policy were based on rational and emerging trends in international affairs such as security threats to regional and global peace and stability. The study aims to ascertain how, Kenya’s recognition policy, was formulated, articulated, and exercised during Moi’s era toward the Middle East (1978-1990). The central question of this study is this: What influenced Kenya’s recognition policy towards Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Palestine during the Cold War under Moi’s administration (1978-1990)
Africa beyond Political Sovereignty: a 60@ Anniversary Imperative
Get PDFThis year marks 60 years since the establishment of the first inter-state institution for Africa, the Organisation of African Unity. It was established principally to support the achievement of independence and political freedom by African colonies during a decade that is associated with the idea of winds of change. Political sovereignty through the control of the nation-state was seen as critical to the achievement of the ideals of Pan-Africanism, including African unity, African pride, cohesion, and common African prosperity
Agency in Community: Understanding Gender-Based Violence from within a Muslim Community in Lenasia, Johannesburg
No full textThis qualitative study examines how a group of Muslims in a conservative community in Lenasia, Johannesburg, engaged with Islam and gender-based violence (GBV). Drawing on the framework of lived religion and Saba Mahmood’s conceptualization of agency and embodiment, the article highlights how the 13 interviewees actively negotiated their perceptions of and approach to GBV within their religious and cultural environment. First, the participants actively chose their religious authorities and illustrated how these authorities portrayed an Islam that is gender-just. Second, while largely opting to rather ignore than criticize probable patriarchal tones in their religion, participants freely expressed their critical views on patriarchy and GBV in relation to their culture. Through highlighting the agency and logic in the participants’ engagement with GBV, the article underscores the importance of involving conservative religious communities in combating GBV in their own terms
Tanzanian journalists in countering fake news: disinformation and misinformation
Get PDFThe widespread dissemination of fake news, “disinformation and misinformation”, is an ongoing issue that has garnered significant attention from scholars and media professionals due to its contribution to public distrust of the credibility of news provided by media outlets. This article explores Tanzanian journalists’ efforts to combat fake news by assessing their awareness, challenges and strategies. A quantitative approach was employed to gather data from a sample of 306 journalists from radio, television, newspapers and online/digital media across various parts of Tanzania’s mainland. Data collection was facilitated through a questionnaire that incorporated closed-ended and open-ended questions, distributed via Google Forms to various online journalists’ platforms, including WhatsApp and email groups. The findings indicate that an impressive 77.8% of these journalists possess a strong understanding of “fake news” and related concepts such as disinformation and misinformation. Over 70% of respondents encountered fake story sources in their daily journalistic pursuits, with the majority acknowledging its detrimental impact on media organisation credibility. The research also revealed a reliance on traditional methods by Tanzanian journalists to counter fake story sources used. Challenges were identified, including delayed responses from experts or government officials to validate the authenticity of a given story, pressure to report breaking news, a lack of fact-checking software, unreliable Internet connectivity for verifying facts online, and a shortage of trained journalists and news gatekeepers capable of identifying fake news sources
The Clinical Sociology Honours Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa
Get PDFA qualification in Clinical and Applied Sociology facilitates initiatives to mitigate and reduce pervasive social problems prioritising women, children, migrants, families and society. Graduate studies in Clinical and Applied Sociology is limited in South Africa and the global South, therefore a postgraduate degree focused on applying interdisciplinary perspectives in diverse social contexts was initiated. This approach addresses social problems, policies, and enhances community well-being through direct intervention, research, and advocacy. Graduates gain competencies in healthcare, community organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions, contributing to societal change and development. The Clinical Sociology postgraduate programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal produces change agents by designing and implementing clinical and applied models and interventions. Post-graduates augment critical skills, proficiencies and dexterities by combining research academic interests and societal needs. The aim of the programme typically involves applying l theories and methods to analyse and intervene in social issues and problems at the individual, community, and societal levels. The programme focuses on understanding human behaviour in a social context, diagnosing social problems, and developing strategies for social change. It prepares students for roles in policy development, social research, community work, and advocacy, aiming to promote social justice and improving quality of life. The Bachelor of Social Science in Clinical and Applied Sociology (Honours) is open to students in possession of an undergraduate Sociology qualification or a cognate discipline. A qualification in Clinical Sociology facilitates initiatives that seek to mitigate and reduce pervasive social problems in the interest of women, children, migrants, families and society
Confectionary art therapy: Exploring the therapeutic benefits of baking
Get PDFThis article focuses on the use of baking as a therapeutic medium in art therapy, specifically investigating its potential benefits for self-care among art therapy trainees. This study acknowledges the importance of self-care in mental health professions and thus explores how baking can provide a comprehensive sensory experience that facilitates emotional regulation, mindfulness, and self-efficacy. Through a qualitative study involving four participants, the article examines the therapeutic process of baking, from preparation to decoration, and discusses its implications for art therapy practice. The findings suggest that baking can serve as a self-care method, promoting personal growth and well-being. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for further exploration and application of baking in therapeutic settings, emphasising the importance of an art therapist\u27s presence to enhance the experience
Yäsäw ᵓəǧ. Aggressive magic in Addis Ababa: Micro-conflicts in a changing society
Get PDFAddis Ababa has been going through great changes during the last fifteen years, both structurally and socially. For some this creates an environment of opportunities, but for most people more social, economic and spiritual insecurity. In this time informants at centres of holy water healing in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church talk about an increase in aggressive magic, or in Amharic: yäsäw ᵓəǧ. That magic and witchcraft is rife during times of change has been discussed in research in other African cultures. In Addis Ababa, where this study has been carried out, the situation of aggressive magic is different. The Christian context influences the choices people make, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church offers a solution to the misery and suffering of the afflicted which is: holy water healing