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The Jojosi Dongas: An interdisciplinary project to study the evolution of human behaviour and landscapes in open-air contexts
Get PDFHunter-gatherer groups conduct most of their activities in open landscapes as they provide drinking water, food, and raw materials, and offer spaces for social gatherings. The remains left behind at such sites allow for unique archaeological insights into the spatial patterning of prehistoric behaviour. The Stone Age record in southern Africa remains best-known from sheltered sites. A paucity of stratified open-air localities precludes understanding the full spectrum of past hominin activities. Here we introduce an interdisciplinary project in KwaZulu-Natal to study the evolution of human behaviour and landscape dynamics during the Pleistocene in the open-air context of a stratified hillslope with sediments exposed in so-called dongas, a landform created by gully erosion. The project encompasses field and laboratory approaches, combining archaeological, geographical, geological, chronometric, and palaeoenvironmental data. After reviewing relevant open-air research in archaeology and geography, we identify the Jojosi Dongas as a promising research area. Our fieldwork results from 2022-2023 demonstrate the high archaeological, geographical, and geological potential of this landscape. Foot surveys found abundant MSA artefacts spread throughout the dongas, one area with ESA tools, but little to no traces of LSA or later material. Most finds lie on the surface with rarer stratified material occurring in exposed profiles. The surface MSA material is characterised by almost exclusive hornfels use, frequent cortical pieces, many large blanks and cores, and rare retouched tools. These features differ markedly from lithic trends observed in well-known shelter sites, likely the result of differences in site function. Based on the nature of the surface assemblages and the presence of a large outcrop of high-quality hornfels, we hypothesise that the Jojosi Dongas may have been a specialised quarry and workshop area. The stratified MSA occupations are the focus of ongoing excavations and further studies will aim to test our preliminary interpretations provided here
The role of foreign direct investment by multinational corporations in Africa: An exploratory discussion
Get PDFForeign direct investment in conflict-affected areas is a contentious issue in the study of economic development and international human rights. Some analysts are enthusiastic about foreign direct investment (FDI) in conflict-affected areas, claiming that it supports economic growth and play a constructive role in peace-building efforts. On the other hand, a substantial body of literature suggests that FDI in conflict-torn areas may exacerbate instability and negatively undermine economic growth.
This article focuses on two multinational enterprises from Sweden and China that have been operating in South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively, to determine whether there is a link between their investment and the security crises in both countries. Findings shows that the corporations have been accused by both local and international rights groups of being extractive, involved in human rights violations, and building informal networks with local officials.
To avoid resource exploitation and human rights violations, as well as to allow companies to play a constructive role in the economic development in Africa, the article suggest that stringent laws and fiscal transparency in investment operations must be put in place.
 
Predictive simulation of groundwater contamination due to landfill leachate: A case study on the Robinson Deep Landfill, Johannesburg, South Africa
No full textGroundwater contamination from municipal solid waste landfills is a global issue, including South Africa. The Robinson Deep landfill (RDL) in Johannesburg lacks necessary leachate collection and handling facilities, has a shallow groundwater table, and no groundwater quality forecast tool. This situation poses a risk of groundwater contamination. This study aimed to construct groundwater flow and contaminant transport models to predict contamination from leachate migration at RDL. Visual MODFLOW Flex software was used for model construction and verification. Heavy metal concentration observations (Al, Cd, Mn, and Pb) from boreholes BH-1, BH-2, BH-3, and BH-H near the RDL were used to calibrate and validate the contaminant transport model (CTM). The result of the CTM predictive simulations for 2030 show Mn and Pb concentrations in the BH-H groundwater could reach 4.28 mg/L and 6.85 mg/L, respectively, exceeding permissible limits of 0.01 mg/L for Pb and 0.4 mg/L for Mn. The simulations indicate that the RDL threatens groundwater quality, especially in the northern areas of the landfill. Based on these findings, a recommendation is made for future studies on assessment and modelling of groundwater quality to focus on areas where increased concentrations of Pb and Mn are predicted. Further, it is recommended that precautionary preventive measures be implemented to mitigate possible contamination of groundwater in the northern areas of the landfill
Media and the Case of State Capture in South Africa: How Independent Outlets Aided Whistleblowers in Communicating their Messages
No full textState capture, which is when private actors influence the state through illegal and non-transparent forms, significantly impacted South Africa’s socio-political landscape during Jacob Zuma’s presidency. This transpired largely because of an unethical nexus that formed around Zuma, those in government loyal to him, and the powerful business family – the Guptas. These revelations came to the fore because of independent media, which focused on exposing the illicit relationships driving state capture. Independent media was reliant on whistleblowers to communicate a complete narrative, which resulted in a mutually beneficial collaboration between independent media and whistleblowers. A qualitative research approach employing two methods was utilised to examine this collaboration. The dominant source of information arose from semi-structured interviews conducted with whistleblowers and independent media outlet affiliates. This data was further supplemented with document analysis. This study found that independent media played a crucial role in providing support to state capture whistleblowers. Support occurred in three forms, namely: defensive; emotional; and offensive support. Defensive support entailed legal, financial and security aid. Emotional support was provided in the form of informal counselling. Offensive support entailed using media exposure to make the whistleblowers’ narratives public, as well as mediating between whistleblowers and official commissions of inquiry
South African Higher Education: Transformation or/and Decolonisation?
No full textTransformation is the christened name of institutional activities seeking to change South Africa ‘into the opposite of apartheid’, including in higher education (HE). However, transformation failures meant that students at universities in South Africa, through several #MustFall movements, protested around their misgivings about ‘transformation’ and advocated for a decolonial turn. Decolonisation, therefore, has become the preferred name for change to some sections of HE, thereby creating a conflict with ‘transformation’. Our study collected responses on the meaning of transformation and decolonisation and their capability to change the hegemonic structure and Western institutional culture in universities. The qualitative study was anchored in Fomunyam’s social transformation theory and used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 11 participants from a South African university. They were analysed thematically (reflexively). Findings depicted opinions favouring both transformation and decolonisation to achieve changes required in HE. The liberal and linguistic nature of transformation means it can be manipulated for different agendas and research purposes. Meanwhile, decolonisation, anchored in histories of Africa’s oppression, is specific about recentring Africa in the universities. In conclusion, it is vital to exercise caution to avoid ‘decolonial fatigue’ which would make decolonisation a rhetoric just like transformation
Storytelling for personal connection: A pedagogical strategy to localise fashion education
No full textThe 2015 student protests, #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall, gave rise to the call to decolonise curricula and end the dominance of Western ideologies in South African higher education (HE). The argument put forward in this paper is the need to shift from a traditional approach to a humanised pedagogical approach, wherein students frame knowledge around individual experiences to construct personal and shared understanding. Although limited scholarship around decolonising South African fashion HE exists, such scholarship does not focus on storytelling and circle learning as pedagogical strategies. To address this research gap, narrative humanism, referred to in this research as storytelling, and circle learning are put forward as pedagogical strategies to integrate student identities for personal connection in South African fashion HE. This paper aims to explore the affordances of storytelling and circle learning to decolonise South African fashion HE. Through qualitative action research, two teaching and learning interventions, termed the pilot and main studies, were designed and applied with fashion students at a South African HE institution. Data collection entailed semi-structured student questionnaires, artefacts, and a reflective research journal. To analyse the data, content analysis was employed. The findings reveal that, irrespective of cultural lived experiences or diverse backgrounds, storytelling afforded a decolonised approach in terms of inclusivity, collaboration, and a safe environment for socially engaged dialogue and peer feedback. Similarly, circle learning seemed to reduce teacher-student power relations and contrasted traditional modes of delivery. Circle learning appeared to encourage meaningful, engaged participation, affording a progressive pedagogical strategy to accommodate student and teacher voices in open dialogue. This paper contributes to the scholarship of teaching and learning in that storytelling and circle learning are suitable pedagogies to decolonise fashion education in the Global South
Editor’s Note
Get PDFJan G. Platvoet’s encounter with Africa, first as a missionary and later as a scholar, has earned him a significant place in the academic study of religion on the continent and beyond. As a historian of religion, he has made remarkable contributions to the academic study of indigenous religions in Africa and thus contributed in launching African religion into the global academy. His works in the areas of historiography, theory and methodology in the study of African religions and religions in Africa have immensely contributed to knowledge in the field. His notable roles in the African Association for the Study of Religions (AASR), as one of its pioneers but also one of the most proactive actors, and in the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) are not only outstanding, they have earned him a conspicuous place as one who has contributed to putting the academic study of religions in Africa on the global academic map. This Special Issue comprising nine contributions is the first set of essays written to honour him for his impact and mentorship in this area of scholarship. Similarly, the variety of essays in this volume demonstrate his broader engagement in the field as well as the growing interest of contemporary scholars of religion
Religious Innovation and Competition amidst Urban Social Change: Pretoria Case Study
Get PDFWe are a group of 9 researchers curious to explore how local churches in two specific regions of Pretoria – Pretoria Central and Mamelodi East – respond to urban change and vulnerability, whether there are signs of religious innovation and competition, and whether there is evidence of churches in these regions contributing to the healing, or perpetuation, of urban fractures. In the article we engage critically the concepts of innovation, competition, vulnerability and urban change, recognizing that these are by no means neutral terms. We approach the research in a trans-disciplinary manner, outlining our specific research methods – mapping, surveys, focus groups, and the World Café – in a self-critical manner. We then describe the face of the locality, as well as the face of the broader context, identifying emerging themes surfacing from our research engagements. These include the different faces of migration; church members as distant consumers or vested contributors; ecclesiologies under construction; informality, innovation and the church; and youth agency. We reflect critically on both innovation and competition as we encountered it in these communities, appreciating the dynamism and fluidity of many of the churches but concluding that these churches held largely unfulfilled potential as agents of urban social change
“Contextualised critical reflections on academic development practices: Towards professional learning” (edited by Teboho Pitso)
Get PDFThis interdisciplinary book review delves into “Contextualised Critical Reflections on Academic Development Practices: Towards Professional Learning” (edited by Teboho Pitso), offering unique perspectives from a clinical psychologist and a PhD candidate in higher education studies. The review critically engages with the three central themes: Teaching and Technology Support, Student Support, and Prospects and Possible Future Trajectories in Academic Development. Drawing on personal experiences in academia, the review intertwines reflections on these themes with a closing examination of Pitso\u27s thought-provoking exploration of identity and alienation. This review offers a nuanced understanding of professional learning, bridging the gap between psychological and educational perspectives on academic development
Muslim Personal Law, Yes and No: Religious Leader’s Views on its Legalization
Get PDFMuslim personal law (MPL) has been a controversial issue in South Africa. Proponents of it becoming legalized in South Africa, say that women would be handed benefits which they do not have because their marriages lack legal recognition. Women lack support from theological bodies which are largely male dominated. These bodies have been accused of adopting a conservative view of Islam and of wanting to maintain the patriarchal status quo. It can be argued that such views are culturally and structurally violent, as they lead to direct violence, as women are denied important resources such as divorce which could be legally ratified in a court where MPL is recognized. Religious leaders who are against MPL, are in a state of ‘hysteresis’ as Bourdieu would say. Theological bodies, on the other hand, state that MPL cannot be inter-twined with secular laws that are contrary to Shariah (Islamic law). They crit-icize the clergy who were in favor of MPL becoming legalized. My doctoral research focused on religious leaders’ views of domestic violence experi-enced by Muslim women. Using a qualitative research methodology, their views were obtained, using in-depth interviews. Thereafter, their opinions were organized in the form of themes. One of the core themes that emerged from the data, was Muslim religious leaders’ views on MPL. In conjunction with the literature, it was found that there are religious leaders against the legalization of MPL and those who favor MPL becoming legalized