African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies
Not a member yet
282 research outputs found
Sort by
A Narrative Inquiry to Explore Lived Experiences of Women Pursuing PhDs in South Africa
Get PDFThe journey experienced by women in higher education spans across the areas of teaching, research and leadership. As academics and scholars within these areas, women professionals find few opportunities to share what and how they have navigated this space. Adding in the complexity and challenges of pursuing a PhD to the existing burden placed on women in a gender-segregated environment can be taboo. In this paper, a novel methodology of Narrative Inquiry of reflective writing is used to explore the stories that may be difficult to articulate. We explore the experiences of women as they discover their leadership competencies and academic identities, and the support, motivation and successes they harnessed to complete their PhD. The collaborative sharing of these poetic pieces highlights new ways to actively engage outside of the existing closed communities. While we know that no two lived experiences are the same, this study will draw on the diversity of the experiences as a unifying and enabling narrative for other women on this path
Interrogating Assessment in the Age of Generative AI
Get PDFGenerative AI (GenAI) has foregrounded important educational issues. In this conceptual paper we build on Blackie’s work on knowledge-building and assessment practices to argue that responding to GenAI in educationally sound and sustainable ways requires engagement with the purpose of a higher education. A university education should transform students’ understanding of the world, themselves, and their relationship to the world in discipline-specific ways. We need to understand what it means to be gain expertise in a field before we can consider what it means to assess competence in that field. In this article, we draw on the discipline of Chemistry to reflect on the nature of the target knowledge and knowing and how this then aligns to the approach to assessment. It is only then that we can consider how GenAI might positively or negatively affect the development and demonstration of competence. In addition, because education is inherently relational, we also have to endeavour to nurture and assess such competence on a consciously created foundation of trust
Editorial: Moving Artificial Intelligence Scholarship: Navigating the AI Frontier in Higher Education
Get PDFThe swift and pervasive rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI (GenAI), is reshaping the educational landscape globally. As we navigate a future shaped by developments in AI, the need for critical engagement, ethical frameworks, and innovative learning designs becomes paramount. This special issue of AJIMS, titled Moving Artificial Intelligence Scholarship, emerges at a crucial juncture. Employers today expect graduates to embody an entrepreneurial mindset, possess higher-order literacies, and demonstrate global relevance beyond discipline-specific expertise. This issue interrogates how AI intersects with these expectations, advancing conversations about the future of higher education and professional practice development, particularly navigating the perspectives from China and South Africa. The eight papers in this issue reflect the complexities of integrating AI into education, offering perspectives that span disciplinary, institutional, and cultural contexts. They collectively underscore the transformative potential of AI while highlighting the ethical, relational, and pedagogical challenges it introduces. In this editorial, we synthesise the contributions of these works and their implications for academia
South African Politics and Online Electioneering Discourses in Selected Social Media Sites in Phuthaditjhaba
Get PDFThis study analyses electioneering discourses in selected social media sites of Phuthaditjhaba in South Africa. It focuses on political messages and images posted by political parties on selected Facebook Pages and X handles in Phuthaditjhaba. Using critical discourse analysis as a method and netnography as an instrument to collect data from selected sites, I analyse the packaging and language of political communication and highlighting socio-economic issues used by political parties to persuade voters and undermine messages of their competitors. The theoretical underpinnings of the study are drawn from Kubin and von Sikorski’s (2021) notions of ideological and affective polarisation, and Entman’s (1995) idea of social media constructions of poverty. Their ideas guide my analysis of how political rivals capitalise on existing socio-economic issues in Phuthaditjhaba to mobilise sentiment among disgruntled residents. Data was collected from ten social media sites namely, four Facebook group pages, four X group handles and two individual X handles. Ten images and accompanying texts were sampled from the selected sites. Thematic analysis was used to categorise the data. The findings of the study show that while politicians used social media for campaign purposes, residents of Phuthaditjhaba used it to contest, and challenge messages of political parties.
Schools and Occupational Health and Safety: Perspectives for Developing Countries
Get PDFOccupational health and safety (OHS) services are important for the sustainable development of countries. Education in OHS is needed, specifically in developing countries and schools. Knowledge and awareness about OHS are sparse in low- and middle-income countries. The identification of potential risks and hazards, and their control measures, provide the foundation for a successful safety programme. This paper assesses OHS in schools, in developing countries, and an OHS management framework for schools is established. The methodological steps were to conduct a literature search, identify relevant studies, extract evidence from publications, and synthesise the evidence. The findings provided a basis for the proposed OHS management framework for schools. It was found that OHS are neglected in schools in developing countries, due to insufficient legislation, regulation, and policies. The study recommends that schools and governments work cooperatively to improve OHS. The school management should ensure that a safety culture exists, and health and safety awareness is raised. Schools should also introduce, maintain and develop their OHS activities and built these into their strategic plans, objectives, and policies
The Role of Traditional Leadership in Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Seke Community, Zimbabwe
Get PDFThis study examines the role of traditional leadership (village head and chiefs) in curbing gender-based violence (GBV) in rural communities. GBV disproportionately affects women in rural areas. The paper argues that traditional leaders have a role in addressing GBV in rural communities and posits that given the limited presence of formal institutions in rural communities, traditional leaders actively address and prevent GBV in their localities. This study is part of a 2022 Doctor of Philosophy thesis that explores the role of communal institutions in addressing GBV in Seke District, Ward 8, Zimbabwe. This study relies on qualitative research based on in-depth interviews and observations at the Chief's court. Findings from interviews with two officers and 10 village heads and chiefs and five observations that involved 14 participants indicate that traditional leaders use mediation, the traditional court system, referrals to the police, and awareness campaigns to address GBV. The study also indicates that food insecurity, infidelity, drug abuse, land ownership, and patriarchy are some of the drivers of GBV in the community. The paper recommends that the government, law enforcement, and private stakeholders use education on GBV to empower traditional leaders, who are essential players in addressing GBV in rural communities
Sepedi Language Speakers’ Perceptions and Experiences of South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act, with Specific Reference to the Banking Industry
Get PDFThe 2008 Consumer Protection Act (CPA) mandates clear communication in business interactions, emphasising plain language tailored to the target audience. This study explores how Sepedi-speaking customers in the banking sector perceive the CPA’s effectiveness, particularly in regard to language rights as mandated in Section 22 of the Act. Through semi-structured interviews with nine participants, three key themes emerged. Firstly, using Sepedi facilitated comfortable communication and informed financial decisions. Participants reported feeling more empowered to make sound choices when information was presented in their preferred language. Secondly, the need for easily understandable documentation was crucial, particularly for those who struggle with legal jargon. Complex language can hinder consumer understanding and disadvantage those with limited knowledge and low levels of literacy. Finally, the study highlights the importance of consumer rights awareness and fair treatment from service providers. Regardless of their language proficiency or knowledge level, all consumers deserve honest and transparent interactions. These findings underscore the crucial role of clear language in empowering consumers and fostering fair market practices
Evaluation of Managerial Tools for Preventing and Controlling Cyber-Loafing Among Administrative Staff: A Case Study of a Selected Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Get PDFOrganizations have implemented systems to address cyber-loafing, but these measures are often insufficient to completely prevent employees from engaging in such activities. Consequently, the role of managers in mitigating cyber-loafing becomes crucial. However, the specific strategies employed by managers to reduce and control cyber-loafing remain unclear. This paper aims to evaluate the tools used by managers to prevent and control cyber-loafing among administrative staff in the workplace. The paper proposes effective measures to mitigate this phenomenon. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Purposive sampling was utilized, with a sample size of 156 administrative staff for the quantitative study and 11 managers and supervisors for the qualitative segment. The quantitative data revealed that administrative staff use company internet and computers to perform cyber-loafing activities. Managers and supervisors can apply various tools, including software monitoring systems, internet policies, and employee monitoring, to control cyber-loafing activities. The General Deterrence Theory (GDT) framework was used to explain the tools used to curb cyber-loafing in the study under investigation. Additionally, other deterrent mechanisms and organisational control measures are identified and discussed in specific instances. This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the role of managers in addressing cyber-loafing and proposes practical tools and strategies that can be implemented by organisations to effectively mitigate this phenomenon. By enhancing managerial approaches to cyber-loafing, organisations can improve productivity and ensure a secure work environment
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools in Higher Education: A Moral Compass for the Future?
Get PDFHigher education is experiencing a paradigm shift with the advent of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and large language models. This transformative approach is revolutionising education and the world of work and, if harnessed correctly, has the propensity to shape future minds. The study sought to understand academics' and teaching and learning (TandL) specialists' perceptions at a private higher education institution (PHEI) in South Africa (SA) regarding the ethical implications of using Generative AI tools in TandL prior to the institution taking a formal stance on the use of these tools. This qualitative exploratory study purposively selected 59 academics and TandL specialists across ten delivery sites at a PHEI in South Africa. Data was collected anonymously using an open-ended online questionnaire, and thematic analysis was performed. Five key themes emerged from the data: Academic integrity while maintaining agility; monitoring responsible ethical use and investments; protection of privacy; accessibility and equality and tools and systems for AI identification. The study also highlights the importance of considering the moral implications of Generative AI in education and how it can be used to shape the future of learning. This study contributes to the limited literature available on the use of AI in higher education TandL and its ethical implications in the global south
Induction-Phase Challenges Faced by South African Higher Education Students: A Case Study of Sol Plaatje University
Get PDFThis study investigated the challenges facing entry-level students at Sol Plaatje University. Research has underscored the inequalities and socio-cultural and economic disparities between students at universities. In the case of South Africa, these inequalities are particularly prevalent because of the legacy of apartheid. There is therefore a need for universities to monitor the transition of students in their academic journey from high school to university and to ensure that this transition is underpinned by social justice that ensures that no student feels excluded. It is in this context that this study sought to investigate the challenges of the induction phase of transition faced by Sol Plaatje University students, with first-year students as the target population. Through a social justice theoretical framework, the study adopted a qualitative design. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of twenty-five students. The findings reveal that in the induction phase of their higher education journey, the students experienced environmental, social, and academic challenges. The authors, therefore, recommend that universities be aware of the various challenges faced by first-year students in order to find appropriate solutions to eliminate these challenges, and ensure the students’ ability to successfully transition through university