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The spiritual space of Mubende Hill in Uganda: rethinking “awaka w’ensi aw’omweyimirize, Maama Nakayima” as a symbol of ritual and spiritual performance
Get PDFThis doctoral dissertation in art history investigates the dynamic relationships between ritual objects, rituals, spiritual performances, and their representations in specific cultural contexts. The main research question is: How do the ritual objects at Mubende Hill shape and communicate the meanings of the rituals, considering their performative contexts and embodied interactions? This thesis examines the ritual objects at the spiritual space of Mubende Hill in Uganda, which have various meanings and associations for different groups of people. It critically analyses how related objects are interpreted and represented by select Ugandan contemporary artists, including the 2019 history students of Margaret Trowell of Industrial and Fine Arts and the Uganda Museum. The difference between the above components is that the spiritual space, the artists, and the students represent objects as animate, whereas the Museum represents objects as obsolete. The spiritual space of Mubende Hill is a living space where people engage with ritual objects such as calabashes, clay pots, bowls, milk containers, and coffee beans in performative ways. Some of these objects are placed in various partitions of the sacred Omweyimirize tree at the spiritual space, and the objects become efficacious when engaged with through spiritual and ritual performance. In contrast, the Uganda Museum exhibits objects as inanimate, static, and enclosed in glass compartments. As such, the objects are rendered inactive. I examine the way the museum exhibits, frames, and labels these objects, and how this shifts people’s relationships with ritual objects. In contrast, I also analyze how selected Ugandan contemporary artists and the 2019 history students represent similar objects through their artistic practices, thereby opening up the meaning of these objects. This thesis addresses the critical need for a comprehensive reading and representation of objects within their living social and cultural contexts, a focus often overshadowed by museums. In trying to grapple with questions of representations of objects, I employed qualitative research methodologies, including extensive fieldwork, analysis of primary and secondary sources, participant observation, interviews, and photographic documentation The primary information was gathered from individuals at the spiritual space of Mubende Hill, Uganda, specifically the ritual specialists and the Balyammere, select contemporary Ugandan artists, and final year 2019 art history students from the Makerere Art School and select individuals from the Uganda museum. By comparing objects within their original contexts to decontextualized objects in museums and artistic and scholarly representations of objects, I analyze various art historical approaches to objects that grapple with issues of object representation, functionality, purpose, performance, and the movement of objects. I utilize this analysis of objects to critique colonial and contemporary neo-colonial approaches to ritual objects and develop decolonial understandings of objects that are embedded in personal experiences, stories, and narratives of text accompanied with visuals from the Balyammere’s object-ritual and spiritual performances. The study argues that ritual objects possess active agency, extending beyond mere aesthetic appreciation, and they are intertwined within their performative spiritual and cultural contexts. Analyzing these objects and their roles in rituals and spiritual performances allows us to deeply comprehend their meanings and significances as embedded in cultural, spiritual, and social fabrics. The study emphasizes a need for art histories that prioritize African-based scholars at the forefront of knowledge production and appreciate diverse, non-Eurocentric perspectives, suggesting a multidisciplinary approach to understanding art. A deeper understanding of the relationship between objects, rituals, and spiritual performances cannot only expand the knowledge in art history but also suggest alternatives to conventional object perspectives and practices, arguing for a comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and inclusive approach to understanding objects and art within their performative contexts.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 202
A scoping review on problematic Internet use and Substance Use Disorder among men
Get PDFProblematic Internet Use (PIU) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) interact in complex ways that influence the current mental health landscape. Concurrently, the advent of the digital era has presented new difficulties, one of which is the emergence of problematic internet use as a significant issue that negatively impacts mental health. The increasing popularity of internet use has led to an increasing number of reports highlighting the potential negative consequences of overuse, such as substance use. Thus, the study aimed to synthesise literature on problematic internet use and substance use disorder, including the way in which they affect men, given that prior research has predominantly focused on women. The methods employed follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) which is largely based on a PRISMA statement and checklist, the JBI methodological guidance, and other approaches for undertaking scoping reviews. A total of 16 studies were eligible for final review, and the themes identified from the reviewed studies were obtained using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. An analysis of the articles showed a large focus on gender differences in addiction patterns, vulnerability to problematic internet use across age groups, associations between substance use and behavioural addictions, problematic internet use and mental health disorders, the psychological consequences of problematic internet use and substance use disorders, and the various risk factors associated with the development of problematic internet use and substance use disorder. A clear understanding and conceptualisation of this behavioural addiction is vital, including the development and utilisation of appropriate and validated diagnostic and screening tools to measure its presence and, in turn, address it as an emerging mental health disorder. Focus should be given to the assessment of problematic internet use by distinguishing the two different forms, namely the generalised and specific forms of problematic internet use. Additionally, given that there were very few to no qualitative studies conducted on the topic of problematic internet use, much less addressing the possible association with substance use disorder, an assessment of the individual’s experience, especially that of men, is lacking. Future research could therefore aim to incorporate more qualitative studies to address the above. Further research is also needed to clarify the nature of the relationship between problematic internet use and substance use disorder for the purpose of establishing possible causality, including the neurobiological substrates involved.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 202
The adaptation of non-standard labour markets and their spatial distribution: the effects and legacies of COVID-19 on South Africa’s freelance creative workers
No full textAccess restricted. Expected release in 2026.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 202
An investigation of the knowledge of and attitudes towards cervical cancer among female students at Rhodes University
Get PDFSouth African and African studies on the knowledge of cervical cancer show that there is generally a limited understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer among women. It is for this reason that this qualitative study examines the knowledge of and attitudes towards cervical cancer among female students at Rhodes University, with the aim of determining whether or not this specific group of women (young and educated) has a better understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten female RU students, and two members of staff at RU campus. Using thematic analysis, the study found that there is also a lack of understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer among the participants. Participants were mostly unaware of its causes, preventative methods, screening methods, and they did not know any cervical cancer-based organisations or initiatives in their communities. The two RU members of staff participants confirmed the latter as they stated that the Rhodes University First Thing’s First is the only organisation in Makhanda that deals with cervical cancer awareness and screening.Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 202
Shaping self through ceramic sculpture: representing anxiety in the rural black queer experience
Get PDFI am a ceramic sculptor. I make use of clay that I have sourced from Joza, the Makhanda location, and Cofimvaba in a rural area called Magwala. I process this clay and then use it to create a visual and tangible representation of the anxiety I experience as a queer black woman living in South Africa. Unongayindoda is a word that has been used by isiXhosa speaking people in my village to call me ever since I was a child. This is a word that I have chosen to own, in much the same way that some people have chosen to own the word “queer.” My experience of being unongayindoda has had an impact on my mental health, and the process of digging clay, processing it for use and then using it to create my work has become very therapeutic for me. My work’s primary aim is to explore the use of clay as a representative embodiment of anxiety in my work as a rural black queer sculptor who identifies as unongayindoda. The thesis component of my work is a qualitative study informed by autoethnography, practice and art-based research.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 202
Moral disgust in Klaus Mann’s Mephisto and Goethe’s Faust
Get PDFThis thesis investigates the presence and effects of moral emotions within Klaus Mann’s Mephisto (1936) and Goethe’s Faust (1808) with a focus on moral disgust as understood through the theories of P. Rozin and J. Haidt. The thesis also investigates the intertextual links between Goethe’s Faust and Klaus Mann’s Mephisto, namely the presence of the katabasis and anabasis motifs found in classical literature. This is undertaken with the aim to highlight the use of moral emotions as a novel approach to the study of literature. The Faust legend features an important moment when the Faust figure enters into a deal with the devil in hopes of gaining some transitory reward in exchange for his soul, with Goethe’s Faust being the most popular rendition of the German Faust legend. It is a play that depicts the life of a restless scholar who enters into a pact with a demon named Mephistopheles in the promise that Faust will receive pleasure without satisfaction. Shortly after the National Socialists came into power in Germany in 1933, Klaus Mann would write his own interpretation of the Faust motif in response to the Nazi reign. Klaus Mann’s Mephisto details the meteoric rise of the stage-actor Hendrik Höfgen who makes a ‘deal with the devil’ by collaborating with the Nazi elite in order to further his own acting career. Mephisto is devoid of any supernatural elements; this thus removes any supernatural influence on the actions of the Nazis and the protagonist Höfgen. The moral emotion of disgust, and thus also self-directed disgust and self-knowledge, eventually saves Faust, but there is no divine force to redeem Höfgen, nor is there an actual devil or demon to blame.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Literatures, 202
Exploring self-directed continuous professional development for English Language teachers in selected Namibian secondary schools
Get PDFContinuous professional development (CPD) for teachers, with all its diverse notions, has been noted and articulated in various policy documents in Namibia, and is understood as in-service training and professional development for teachers to improve learning outcomes. In Namibia, challenges have been experienced with the performance of learners in English as a Second Language (ESL) at the national level, and teacher professional development could be one way of changing the status quo. However, in answer to the call from the Namibian Ministry of Education Arts and Culture for a more idiosyncratic orientation, limited literature was found on how ESL teachers use self-directed learning (SDL) to shape their CPD activities. Thus, the purpose of this study was to address this gap by exploring the self-directed CPD needs of English Language teachers in selected Namibian secondary schools. The study was oriented to theoretical insights from SDL, reflective practice and social constructivism. Through the use of a qualitative approach, the study employed an exploratory case study research design. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to generate data from eight selected Grade 8 to 12 ESL teachers in the Khomas region of Namibia. The data gathered were analysed using an inductive thematic framework. The findings of the study indicate that ESL teachers are faced with a myriad of challenges ranging from classroom experiences, the type of learners they work with and the support system available at school, regional and national level. The study found that due to changing education paradigms, ESL teachers need to broaden their knowledge base in specialised education and systematic professional interventions at school level. They indicated that this would help learners with challenges in reading, writing and comprehension to improve their skills in ESL classrooms. They further emphasised the necessity for mentors, education specialists, systematic schools and circuit based collaborative CPD, as well as more support from school heads and regional ESL senior education officers, which is an area that is inadequately managed. Finally, they pointed out that in order to make their ESL classes engaging and enjoyable, teachers needed to have a strong foundation in ICT education. This foundation can be leveraged to create resources that are now lacking. The findings have implications for ESL teachers, school administrators, education specialists and policymakers, as they provide insights and recommendations for enhancing ESL education practices.Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 202
Encroaching species are stronger anisohydric “water spenders” under elevated CO2 conditions: implications for savanna seedling establishment rates
Get PDFPlant water transport systems play a fundamental role in the productivity and survival of terrestrial plants due to the vascular architecture placing a physical limit on metabolic function. Savannas have high variability in rainfall, leading multiple studies to suggest that plant water-use strategies are key mechanisms affecting seedling establishment rates. Many savannas are seeing a directional shift towards an increase in the abundance of certain woody species through a process known as bush encroachment, which has been largely attributed to the fertilising effect of rising atmospheric [CO2] on C3 trees. These species are classified as encroachers. While there have been multiple studies investigating changes in the physiology of savanna species under elevated CO2 (eCO2), few have examined how climate and eCO2 affects the fundamental water-use strategies in the seedling stage, a crucial demographic bottleneck. Here, this research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms behind bush encroachment in the context of eCO2 using results from a pot experiment at the Rhodes University Elevated CO2 facility and a field experiment. All species showed water use strategies characteristic of anisohydric “water-spenders”, however, the vulnerability to embolism and rates of water-use were different between encroachers and non-encroachers. Encroachers are better at taking advantage of water pulses, particularly under eCO2 and grass competition. This comes at the cost of higher xylem vulnerability during drought, leading to reductions in conductance when exposed to heavy water stress. The response of the photosynthetic parameters mirrored this, with encroaching species had higher rates of photosynthesis and photosystem II quantum yield than non-encroachers under the well-watered treatments. Field experiments revealed that small trees are particularly vulnerable to drought stress, when compared to medium and large trees. The outcomes of this complex response will largely depend on the extent of changes to biotic and abiotic factors across spatial and temporal zones caused by climate change. This research highlights potential hydraulic mechanisms contributing to the increase in bush encroachment, as well as providing important insights into the determinant factors that make a savanna species capable of encroachment.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 202
Analysis of saprolite-hosted Rutile-Graphite deposit: a case study of Malingunde saprolite-hosted Rutile-Graphite project in Central Malawi
Get PDFThe Malingunde graphite project, owned by Sovereign Metals Ltd (SML), has revealed significant potential for rutile and high-grade graphite in saprolite. This study addresses the complexity of mineral assemblages in the Malingunde area, emphasizing the coexistence of graphite and rutile. SML's exploration activities, including extensive drilling and soil sampling, have uncovered variations in associated minerals, such as muscovite, kyanite, garnets, and ilmenite. Rutile, initially discovered incidentally, has prompted further investigation, impacting the financial model of the project. This research aims to analyse the Malingunde deposit, focusing on understanding its mineralogy, formation, and potential for elements like vanadium. Geological surveys reveal the distribution of graphite in the Precambrian to lower Palaeozoic age basement complex, hosted in saprolite resulting from tropical weathering of graphitic gneisses. Exploration techniques, including remote sensing, and geophysics, are crucial in targeting graphite and rutile deposits. Ground electromagnetic surveys, airborne electromagnetic data, and GIS applications aid in identifying and quantifying mineralised areas. Geochemical analysis and metallurgical tests further contribute to understanding the ore body and processing methods. Results indicate an inverse relationship between graphite and rutile concentrations, influencing the economic viability of different regions within the project area. Correlation matrices and regression analyses reveal distinct geological conditions influencing the association of vanadium and graphite in Lifidzi and Malingunde. The study concludes with exploration potential outside the Malingunde project, highlighting regional prospects and potential byproducts like vanadium pentoxide. The ongoing metallurgical tests and pilot plant design signify the project's evolution toward production. Additionally, neighbouring licenses show potential, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research to define and quantify resources in the region. This research provides valuable insights for the mining industry, informing strategies for exploration, resource assessment, and potential byproduct utilization in similar geological settings.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 202
A revision of Late Devonian (Famennian) “thallophyte” (probable Rhodophyte and Phaeophyte) algae from the Witpoort Formation of South Africa
Get PDFAccess restricted. Expected release in 2026.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 202