Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / In recent years, many long held assumptions about language and literacy have come to be questioned by so-called "critical" discourses. The result of this questioning at a theoretical level has resulted in a concomitant interrogation of the practices and methodologies intended to develop both phenomena. Situated against the background of this critical questioning, this thesis examines the appropriacy of interventions designed to develop students' academic literacy at the University of Zululand, a historically black South African University. It does this by asking two questions about students' literacy-related experiences. The first question, "How does the University of Zululand construct students' literacy-related experiences?", is answered using an analysis of Senate and Faculty documents, extant study and course guides and archived examination papers. In answering the question, the focus is on the identification and exploration of the ideologies which underpin dominant understandings of students' literacy-related experiences. The answer to the second question, "Is there a way to construct students' literacy-related experiences which is different to dominant understandings at the University of Zululand?", uses ethnographic research to support an analysis of students' written texts produced in a first year Systematic Philosophy class to "talk back" to the dominant understanding of students' literacy-related experiences identified as a response to the first research question. The analysis of students' writing is conducted using a systemic functional linguistic framework (Halliday, 1973, 1978, 1994). A systemic framework relates three different kinds of meanings evident in texts (experiential, interpersonal and textual meanings) to the contexts in which those texts are produced. The framework was used because of its potential to account for the form of students' texts by referring to a mismatch between the expectations of the dominant contexts of culture and situation (the university and the Systematic Philosophy class in which the research was conducted respectively) and the contexts which students themselves use as a reference point.

Bibliography: pages 145-152. / This thesis examines manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Western Cape, drawn from three leading industries in the manufacturing sector: clothing, furniture, and panel beating and metal works. The aim of the study is to analyze factors that contribute to the success of black manufacturing enterprises. To this end, the study isolated a group of black SMEs regarded as successful in terms of comparative studies in other countries. A sample of 20 SMEs was selected and detailed interviews formed the basis of the analysis. The information gathered during this process was analysed using Porter's model of competitiveness. A central finding of the survey is that the profile of a successful enterprise would include an entrepreneur with post-school training, a motivation for independence and enhancement of self-esteem, a participative relationship between workers and management, and a good relationship with customers. Most of these entrepreneurs attained competitiveness independent of support institutions (private or public). Entrepreneurs interviewed mentioned that their performance could be enhanced by effective support in marketing and exporting, finance, training, information and, technology, and subcontracting. The conclusion is therefore that the support envisaged in terms of the national strategy for SMEs' advancement, would assist the individual enterprise's quest for competitiveness.

Masters thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities School of Human and Community Development Discipline of psychology for the degree of Master in Educational Psychology University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016 / The study sought to give voice to the subjective experiences of NEETs (youth not in employment, education or training), often viewed as risk taking, apathetic and a strain on the economy and to think about their identities differently. The aim was also to provide ways to forge new versions of themselves in the future, allowing the participants an opportunity to ‘read the world’ differently and to think about new possibilities, through recollecting the past and exploring their present place in the world. This study utilised participatory action research and narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of a group of NEETs in a township in South Africa, and together with the researcher were involved in active engagement with their social worlds, through photographic documentation and in-depth interviews. The data were analysed using thematic and narrative analysis. The focus of the narrative analysis was to understand the meaning that the participants made of their own experiences, and the thematic and visual analysis focussed on understanding their context, their interaction with place and people in forming their identities, and the opportunities and versions of identities that they thought were possible in the future. The significance of these findings points to the past and the effects of South Africa’s history on youth identity. However, despite the structural constraints that impact on youth growing up in disadvantaged townships, and the impact that these constraints have on their identities, these youth have found ways to challenge the stereotypes that define their lives, and in different ways offer glimmers of hope for their futures. Their identities, though impacted by their interaction with their environment and the people in their context, are remarkably complex and encouraging. Furthermore, this study provided insight into the issues facing ‘at risk’ youth, and allows for new possibilities for their issues and concerns to be addressed. / GR2017

The emergence of a South African womanist (Black) consciousness was investigated. More specifically, the present study examined how the politics of survival gives rise to a feminist consciousness. A meta-analysis of 8 case studies was conducted on how (South) African women's daily struggle for survival in three socio-political and historical contexts translated into a womanist consciousness. Of the 8 case studies examined. 2 pertained to (South) African women's involvement in the national liberation struggle, 3 pertained to the migrant labor system, and the remaining three pertained to the struggie against poverty as a context for the emergence of a womanist consciousness. It was found that women's involvement in the national liberation struggle, the migrant labor system, and the struggle against poverty provided a context in which (South) African women learned about their feminism. The results suggest that the new Black feminism that is slowly emerging on the African continent is rooted in the politics of survival. Also, the findings from the study suggest that the current state of African women's engagement with feminism is one of two extremes. On the one hand, women are individually advancing themselves and on the other women are collectively/politically organizing for the good of all women. The implication of the findings are that (poor) African women's daily struggle for survival leads them (through their actions) to engage with feminism. This in turn sets the stage for an emerging African womanist consciousness. Furthennore, the results of this study imply that in order for the newly emerging Black feminism to grow and make a meaningful contribution in the lives of all, African women need to engage with feminism at a collective, and not just individual level. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

This thesis offers a critical gendered analysis of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE): a programme which was begun when the ANC government came unto power in 1994, to correct the economic imbalances instituted by the Apartheid system. The thesis argues that the programme has not effectively benefited black women in South Africa. Despite the fact that the focus of the programme has recently been changed to benefit a broad base of previously disempowered black people, only a few men who are connected to the ANC government have benefited. The thesis provides an overview of the background that necessitated the implementation of the economic programme. It specifically highlights the economic inequalities that were cornerstones of apartheid and their effects on Black women. It investigates statistics relating to BEE and gender, and reveals that eight key areas inhibit black women’s participation in the BEE programme. These include the fact that the original document did not mention women, women’s lack of capital, the glass ceiling, a sense of inferiority held by women, lack of mentorship and networking groups, family commitments and workload, gender stereotypes, and inadequate education and skills. The thesis argues that these eight key areas result from patriarchal customs and traditions in the South African society. To support this claim, the thesis then examines the responses of women participating in BEE. Women in BEE have voiced their concerns on different platforms but it is not enough to bring about the required transformation in the economy. Therefore, in order to adequately deal with factors that inhibit women’s participation in BEE, the thesis proposes that developmental feminist ethical and cultural tools needs to be engaged with in order for gender justice to be realised in BEE. In the search for solutions to factors inhibiting women’s participation, the thesis proposes the incorporation of the virtues of ubuntu, such as communalism, participation, humanity and solidarity, in BEE. In conclusion, the thesis argues that the South African economy cannot be built on the efforts of male citizens alone. There is the need for the government to ensure the inclusion of women at all levels of the economy, and to “shatter the glass ceiling” which Black women are constantly up against. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

M.A. (Clinical Psychology) / The prospects of future peace in this world are largely dependent upon meaningful cooperation between nations as well as collaborative efforts in promoting ideological compromise. This \ will hopefully ensure international stability for succeeding generations. Although political and ideological disputes have both characterised humanity and marked the course of history, there is another problem posing an immediate threat to the future of man. Current population increases present humanity with a unique situation and with a problem that grows more critical with the passage of time. Latter and Van Tonder (1976) report that it took all of recorded time until the middle of the 19th century to achieve a population of one billion. This figure was doubled within 100 years and was trebled 30 years later. The above authors also report that by the year 2000 the world population will have reached seven billion (assuming stable fertility and mortality figures). According to the United Nations projection of world population (1966, in L6tter & Van Tonder, 1976), towards the end of this century a total world population can be expected of between ~'5400 000 000 and 7000 000 000. These projections are based upon the supposition that contemporary Third World (including developing areas) fertility levels will decline. These projections should therefore be considered to be inevitable. Britannica World' Data (1986) give credence to the above in estimating that by the turn of the century, although the annual population growth rate will have dropped from 1,7% to 1,5%, the earth should be expected to have to accommodate a population of 6126 000 000.

The study focuses on the important issue of young adult female sexuality in an age of HIV/AIDS. The research question explores the influence of the parental home, the church and young black women's own belief on their sexual behaviour. Sexuality is influenced by societal voices that override religious and parental voices. Parents are hesitant to speak out, the church is burdened with an antiquated and unworkable sexual ethics and the young women's belief is overpowered by social discourses. Male domination and infidelity exacerbate female vulnerability and contribute to the powerlessness of young women in sexual relationships. Feminist theology puts forward an embodied theology that demands integrated embodiment and full humanity for women. This can be achieved when relationships are mutual, reciprocal and empowering. This study proposes an accountable sexual ethics that will renew and recreate the lives and relationships of young people in a confusing and perilous environment. / Sys Theology & Theol Ethics / MTH (SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY)

A literature review and qualitative study was undertaken to ascertain the influence of violence on social youth club activities, and youth as individual members of society. The purpose was to determine the involvement of youth in the ongoing political violence as well as to ascertain youth's needs and anxieties during periods of violence. Politically aligned, social and church youth groups were studied. Group discussions were held with different groups in an effort to probe into youth's activities and personal lives during periods of violence. The researcher also relied upon perusal of media, unobtrusive observation of youth's behaviour during incidents of violence, and informal discussions with the parents. The study found that political violence hinders the activities of youth, but that politically aligned youth feel empowered by their involvement in the liberation struggle. Youth referred to their own acts of violence as counterviolence against the violence of apartheid. They saw themselves as victims of violence, rather than perpetrators of violence. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science (Mental Health))

Trade unions in South Africa are a growing force. The discussion that follows and the accompanying tables describe this in some detail. Finding accurate and consistent statistics is not always easy, but everyone in industrial relations relies on good information when making decisions. This analysis attempts to provide the best available information on trade unions today. There have been considerable legislative changes in industrial relations since 1979, but the growth of unions preceded that, and, indeed, caused it. Africans were "entering" unions several years before the Wiehahn Commission reported - often by forming new ones. Since Wiehahn, and the adaptations made by existing unions, the stream has become a torrent. Most new members are African workers; but 'Coloured' and Asian and White membership has also increased significantly.Yet at least 3 out of every 4 "organizeable" workers remain to be unionised. Plainly, the South African trade union movement has only begun its greatest period of growth.

The study focuses on the important issue of young adult female sexuality in an age of HIV/AIDS. The research question explores the influence of the parental home, the church and young black women's own belief on their sexual behaviour. Sexuality is influenced by societal voices that override religious and parental voices. Parents are hesitant to speak out, the church is burdened with an antiquated and unworkable sexual ethics and the young women's belief is overpowered by social discourses. Male domination and infidelity exacerbate female vulnerability and contribute to the powerlessness of young women in sexual relationships. Feminist theology puts forward an embodied theology that demands integrated embodiment and full humanity for women. This can be achieved when relationships are mutual, reciprocal and empowering. This study proposes an accountable sexual ethics that will renew and recreate the lives and relationships of young people in a confusing and perilous environment. / Sys Theology and Theol Ethics / MTH (SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY)