For many people music is an important aspect of their daily life. Music preference is a complex subject tied to social identity, personality, leisure activities, religion, family and friends, and so forth. Music is also a form of expression, which is communicated to the public over various mediums and formats. The themes depicted in music media (music in the form of television, radio, and internet sources, both auditory and visually presented) are vast owing to the array of different artists and their individual worldviews that they put on offer for the public. The lyrical content and/or imagery put forward by musicians depicts an array of different themes, which are contextualised by individuals in their personal conception of their favourite music. The meaning that listeners/viewers attach to their music is equally related to their own background and life experience, including their belief system (religion). There has been a controversial increase in the sexualisation and explicitness of music media; however, there is a gap in the intersection between music, sex, and religiosity as a field of study. Understanding the influence of music media requires an understanding of the people who are experiencing this content. Taking a cybernetic approach and the position of the listener who determines the meaning of an utterance, as put forward by cyberneticist Heinz von Foerster, this study is a reflexive contextual enquiry into how people are experiencing and interpreting their music media and whether this media challenges their view on religion (if they consider themselves aligned to a religion). To address this broad research question, a two-part study was conducted. The first part consisted of a quantitative study of 459 students from the University of Johannesburg to obtain a snapshot of a young adult demographic in terms of their music media, sexuality, and religiosity choices. Thereafter, using the results from this first part of the study, a qualitative interview-based study was conducted. Together the quantitative and qualitative studies provide a basis for answering the main research question. The results show that the young adults in the study are thinking beings, not just manipulated by mainstream music media; rather, they decide what is right for them often motivated by their views on religion. Methodologies used in religious studies have been subject to criticism. One specific aspect is the lack of acknowledgment of epistemology within research designs. In addressing this critique, a second- order cybernetic study was conducted. By introducing a cybernetic approach to qualitative religious study, a new approach is thus also presented which is called A Reflexive Recursive Learning Approach to Religious Studies. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil. (Religious Studies)

Text in Afrikaans / Hierdie studie handel oor die rol wat vroue in die Westerse musiekgeskiedenis van SuidAfrika vanaf 1652 tot 1952 gespeel bet. Vroue se bydraes en die belangrikheid daarvan word dus op haas elke denkbare gebied van die musiekmilieu gedurende die ontstaan en ontwikkeling van elke belanghebbende Westerse gemeenskap ondersoek. Hoofstukke een tot vyf konsentreer op die rol wat vroue as professione1e en amateur musikante binne die volgende streke sou vervul: Wes-Kaap, Natal, Vrystaat, Transvaal en Oos-Kaap. Hul posisies as uitvoerende kunstenaars, opvoedkundiges, beskermvroue, orkeslede, dirigente, komponiste, asook as stigters en lede van musiekverenigings word bestudeer. Hoofstuk ses stel 'n algemene beeld van die identiteit en werksaamhede van vrouemusici in die Suid-Afrikaanse musiekgeskiedenis daar. Daar word gekyk na die belangrikheid van hul bydraes en gevolglik blyk duidelik dat hul betekenis nie na waarde geskat word nie. Ten slotte word gepoog om vas te stel wat ten grondslag van hierdie ,verskynsel le. / This study deals with women musicians in the history of Western music in South Africa from 1652 to 1952. Their contributions within the origin and development of every major Western society are traced. Chapters one to five highlight women's roles as professional and amateur musicians in the following regions: Western Cape, Natal, Free State, Transvaal and Eastern Cape. Their posistions as performing artists, educators, patrons, orchestral players, conductors, composers, as well as fo'unders and members of musical societies are discussed. Chapter six recreates a general image of the identity and activity of South African women musicians. It becomes evident that their contributions are entirely underestimated. Finally the study seeks to place this misconception into proper perspective. / Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology / M. Mus.

Text in English / This case study of the Caravan Traditional Dance group profiles Musisinyani Mackson Mavunda‘s contribution to Tsonga music and dance performing arts. The lack of documentation of the work of Tsonga local traditional composers and choreographers is well-known in South Africa. This is echoed by Kidula (2006: 109), stating that ‗many studies from the continent have few outlets in the global academy, inasmuch as the work done by foreign researchers is barely known in much of Africa‘. A few years in the future, it will not be known who the composer of a certain song was, and what their intentions were in composing that particular song. Naturally the composers want to send a message to the community and sometimes to entertain the community or compose for a certain ritual. Composers need a considerable amount of planning and carefully chosen words, choreography and so on and this becomes apparent when taking into account the time and effort they put into composing a song. In response to this problem and by placing the composers‘ narratives at the centre, the study examines the role of the founder of the Caravan Traditional Dance group (CTD), Musisinyani Mackson Mavunda, and his contribution to Tsonga music and dance performing arts. This requires a critical examination of all aspects of his CTD professional career: his musical beginnings, teaching career, teaching of Tsonga traditional dances and his social and cultural heritage in the society. The key finding of this study was that Musisinyani distinguishes the humanity of others, which is Ubuntu philosophy. Music is power. It has power from within the composer. This is seen through the composer‘s confidence, assertiveness and motivation when composing songs. Music has the power to do; this is the listeners‘ choice. Through the power of music, people can gain skills; they may be productive and can network and be innovative. Music also has power over people, and the power to influence communities, thereby helping unite community members to work towards a common cause to achieve a common goal. It therefore gives communities strength and cohesion. As the community they have the power to challenge the status quo and to encourage one another. / Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology / M. Mus. (Musicology)

PhD (African Studies) / Department of African Studies / Mmino wa bana (Children’s songs) are subjected to many changes today; so much so that in time it could cease to exist in its original form or be replaced by genres promoted on televisions. This study focuses on the genre as practised in the Moletjie community. The study explores mmino wa bana by examining its musicological elements, educational validity, and the general social functions within the context of the Moletjie community. By providing insight into these aspects, we could be able to ascertain the transportability of musical elements and philosophies across many contexts. Twenty-one children’s songs were collected for the study. In addition, interviews were conducted with elders and members of the Moletjie royal family to capture the narrative views of the genre. Additional information was also captured in the form of diary notes. The study used an Afrocentric approach as its theoretical framework. The design was qualitative with semi structured interviews functioning as the mode of data collection. For analysis, music programs were used. The body of knowledge emanating from the study is packaged in such a way that it could be used by scholars in African musicology, policy planners, and others interested in the culture of the people of Moletjie community. The school will also find the study to be a useful resource in crafting textbooks for classroom purposes. / NRF

This dissertation falls in line with work produced during the past fifteen years or so, aimed at improving our appreciation of late medieval/early Tudor English Drama. The approach is based especially on looking at the rapport likely to be achieved between audience and players (and via the players, with the playwrights), in actual performance. Attention is given to the permanent modes of human thought, that are unaffected by the ephemeralities of a particular period; attention is therefore drawn to the traps that may mislead the unwary twentieth-century critic, and some new insights are offered into the purposes of the playwrights. Several cycle plays are treated, together with two of the moralities and two interludes. The point is made that these playwrights showed a considerable mastery of the possibilities inherent in drama, as is demonstrated by the provision for achieving rapport with the audience / The reformed churches have theological and musicological criteria for their hymns, which, however, are not always unambiguous. After the introduction of the Jeugsangbundel (1984) an informal song, with informal accompaniment, entered the worship and forms a prominent part of the singing in Dutch Reformed Churches today. Some congregations compile their own volumes of songs. This study set out to identify these congregations by means of a questionnaire and evaluate the songs. Other relevant information was also required from congregations. 21 % of the respondent congregations sing unapproved songs. They have a larger percentage of young people than those singing official songs. Congregations prefer a balance of formal and informal hymns and both are sung with equal enthusiasm. The melody is the strongest characteristic of the informal song and edification the strongest of the formal hymn. The evaluation, however, shows that a considerable number of songs do not meet the required standard / Art History, Visual Arts & Musicology / M.A. (Musicology)

Text in Afrikaans / Die lied en musiekinstrumente speel 'n baie belangrike rol in die Bybel. Die Moseslied (Eks 15) word in die Psalms aangehaal en kulmineer in die 11 nuwe 11 lied van Openbaring - die lied van die "nuwe" hemel en die 11 nuwe 11 aarde wat verlostes saam sal sing. Die brandende vraag wat "reg" of hoegenaamd standpunt ingeneem moet perspektief (die Woord van God) "verkeerd" is en of daar word, word uit 'n Bybelse beantwoord, gegrond op die beginsel van die Reformasie: ecclessia reformata semper reformandum. Die geskiedenis van die lied van die vroee kerk tot by die Ref ormasie word kursories behandel. Die lied wat in die geskiedenis uit die mond van die gelowige, die lidmaat gehaal is en aan die priesters oorgelaat is, word deur Luther weer teruggeplaas in die mond van die gelowige. Dit blyk dat Calvyn, tsv die Ref ormasie slagspreuk, in sommige aspekte van sy beskouing van die kerklied, steeds 'n Roomse standpunt bly handhaaf en net tot by die vroee kerk "gereformeer" het. Slegs sgn "heilige" liedere, direk uit die Bybel, musiek sender instrumentale begeleiding, kon gebruik word. Saam met ons voorsate, wat van oa Nederland gekom het, het ons liederebundels gekom. Van Riebeeck het met die Datheense Psalter (die amptelike Nederlandse kerklied) wat later deur die 1805- "Evangelische Gezangen" aangevul is, geland. Agv die "cuius regio eius religio"-beginsel het die Hollandse kerklied voorkeur bo Lutherse ea kerkliedere gekry. Die 1805-"Evangelische Gezangen", alhoewel dit hartlik verwelkom is, het gelei tot misnoee in Colesberg en later in Rustenburg, wat op sy beurt gelei het tot kerkskeuring. Die "Evangelische Gezangen" was ook, naas die Bybel en die Psalmboek die metgesel van die Trekkers, kommandolede (Anglo-Boereoorlog) en die krygsgevangenes in die konsentrasie- en krygsgevangenekampe. In die kampe was daar baie tyd vir die sing en skep van gewyde liedere. Nie-goedgekeurde bundels en die vertaling van die Bybel in Afrikaans (1933) het aanleiding gegee dat liederebundels hersien moes word. Die 1937 (Totius-beryming), die 1944 Gesangboek, die 76/78-Psalmboek en die 1978 Gesangboek was die resultaat. 'n Dualistiese standpunt, dat sekere liedere geskik is vir kerkgebruik en ander slegs vir buite-kerkgebruik (die 1984- Jeugsangbundel) het aanleiding gegee tot die publikasie van SOM en Jeugsangbundel 2, 1993. Huidig gebruik talle gemeentes 'eie' bundels tsv sinodale besluite dat slegs SOM en JSB2 naas die Psalm- en Gesangboek gebruik mag word. Die verskyning van die Proefsangbundel 1998 (IKSA) lei 'n nuwe fase van die kerklied in SA in as die Ned Herv Kerk ook begin om "nuwe" liedere op die proef te stel. Vos, Strydom, Huisamen, Konig, Kloppers, ea het in resente jare evaluerings oor die kerklied gedoen. Die "ou", die "nuwe" en die kontemporere kerklied (veral met verwysing na die NG Kerk) m6et almal plek kry in die musiekskat van die 21ste eeu. / The hymn and musical instruments play a cardinal role in the Bible. The Song of Moses (Ex 15) is used in Psalms and in Revelation 15:3. The question with regards to what is acceptable and unacceptable and whether it is at all imperative to take a defendant stance, is clarified from a Biblical point of view. It is based on the Reformation-principle: ecclesia reformata semper reformandum. The History of the 'Song' Hymn in the early church up to the Reformation is shortly mentioned. The "songs" (Hymns) of the believer were in the course of history transferred to the priests and were only in the Reformation once again bestowed on the believer by Luther. It would appear that Calvin, despite the slogans of the Reformation continued to postulate a Catholic point of view with regard to the Hymns and that the Reformation was restricted to the early church. Only socalled holy songs, direct from the Bible and songs without instruments/accompaniment could be usedo The collection of 'songs' (Hymns) of the Dutch Reformed Church is an inheritance from the Netherlands. It was Van Riebeeck who brought in the ''Datheense Psalter'' . Later, the 1805 - "Evangelishe Gezangen" were added to it. Owing to the cuius regio eius religio-principle, the Dutch Church Hymn was given preverance. Although heartily welcomed, the "1805-Evangelische Gezangen" lead to a split in the Church. The "Evangelische Gezangen" (Hymns), and the Psalmbook were used by the 'Trekkers' , the 'Kommando' s' , (Anglo Boer war) and in the Consentration and prisoners of war camps. In the camps was ample time for singing and composing new sacred songs. 'Non-approved' song books and the translation of the Bible in Afrikaans (1933) gave rise to the birth of various Hymn and Psalter books. Youth Praise and Worship books were also published. The Dutch Reformed Church opinion that certain songs in the formal Church inappropriate and should gatherings. struggles with the dualistic are suitable for worshipping service while other are only be used at informal / Theology / D.Th. (Theology)

This study investigates the work of the performer, composer, educator, music therapist and activist Sharon Katz. Beginning in 1992, Katz made history in apartheid South Africa when she formed a 500-member choir that showcased both multi-cultural and multi- lingual songs in their staged the production, When Voices Meet, which incorporated music, songs and dance, intended to assist in promoting a peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa. The success of the concerts of When Voices Meet led to Katz securing sponsorships to hire a train, “The Peace Train”, which transported 130 performers from city to city with media crews in tow. The performers’ mission on this journey was to create an environment of trust, of joy, and of sharing through music, across the artificially-imposed barriers of a racially segregated society. This investigation includes several areas of inquiry: The South African Peace Train; the efforts of the non-profit Friends of the Peace Train; Katz’s work with Pennsylvania prisoners and boys at an American Reform School; the documentary When Voices Meet, and the American Peace Train Tour of July 2016, bringing the message of peace and harmony through song to racially and socio-economically divided Americans on a route that started in New York and culminated with a concert at UNESCO’s Mandela Day celebrations in Washington D. C. These endeavours are examined within the framework of musical activism. The multi-faceted nature of Katz’s activism lends itself to an in-depth multiple case study. Qualitative case study methodology will be used to understand and theorise musical activism through detailed contextual analyses of five significant sets of related events. These include Katz’s work as a music therapist with prisoners in Pennsylvania and a Boys’ Reform School; as activist with The South African Peace Train of 1993; as humanitarian with Friends of the Peace Train; in making the documentary, When Voices Meet, and as activist with the American Peace Train Tour of 2016. In documenting the grass-roots musical activism of Sharon Katz, I hope to contribute towards a gap in South African musicological history that would add to a more comprehensive understanding of musical activism and its role in social change. / Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Musicology)

Choral music has played an important role in the liberation of South African people, and it is still very popular today, including among Setswana-speaking choral groups. This study looks at the role of music, particularly choral music, in the expression of Setswana-speakers’ identity as well as the psychological effects on the psychosocial well-being of the choristers. A qualitative research approach, supported by in-depth interviews, was adopted in this study to better understand the singing experiences of two male choir conductors and two female choristers. For this purpose, thematic analysis technique was employed. The results indicate that singing in the choir contributes to the choristers’ physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being as well as to their identity formation. Participants also highlighted challenges such as time constraints, poor leadership, socio-economic conditions, unforeseen circumstances, discrimination against younger members, love affairs, and gossip within the choral groups. The results indicate a positive and socially engaging contribution of choral music in the expression of identity as well as in the sense of belonging and connection of choristers. The findings are in line with the literature and indicate that participation in a choir enhances and strengthens psychosocial well-being, that is self-discipline, healthy lifestyle, self-confidence, self-esteem, motivation, physical fitness, emotional expressivity, emotional processing and stress relief, social responsibility, moral growth and development, mental alertness and focus, upliftment and inspiration, connection with God, and nurtures the community social fabric. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

This dissertation falls in line with work produced during the past fifteen years or so, aimed at improving our appreciation of late medieval/early Tudor English Drama. The approach is based especially on looking at the rapport likely to be achieved between audience and players (and via the players, with the playwrights), in actual performance. Attention is given to the permanent modes of human thought, that are unaffected by the ephemeralities of a particular period; attention is therefore drawn to the traps that may mislead the unwary twentieth-century critic, and some new insights are offered into the purposes of the playwrights. Several cycle plays are treated, together with two of the moralities and two interludes. The point is made that these playwrights showed a considerable mastery of the possibilities inherent in drama, as is demonstrated by the provision for achieving rapport with the audience / The reformed churches have theological and musicological criteria for their hymns, which, however, are not always unambiguous. After the introduction of the Jeugsangbundel (1984) an informal song, with informal accompaniment, entered the worship and forms a prominent part of the singing in Dutch Reformed Churches today. Some congregations compile their own volumes of songs. This study set out to identify these congregations by means of a questionnaire and evaluate the songs. Other relevant information was also required from congregations. 21 % of the respondent congregations sing unapproved songs. They have a larger percentage of young people than those singing official songs. Congregations prefer a balance of formal and informal hymns and both are sung with equal enthusiasm. The melody is the strongest characteristic of the informal song and edification the strongest of the formal hymn. The evaluation, however, shows that a considerable number of songs do not meet the required standard / Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology / M.A. (Musicology)

Text in Afrikaans / Die lied en musiekinstrumente speel 'n baie belangrike rol in die Bybel. Die Moseslied (Eks 15) word in die Psalms aangehaal en kulmineer in die 11 nuwe 11 lied van Openbaring - die lied van die "nuwe" hemel en die 11 nuwe 11 aarde wat verlostes saam sal sing. Die brandende vraag wat "reg" of hoegenaamd standpunt ingeneem moet perspektief (die Woord van God) "verkeerd" is en of daar word, word uit 'n Bybelse beantwoord, gegrond op die beginsel van die Reformasie: ecclessia reformata semper reformandum. Die geskiedenis van die lied van die vroee kerk tot by die Ref ormasie word kursories behandel. Die lied wat in die geskiedenis uit die mond van die gelowige, die lidmaat gehaal is en aan die priesters oorgelaat is, word deur Luther weer teruggeplaas in die mond van die gelowige. Dit blyk dat Calvyn, tsv die Ref ormasie slagspreuk, in sommige aspekte van sy beskouing van die kerklied, steeds 'n Roomse standpunt bly handhaaf en net tot by die vroee kerk "gereformeer" het. Slegs sgn "heilige" liedere, direk uit die Bybel, musiek sender instrumentale begeleiding, kon gebruik word. Saam met ons voorsate, wat van oa Nederland gekom het, het ons liederebundels gekom. Van Riebeeck het met die Datheense Psalter (die amptelike Nederlandse kerklied) wat later deur die 1805- "Evangelische Gezangen" aangevul is, geland. Agv die "cuius regio eius religio"-beginsel het die Hollandse kerklied voorkeur bo Lutherse ea kerkliedere gekry. Die 1805-"Evangelische Gezangen", alhoewel dit hartlik verwelkom is, het gelei tot misnoee in Colesberg en later in Rustenburg, wat op sy beurt gelei het tot kerkskeuring. Die "Evangelische Gezangen" was ook, naas die Bybel en die Psalmboek die metgesel van die Trekkers, kommandolede (Anglo-Boereoorlog) en die krygsgevangenes in die konsentrasie- en krygsgevangenekampe. In die kampe was daar baie tyd vir die sing en skep van gewyde liedere. Nie-goedgekeurde bundels en die vertaling van die Bybel in Afrikaans (1933) het aanleiding gegee dat liederebundels hersien moes word. Die 1937 (Totius-beryming), die 1944 Gesangboek, die 76/78-Psalmboek en die 1978 Gesangboek was die resultaat. 'n Dualistiese standpunt, dat sekere liedere geskik is vir kerkgebruik en ander slegs vir buite-kerkgebruik (die 1984- Jeugsangbundel) het aanleiding gegee tot die publikasie van SOM en Jeugsangbundel 2, 1993. Huidig gebruik talle gemeentes 'eie' bundels tsv sinodale besluite dat slegs SOM en JSB2 naas die Psalm- en Gesangboek gebruik mag word. Die verskyning van die Proefsangbundel 1998 (IKSA) lei 'n nuwe fase van die kerklied in SA in as die Ned Herv Kerk ook begin om "nuwe" liedere op die proef te stel. Vos, Strydom, Huisamen, Konig, Kloppers, ea het in resente jare evaluerings oor die kerklied gedoen. Die "ou", die "nuwe" en die kontemporere kerklied (veral met verwysing na die NG Kerk) m6et almal plek kry in die musiekskat van die 21ste eeu. / The hymn and musical instruments play a cardinal role in the Bible. The Song of Moses (Ex 15) is used in Psalms and in Revelation 15:3. The question with regards to what is acceptable and unacceptable and whether it is at all imperative to take a defendant stance, is clarified from a Biblical point of view. It is based on the Reformation-principle: ecclesia reformata semper reformandum. The History of the 'Song' Hymn in the early church up to the Reformation is shortly mentioned. The "songs" (Hymns) of the believer were in the course of history transferred to the priests and were only in the Reformation once again bestowed on the believer by Luther. It would appear that Calvin, despite the slogans of the Reformation continued to postulate a Catholic point of view with regard to the Hymns and that the Reformation was restricted to the early church. Only socalled holy songs, direct from the Bible and songs without instruments/accompaniment could be usedo The collection of 'songs' (Hymns) of the Dutch Reformed Church is an inheritance from the Netherlands. It was Van Riebeeck who brought in the ''Datheense Psalter'' . Later, the 1805 - "Evangelishe Gezangen" were added to it. Owing to the cuius regio eius religio-principle, the Dutch Church Hymn was given preverance. Although heartily welcomed, the "1805-Evangelische Gezangen" lead to a split in the Church. The "Evangelische Gezangen" (Hymns), and the Psalmbook were used by the 'Trekkers' , the 'Kommando' s' , (Anglo Boer war) and in the Consentration and prisoners of war camps. In the camps was ample time for singing and composing new sacred songs. 'Non-approved' song books and the translation of the Bible in Afrikaans (1933) gave rise to the birth of various Hymn and Psalter books. Youth Praise and Worship books were also published. The Dutch Reformed Church opinion that certain songs in the formal Church inappropriate and should gatherings. struggles with the dualistic are suitable for worshipping service while other are only be used at informal / Theology / D.Th. (Theology)