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Item Embargo Dikosa tsa Sepedi versus Dikosa tsa Zion Christian Church: A Comparative Study(2025-09-05) Phasha, Ramauba Lazarus; Mapaya, M. G.; Zulu, T. G.This comparative study investigates the functions, similarities, and differences between dikoša tša Sepedi and Sione's religious attachments, originating from a typical music genre. The emergence of African Initiated Churches gave refuge to the traditional black African who was discouraged by Western civilisation from worshipping God in his way and understanding. These Churches accommodated Black African traditions, rituals, and culture, making it easier to espouse Christianity and African cultural systems, hence their overwhelming growth in the last century. This study compares dikoša tša Sepedi with those of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) (star and dove). St Engenas’ acceptance of many cultural activities of the Bapedi of GaSekhukhune, including dikoša, led to the rapid growth of his church following his acceptance as a “man of God” rather than an enemy, as was the case with other missionaries. This study will show the similarities and differences regarding the functions and performance of dikoša tša Sepedi and dikoša tša Sione. Although various research methods were considered, the study employed a qualitative, ethnographic research approach. Through the analysis of music performances in both spaces, it is envisaged that this research will contribute to a better understanding of the symbiotic relationship between black African religions and culture. By doing so, the present Christian mindset that God hears only those who worship in Western ways will be dispelled. It will also show that God has long had messengers through whom prayers are transmitted, as typified in black African cultural practices regarding access to KgoŠi, through bakgoma (councillors)Item Embargo Investigating challenges facing women-led ministries: a case study of Pentecostal Churches in Thohoyandou, Thulamela Municipality(2025-09-05) Mulaudzi, Tshilidzi Nomsa; Khosa, H. P.; Mudimeli, L. M.This study investigated women-led ministries within the Pentecostal churches in Thohoyandou, Thulamela Municipality, concentrating on the obstacles encountered by these female leaders. There is a focus on spiritual empowerment in the Pentecostal churches; despite this, their women leaders face distinct challenges that differ from those of their male counterparts, such as resistance to female leadership and gender stereotyping, which hinder their capacity to accomplish their ministerial roles. The study aimed to: (1) identify obstacles faced by women-led Pentecostal churches; (2) investigate attitudes within these churches, and (3) analyse statistical growth trends in women-led Pentecostal churches. A qualitative approach was utilised, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine purposely-selected female leaders from Pentecostal congregations in Thohoyandou. A thematic analysis was employed to examine and interpret the data. The results indicated considerable differences in leadership experiences between males and females in Pentecostal congregations, with women encountering cultural, theological, and institutional obstacles. Notwithstanding these hurdles, women-led churches showed favourable development trends due to the women’s inclusive leadership approaches and community involvement. The study advocates for awareness campaigns, educational activities, and additional research on women-led ministries to tackle the highlighted challenges and advance gender equality in religious leadership.Item Embargo Genre dispostions in crime films of Sub-Saharan Africa(2025-09-05) Kimani, Gabriel Thukhu; Mapaya, Geoff Madimabe; Wanyama, MellitusCinema as a key discussant of topics within the societal dialogue, is an assertion widely acceded to, by film scholars. The analysis of cinema and its significance within that dialogic matrix is then a vital tool in the review of society. This study is pegged upon the idea of comprehension of the generic concept in film and foregrounding the discourse on African cinematic products as purveyors of discernible aesthetics, and platforms of tightening the gaze and critique on other facets of society. Genre is one of the principal elements of cinema, which, invites a study into this largely unexplored subject within African cinematic exegesis. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the audio-visual aesthetics, narrative aspects, and language aspects, of sampled crime films from sub-Saharan Africa, and to relate their thematic framing to existential realities within the depicted jurisdictions and African societies by extension. To achieve this, qualitative inquiry methods were applied to collect and analyse the data drawn from the films. The primary data was interspersed with secondary data and organized thematically, railed on two theories: Genre theory tenets by Steve Neale and Post-Afrocentric perspectives as advanced by Tejumola Olaniyan. The findings of this study go a long way in advancing the generic concept in African cultural studies, appraising genre within the contemporary practice and relating cinematic storytelling to contemporary realities of the continental African, which serve as a window of understanding crime as an existential challenge to Sub-Saharan Africa.Item Embargo Exploring perceptions of rural youth participation in political elections: A case study of Thulamela Municipality(2025-05-16) Mphegi, Musatondwa; Dzimiri, P.; Tshifhumulo, R.Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa held elections every five years to promote democratic engagement and allow citizens to choose their representatives. Despite this democratic foundation, the political landscape revealed a concerning trend: South African youth increasingly became disinterested in participating in political processes, particularly elections. This study investigated the phenomenon of voter apathy among South African youth, focusing specifically on factors that influenced this disengagement among rural youth. Through a phenomenological approach, research analyzed the 2021 local government elections, revealing significant apathy among young voters, which undermined the principles of participatory democracy. Utilizing qualitative research methods, the study incorporated both primary and secondary data collection techniques, including interviews and document analysis. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 16 youth’s from the Thulamela municipality, allowing for a focused examination of their attitudes and behaviours related to electoral participation. Thematic analysis was employed to explore the findings from recorded interviews, providing insights into the experiences and perceptions of rural youth regarding elections. Ultimately, this study aimed to contribute to the understanding of youth voter apathy in rural areas and proposed actionable recommendations to enhance electoral engagement. The findings reveal a complex interplay of socio-economic factors and personal beliefs that shape the political attitudes of rural youth. By focusing on the lived experiences of these young individuals, the research highlights the distinctive challenges they face in the political arena, offering valuable insights into the broader implications of youth participation in democratic processes. This approach not only enriches the understanding of the phenomenon but also emphasizes the importance of incorporating the perspectives of marginalized groups in electoral discourseItem Embargo A critical reflection on the state of social contract in the 21st century South Africa(2025-05-16) Hakamela, Tsundzuka Methews; Dzimiri, P.; Tshifhumulo, R.This study examined the state of social contract in South Africa. It explored the state of the social contract during the apartheid era to map out the changes and continuities in the social contract. The study employed desk-top research methodology, which involved the exploration of existing sources of information. The study found that the apartheid regime was fueled by a racial contract, which caused the division of members of society and the allocation of resources amongst them. The racial contract during the apartheid era favored the minority white people while suppressing the majority black people. The study revealed that there exists a concerning social contract, to an extent that no political party represents the majority. In 2024 a coalition government comprising of six political parties was formed to govern the country with no single political party dominating the government. This is a significant change in the social contract since 1994.Item Embargo Exploring challenges and intervention strategies for harvesting Mopane worms in conservation areas: A case study of selected areas in Vhembe District Municipality(2025-05-16) Dzhanngi, Takalani Ernest; Makhanikhe, T. J.; Madima, T. J.This study explored the challenges and intervention strategies for harvesting Mopane worms at Ha-Gumbu, Matiyani, and Bokmakieries Farm in the Vhembe District. It was observed that conservation areas in South Africa continued to use pesticides and deforestation, which could potentially lead to the extinction of Mopane worms. Pesticides were found to damage the leaves of Mopane trees, adversely affecting the mass production of Mopane worms. As Mopane worms are an indigenous staple crucial for local livelihoods, their decline poses significant concerns for the communities dependent on them. The overharvesting of Mopane worms without adequate ecosystem protection led to environmental unsustainability. This study highlighted the need for conservation areas to adopt alternative pest control methods and avoid deforestation to protect Mopane worm breeding habitats. The study was guided by the Afrocentricity Theory developed by Molefi Kete Asante in 2009, which emphasizes the recognition of African values and perspectives. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing purposive and snowball sampling methods for selecting participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic data analysis was used to interpret the findings. Data saturation was achieved with the 13th participant. The study revealed that sustainable management and harvesting practices are essential for preserving Mopane worms for future generations. Implementing integrated pest management strategies and promoting conservation practices that do not compromise Mopane worm habitats are crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of Mopane worm populations. The study concluded that balancing conservation efforts with local economic needs is vital for the sustainable harvesting of Mopane worms. Effective measures must be taken to mitigate environmental impacts while supporting the livelihoods of the local communities.Item Embargo An exploration of the use of social media as a vehicle to enculturate Vhavenda youth in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province of South Africa(2025-05-16) Tshikukuvhe, Livhuwani Daphney; Matshidze, P. E.; Netshandama, V. O.; Chari, T. J.This qualitative study explored the use of social media as a vehicle to enculturate Vhavenḓa youth in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study examined the possibility of using social media platforms to enculturate youth with the indigenous knowledge system (IKS). IKS mainly relies on information being passed on by word-of-mouth from adults; hence, it requires direct interactions between the older and younger generations. Social media have taken over the socialisation role played by older adults; however, how social media can be used to enculturate the youth is unclear due to the nature and beliefs associated with IKS. The major issues at the heart of this study are how people perceive the function of social media in enculturating youth with indigenous knowledge system content and what strategies can be employed to integrate IKS with social media. In-depth unstructured interviews and focus-group discussions were used to collect data from 25 youth and 25 elderly indigenous knowledge holders from 11 local communities from the Vhembe District Municipality. Using a Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) to examine the collected qualitative data, the study concluded that to present to the present generation what speaks to their identity and way of being, various social media platforms need to be fed with content that discusses cultural programs, practices, values, and standards. The study’s key conclusions were that social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp and many more could be utilized to ingrain IKS. This process can be facilitated if the government provides financial resources to familiarise communities with IK. The study advised that various media outlets should develop programs that broadcast IKS content using indigenous languages to enculturate the current and upcoming generations. This was made possible by adopting the theory of socialisation as the study sought to find ways in which social media could be utilised to enculturate Vhavenda youth. The study found that social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Internet, and YouTube are the main vehicles for enculturating youth.Item Open Access Implications of African Pianism on the arrangement and Orchestration of mmino(2024-09-06) Phoshoko, Magalane T.; Mapaya, M. G.; Wanyama, M. N.African songs generally find their origins in social, cultural, and political interactions, primarily stemming from community-centric activities. Communal and social engagements deeply influence the shaping and preservation of African knowledge, cultural traditions, artistic expressions, and songs. Additionally, systematic cultural codes play a significant role in shaping performance styles, song structures, and the usage of musical instruments. As a result, songs become a repository of cultural identity, reflecting an artistic sense of logic and embodying cultural lore, ethos, and ways of understanding. The dissemination of indigenous knowledge predominantly relies on oral tradition and systems, which align with African societies' natural modes of knowledge transmission. Traditional songs persist in an oral context, playing a crucial socio-cultural role. Despite the challenges of colonialism, imperialism, and urbanisation, these songs have resiliently resisted modern Eurocentric cultural influences. Reading and writing have become integral to knowledge storage, exchange, and development in the contemporary landscape. This study's main research question is: "How can African pianism influence the transcription, arrangement, and orchestration of mmino (indigenous African music) to incorporate non-indigenous instruments while preserving traditional performative techniques?" The study aims to achieve three primary goals: firstly, the development of a systematic method for transcribing, notating, arranging, and orchestrating indigenous music; secondly, the incorporation of non-indigenous African instruments; and thirdly, the arrangement of music for the piano as a principal instrument in the ensemble while maintaining an indigenised performative technique (Africanism). These approaches underscore the symbiotic relationship between orality and literacy. Utilising a practiceled methodology, defined as an approach rooted in or centred around where the practice itself is the focal point of the investigation, this study presents an African children's game song for adaptation, notation (creation of music scores), and a studiorecorded performance. The sections encompass rhythm, brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Consequently, the study provides music scores and audio files for further analysis and theorisation, serving as a blueprint for the future adaptation, transcription, and notation of Indigenous African songs for modern instruments.Item Open Access Youth and land reform politics: a post-aparthedi South African perspective(2024-09-06) Mashego, Simon Sekhonkwane; Mapaya, M. G.; Mathagu, S.South Africa’s post-apartheid government land reform programme is a central aspect and epitomises the constitutional measure to provide solid redress. Land reform policies and youth socio-economic concerns demonstrate how democratic political power has been used for the past twenty-nine years. Youth is the engine of every country and a critical mass of society. Emerging democratic administration is experiencing the highest level of youth crisis without accessing the basis of wealth, and land. This study explores the socio-economic predicament youth face on the land reform policies of post-apartheid South Africa. The qualitative research method and exploratory design were applied in this study. Purposive sampling was used to select participants and interviews were used for data collection. Content analysis with the help of Atlas.ti was used to analyse both raw data and documents. The study was premised on three objectives which were to analyse South Africa’s land reform policies and assess its implementation. The critique on the impact of the policy on youth socioeconomic emancipation processes, and also explores potential transformation opportunities for land reform and youth. The redistributive justice theory was applied to provide a roadmap and interpretation of the arguments regarding the phenomena under study. The findings of the study suggest that the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, the National Assembly, and the Congress of South African Traditional Leaders need to improve the facilitation of land administration for youth to gain access to land. The study concludes that there is a serious need for the promulgation of a youth land ownership policy after the almost a quarter of a century under a democratic South Africa.Item Open Access The exploratory study of psychological experiences of female victims of gender-based violence in Sekhukhune District Municipality(2024-09-06) Murei, Takalani Patricia; Mabasa, M. A.; Mogorosi, L. D.; Budeli, N.Gender based violence in South Africa, (especially on women and young women), is increasing. There is significant increase in those women who are in relationship. However, such relations have strong correlation to the high rates of murder, rape and assault with intend to do grievous body harm, resulting in a high prevalence of women exposed to gender based violence. Social workers are mandated to provide psycho- social support to the victims of gender-based violence and their families. Alternatively, the Victim Empowerment programs Centers (VEP) implements support to victims and survivors of crimes including gender-based violence, as well as their families to deal with the impact of the incident which he/she has experience. VEP also assist victims with management of trauma and ensuring that victims are educated to identify the symptoms of post-traumatic stress as common practice in South Africa, is not without challenges. One significant challenge is the role of support systems within the community. The aim of the study was to explore the psychosocial experiences amongst women exposed to gender-based violence in rural areas of Sekhukhune District. Qualitative approach using an exploratory research design was employed. The population of the study was women who experienced gender-based violence living in rural areas of Sekhukhune District municipality who were attending Victim empowerment services at the Non- Governmental Organization.Convenience sampling was used to select ten (10) women who experienced gender-based violence. Semi-structured interviews, in-depth individual face to face interviews were used to better understand the psychosocial experiences of gender-based violence as well as the role played by the support system within the community which was analysed using thematic analysis.Item Open Access An investigation of property and inheritance rights of the spouses in polygnous customary marriages among Vatsonga people in Vhembe District(2024-09-06) Nwankoti, Wisani Charles; Matshidze, P. E.; Mabale, N. P. M.This study sought to explore the proprietary consequences of the Vatsonga customary marriages. The study seeks to investigate the constitutional rights of the spouses in polygynous customary marriages, as well as to explore the property and inheritance rights of spouses in polygynous customary marriages and to investigate how spouses of polygynous customary marriages can be informed about their rights and be protected from losing their property and inheritance. A qualitative exploratory design was adopted in this study. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to select second women married in polygynous marriages. All participants live in the Vhembe District. It was envisaged that a sample size of five women and five husbands married in polygyny would be interviewed. A voice recorder was used to record data from the participants. An interview guide was used to explore property and inheritance rights from spouses of polygynous customary marriages. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using Tech’s ten steps of open coding. The study adopted two theories, for example, the resilience theory and the social exchange theory in integration with the study.. The researcher, through probing, realised that there is a need for the HMA to educate people about these marriages and help them through registering them so that their marriages can be recognised. Also, the community can empower women so that they can stand up for themselves and avoid the issue of them being under someone. Also, the issue of counselling and guidance, if there might be issues like disputes, so that they can be resolved in harmony.Item Open Access Unpacking community participation in the Integrated Development Planning process in Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa(2024-09-06) Makhubela, James Ansell; Yende, N. E.; Dzimiri, P.During the apartheid era in South Africa, most black people were banned from participating in government planning processes. After 1994, the black democratic government took power and sought to address apartheid practices by enacting key policies to transform local government. As a planning instrument for local government, the integrated development plan (IDP), was seen as one of the mechanisms for including residents in policy and decision making. This research unpacked the participation of the community in the integrated development planning process. The study objectives were to conceptualize the understanding of community participation by the participants, examine the knowledge of the participants about the IDP process in the local municipality of Mbombela, identify factors that hinder participation in community meetings, and recommend strategies to improve the effectiveness of community participation in the IDP. The qualitative approach was used to collect data from 16 participants through semi-structured interviews. The data in this study were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that one of the main issues that made it difficult for community members to engage successfully during IDP sessions was the use of English and political jargon. Based on this finding, it is recommended that the local language be used extensively during IDP meetings. Furthermore, it is necessary to simplify and unpack complex development concepts for residents, to facilitate their understanding of the issues discussed and the challenges at hand.Item Open Access Indigenous Solid Waste Management Practices for Sustainable Environment: A Case of Thalahane Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2024-09-06) Masipa, M. J.; Matshidze, P. E.; Netshandama, N. V.; Mudau, N. V.Solid waste management (SWM) in developing countries remains a challenge due to economic constraints, governance inefficiencies, consumption patterns changing, an increasing population, and subsequent increased waste generation. The study aimed to explore the indigenous solid waste management system of Thalahane village for a sustainable environment since there is an increasing urgency to address the health and environmental implications associated with inefficient solid waste management. The current paradigms of solid waste management are effective in developed countries but ineffective in developing countries due to differences in contexts. To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were used: to investigate indigenous waste management practices that the Thalahane local community uses to manage solid waste; to analyse the implementation of a waste management system by the Blouberg Local Municipality in Thalahane village; and to develop an integrated sustainable solid waste management plan for Thalahane village that accounts for indigenous solid waste management. Employing a qualitative method, 65 participants were purposively selected and interviewed using an unstructured interview guide to gather data. The data were analysed qualitatively using a thematic approach. The results show that separation of waste, burying, composting, burning, repurposing, recycling, reuse, reduction, and avoidance are the indigenous solid waste management (SWM) practices within Thalahane village. Some of these solid waste management (SWM) practices have positive effects on the environment and were integrated and adopted to enhance the management of municipal solid waste. The study resulted in a theoretical framework to develop an integrated, sustainable solid waste management system that accounts for indigenous solid waste management practices in Thalahane. The study recommends the design of homegrown solid waste management that incorporates indigenous solid waste management practices for a sustainable environment in rural municipalities.Item Open Access Experiences of Unemployed Indigenous people Living with Disabilities in Soshanguve Township, South Africa - An Exploratory Study(2024-09-06) Jobodwana, Nomna Linda; Tshifhumulo, R.; Chari, T.This study explores the experiences of unemployed indigenous people living with disabilities (PWD) in post-apartheid South Africa. The promise of a better life for all made by the government of national unity in 1994 remains a pipe dream as most South Africans are still living on the margins of the economy where unemployment and poverty are rampant. This study examines the experiences of PWD in Soshanguve Township, Tshwane, South Africa. It employs the symbolic interactionist (SI) theory as a lens for gaining insights into the experiences of black women and men living with disabilities in their quest to access employment opportunities. The study is exploratory and uses a case study design approach. Data was collected from 15 purposively sampled black men and women living with disabilities in Soshanguve Township, with whom in-depth interviews were held. A focus group discussion was conducted with four purposively selected respondents who met the selection criteria. Findings revealed that PWD are the worst affected group in terms of unemployment as their poverty levels remain high. Despite the implementation of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) Number 55 of 1988, employment opportunities for black PWD are scarce in South Africa. This is due to, among other reasons, the fact that employers are reluctant to employ PWD. PWD were missing employment opportunities in Soshanguve Township due to employers who refused to employ them. However, the study also established that there are a few opportunities available for PWD. These include opportunities for training, social assistance support, disability grants and social protection, access to social services and cash transfer programmes. The study expands knowledge on the experiences of black men and women who live with disabilities, thereby contributing toward the design of policies and other social security interventions that alleviate the plight of marginalised communities living with disabilities.Item Open Access Undergraduate Students's Experiences with Blended Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic at a Rural Based University in South Africa(2024-09-06) Sadiki, Andani; Tshifhumulo, R.; Mpatlanyane, V.; Amaechi, K. E.This qualitative study aimed to investigate the undergraduate students’ experiences of Blended Learning at one rural based university in Thulamela municipality in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province. The study draws from the transitional distance and social learning theory to investigate how the undergraduate students in the university adjusted from face-to-face learning to online learning. Non-probability sampling was used to select thirty participants. Telephonically semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and the data was thematically analysed following the six stages of thematic data analysis. The data indicate that students were unable to actively take part in online learning, mostly because of low signal strength, poor infrastructural facilities, financial constraints, which characterises students’ life in rural-based universities in South Africa. Hence, they devised coping strategies such as consultations with returning students, learning independently, going to places where there is a stable internet connectivity, attending classes in groups, searching for information where they felt that the information provided by the lecturers were unsatisfactory, consulting with fellow classmates and asking lecturers to use other online platforms to deliver lessons. The data also showed that the University also tried to help the students by devising significant orthodox support systems. These includes faculty student online support services and provision of internet data and, financial support to the students. Together, these innovative inputs made it possible for the students to navigate particularly from face-to-face learning to online learning during the pandemic. Insights regarding students’ experiences from this study, potentially provides policy direction for both universities in South Africa, as well as the Department of Higher Education and Training on the use of Blended Learning in rural based universities in South Africa.Item Open Access The correlation between music aptitude and mathematical achievements of students - a case study of six individual students from a High School in Johannesburg, South Africa(2023-10-05) Muller, Mario Maxwell; Mapaya, M. G.; Mashau, T. S.A gap existed in the literature focusing on research overall between music aptitude and mathematical achievement within a South African context. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of music aptitude on mathematical achievement and to evaluate the most appropriate instruments for measuring musical talents and juxtaposing them with mathematical achievement using Gordon's AMMA tool to establish the connection between musical acumen and mathematical achievement in randomly selected learners. This study presented data that is now available for use by other researchers. The researcher used exploratory designs to generalise, assess, and test qualitative exploratory results, and to see if they could be generalised to a sample and a population as outlined in this dissertation. This research was evaluated in both qualitative and quantitative phases. The researcher focussed on how students of different ages, gender, intelligence levels, and musical abilities reacted to the AMMA (music aptitude test). The gathered information confirmed what students achieved in the different elements of music such as pitch and rhythm making this study valuable for music educators. The findings revealed that the music aptitude test impacted the mathematical achievement of all the students in Grades 8 and 9 in a High School in Benoni, Johannesburg. This confirmed the hypothesis, that music aptitude impacted their mathematical achievement, and contributed to their educational performance despite their socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, age, and race. In South Africa, most students obtained excellent results in mathematics, and played at least one iii instrument proficiently. The new literature available on whether one impacted the other, and what implications it would have on their education was underpinned in this study which also identified existence of these connections, using the Advanced Measures of Music Audiation (AMMA) test, which confirmed that a close relationship existed between music and mathematical achievement. The study used mixed research methods to answer the research questions and enlighten prospective researchers, and show their connections, associations, and relations.Item Open Access The Impact of The Pafuri Triangle Agreement on sustainable livelihoods of the Makuleke Community, Limpopo Province, South Africa.(2023-05-19) Bvuma, Edwin Bobby; Netshandama, N. V.; Matshidze, P. E.In 1998, thanks to the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994, the Makuleke community won back The Pafuri Triangle after protracted and complex negotiations with the South African National Parks (SANParks) in the South African Land Claims Court. A globally celebrated agreement called the Pafuri Triangle agreement was signed with SANParks whereby the community and SANParks would co-manage the land and thereby derive economic benefits from it, instead of returning to resettle there. It is 19 years (2020) now since the Makuleke community entered into a co-management venture with the SANParks. This study explored the impact of the Pafuri Triangle agreement on sustainable livelihoods of the Makuleke community. The study is qualitative in nature. It sought to find out how the Makuleke people have been impacted upon by the implementation of the co-management agreement. Data was collected using face to face in-depth interviews. The study used purposively sampled Makuleke households as well as various implementing officials. The study was primarily guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) framework to development, as advocated by the Department for International Development (DFID). SLA is an offshoot of the Human Development Theory. SLA seeks to enhance progress in poverty elimination through understanding people’s strengths, vulnerability, and livelihood strategies. The study revealed that the impact of the implementation of the Makuleke co-management agreement was below expectations due to a plethora of challenges.Item Open Access Exploring the possibility of using the ocarina as an instrument for teaching and learning music at South African Primary Schools: a case of two selected schools in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2019-09) Malinga, Joseph Mabhaca; Mapaya, M. G.; Ramaite-Mafadza, P. E. A.Topical scholarly research has confirmed that music education on the African continent has virtually vanished due to uncoordinated or even total lack of foundational teaching of the subject despite global tendencies to the contrary. The minimal music education in choral form has all but disappeared leaving the general subject teacher with the near impossible responsibility to teach the expressive arts as stipulated in the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Expense having traditionally been regarded as the principal cause, this study explores the possible intervention of the ocarina as an instrument that can be utilised to teach and learn music in primary schools within diverse and typical sections of particularly black and underprivileged sections of South African society. This study is qualitative in nature and engages the Grounded Theory Method (GTM) leaning towards Thematic Content Analysis as descriptive presentation of data gathered from participant observation and interviews with research respondents and other identified sources that reflect experientially on the topic of study. I recorded events in the smallest detail from the learners, general class teachers, principals and parents, the Departments of Education and Sports, Arts and Culture. Outcomes of the study can then be utilised by all stake - holders towards achievement of a coherent and informed music education in line with global initiatives to have music a compulsory subject.Item Open Access A Critical Reflection on the Persistence of Electoral Instigated Violence in Zimbabwe (2000-2018)(2022-11-10) Motau, Vincent; Tshifhumulo, R.; Mathagu, F. S.This study investigated the causes of Zimbabwe’s electoral violence from 2000 to 2018. It was underpinned by the defective democracy theory in understanding the dynamics that shape the conditions for violence each time Zimbabwe holds elections. This study is premised on the fact that politically motivated violence towards, during and immediately after elections is a common feature in Zimbabwe, particularly the period after 2000. Given this trend in politically motivated violence against opposition supporters in Zimbabwe, this study specifically looks at the period from 2000 to 2018. This period was chosen because it witnessed one of the most terrifying incidents in the history of Zimbabwe’s general elections. This is also the period where ZANU (PF) faced one of its toughest challenges from an opposition party since independence in 1980. It is also the period when the SADC became involved in trying to find a lasting solution to the country’s election related violence. The study was qualitatively done. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Data collected enabled the assessment of the imperatives that underlie the country’s propensity for violence every time elections are held. ZANU-PF’s insatiable quest to remain in power and the party’s failure to acknowledge the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) characterises its intolerance of those who oppose its rule. This study argues that due to ZANU-PF’s intolerance of opposition parties, MDC party members are kidnapped, intimidated and tortured by its unruly hooligans to prevent them from voting for the latter. The study concludes that during elections, the ruling ZANU-PF party abuses the country’s security forces by deploying them to manipulate the electoral process. Using the defective theory, the study explains the existence of electoral violence in Zimbabwe. To achieve sustainable peace and uphold the rule of law during and immediately after elections, the study suggests the country’s continuous engagement with the international community.Item Open Access The use of digital platforms by the music industry: A case study of the Vhembe District, Limpopo Region in South Africa(2022-07-15) Mashau, Rendani Fulufhelo; Mapaya, M. G.; Khosa, H. A.The digital era has brought about a flood of new music platforms since the 2000s. Many artists now have an opportunity to record and place their music on these platforms with little or no assistance from major record labels or publishers. Because of more affordable digital recording tools, independent (indie) artists from all parts of the world have creative freedom to create new music. Accordingly, thousands of songs (in audio or video format) are being uploaded online daily for public consumption. Even non-professionals or people who do music for fun or as a hobby, have found a new ground because they can afford recording equipment and an Internet subscription. Despite the overwhelming quantity of uploaded music, a very small amount of it receives great attention. Other supporting industries such as video production, information technology, marketing and artist management have a significant role to play in the development of the music industry. Focusing on the Vhembe music scene, this study explores this phenomenon using a descriptive-qualitative research methodology. Interviews were conducted with independent artists, independent record label owners, music producers, independent music publishers and consumers in the region to discover why majority of local music is not found online and furthermore, to establish what can be done to get more artists to use these platforms. Participation in the study was voluntary with no monetary compensation involved. The study aims to contribute to the development of the local music scene.