4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Investigating constructions of beauty amongst young, urban, Black South African women as influenced by their socio-cultural contexts(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Molaaphene, Puseletso; Mathebula, MphoThis qualitative study explored constructions of beauty amongst young, urban Black South African women as influenced by different socio-cultural contexts. Much of the literature on this subject focuses on the influence of Western culture on Black women’s conceptualization of beauty and nearly always points to the resultant negative self-perception that they go on to develop. The study applied phenomenology research design and qualitative approach in addressing the study objectives. A sample of six young Black women who were students at the University of the Witwatersrand participated in this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, where participants were asked a series of open-ended questions that explored their perceptions and personal meaning-making of the concept of female beauty. True to the literature on the subject of female beauty, which highlights the multifaceted nature of this concept, major findings were that participants related in different ways to the construct of beauty. However, it was found that participants in this study employed new and evolved ways of thinking about beauty. For these young women, beauty was viewed as a personal choice, as emotive, as a state of health, moreover, as a marker of one’s lifestyle. This differs significantly from the traditional manner in which Black women’s ideas around beauty are usually explored – as mainly informed by Western culture. While they did not deny Western cultures influence on how they have come to understand beauty, the young women in this study communicated a sense of empowerment to think of beauty beyond these confines.Item Ndim Lo, Masidlale: A critical exploration of the importance of culture and diversity in South African Drama Therapy spaces(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mkhize, MawandeThe Anglo-Saxon word “plega” is the concept of playing which means battle, fight, game, or sport (Weiskopf, 1982). In most cases play is believed to have a biological, cultural, and psychological function that is seen as essential to the development of a person from a young age (Cohen, 1987). The founder of psychoanalysis known as Freud describes play as having an important role in the emotional development in people, development that is seen to take place from their early years of life and throughout their lifespan (Johnson, Christie, & Yawkey, 1987). Johnson (1987) states that in relation to Freud's view that suggests that play has its place that takes place mainly in childhood and is abandoned in adulthood, in the name of one being too old for playing. Evidence shows that playfulness in both children as well as adults plays a role in personality characteristics essentially for mental health, imagination, and creativity (Johnson, et al, 1987). Research has shown (Cohen, 1987) that play is not just activities done for fun, but rather there is more to it, it goes as far as having influence on the growth and development of those who choose to partake in the process of play. People play in different ways, in most cases the environment(s) that they grew up in expose them to the way that they are familiar with or may prefer to engage. For instance, for the Black Indigenous community, indigenous games to many may seem more preferable than other methods of play because of their familiarity. According to Burnett and Hollander (2004) indigenous games are viewed as being recreational and characterized by organized play that follows a certain structure and works in accordance with the rules that those involved agreed on that reflect a socio-cultural dimension of reasoning and behaviour. The term indigenous has a strong connection to cultural and historical context (Burnett & Hollander, 2004: 11). Playing indigenous games has an influence on developing positive character traits from an early age by reinforcing African values such as cooperation, communication, strategy, and problem-solving abilities. In South Africa, there are various people with varying beliefs and cultures, these differences are part of what makes the country unique (Gibson, 2003). I believe that none of these matters more than others, and they are all part of what makes it special. People's stories are affected by these differences (Gibson, 2003), these stories can be told based on how they were raised and 6 | M . M k h i z e how they have experienced life. This study explores the various ways in which Black indigenous people engage with play, and ways in which it can be implemented in South African Drama Therapy spaces. Understanding the various forms and ranges of client experiences is very important in order to develop effective therapeutic skills (Elliot, 2008), this process can also help therapists improve their understanding of their clients.Item 2D Animation: The Key to Growth and Adaptation of the South African Animation Ecosystem(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Gardiner, Eric; Cloete, StephenThis paper examines South African animation with a focus on unveiling how local animators have adapted to overcome the challenges existing in their local circumstances. This research investigates the history of different techniques used by animators in South Africa and how they have evolved or died out. The data from a collection of over 170 locally produced animations is combined with opinion data from industry professionals to paint a clearer picture of current attitudes, trends and future trajectories. The cultural significance of localised animation is emphasised, and the core rhetoric of this paper is to stimulate the creation of more such media. This paper provides the most value to startup animators in South Africa who can leverage this collection of resources and information to bridge their gap in knowledge on South African industry processes such as financing one’s first animation project and developing a low-cost pipeline. The research in this paper uncovered that 2D animation plays the most significant role out of all techniques used in South Africa. It also reveals three differing business strategies that have been employed by South African animators to successfully fund locally themed animation productions.Item Tsotsitaal and cultural identity : A sociolinguistic study of young black South African women who speak tsotsitaal.(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mmako, Maipato Caroline; Theledi, KgomotsoThis study aimed to explore whether young black women identify with tsotsitaal as an integral aspect of their culture and personal identity. It covered background information, rationale, research questions, and objectives. Additionally, it delved into the origins of tsotsitaal and its significance in the lives of young people in township settings. A review of relevant literature highlighted a gap in understanding the role of women who speak tsotsitaal, prompting further investigation. Using a qualitative research approach, the study employed a questionnaire for data collection. The sample consisted of 20 young women aged 18 to 30 from Diepkloof (Soweto) and Katlehong (Vosloorus), with equal representation from both areas. Findings indicated that young black women indeed identify with tsotsitaal as part of their cultural identity, and some speak it independently of male influence. Moreover, the study revealed that speaking tsotsitaal is not necessarily associated with lack of education; rather, it is seen as a mode of expression and cultural belonging. Based on these findings, suggestions were made for future research to broaden its scope and conduct in-depth interviews with focus groups to better understand the role of tsotsitaal in shaping the identity of young women in townships. Despite its small sample size, the study provides valuable insights for researchers interested in further exploring this topic.Item Caregiver experiences of Attachment and Bonding Practices in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Prinsloo, Engela Maria; Neill, Joanne; Sawasawa, CynthiaBackground: Infant attachment and bonding are crucial within the early post-natal period to ensure a secure and healthy relationship from which the infant can explore the world thereby allowing for the development of a variety of skills. Context and culture are known to influence attachment and bonding practices. Then considering the challenging Neonatal Intensive Care Unit environment it is crucial to explore how this environment might influence attachment and bonding with a specific focus on context and culture. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the experiences of caregivers regarding attachment and bonding practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in central Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative design was used to explore caregiver experiences around attachment and bonding practices concerning context and culture in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. An advertisement was posted on online forums for caregivers in South Africa who have had infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Non-probability, purposive sampling and snowball sampling was used to collect data. Both in-person and remote semi-structured interviews took place and were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used as data analysis. Results: The following themes and subthemes were identified; the act of mothering in the NICU (with subthemes loneliness and disempowerment of caregivers, the emotional roller coaster ride, and the need for psychological/emotional support), Culture in the NICU (with subthemes care in the NICU, the influence of culture and caring for a baby in the NICU, and limited information-giving practices in the NICU), and a Sense of missing out (with subthemes unexpected pre-term birth, feeling estranged, and the tension between society’s image and the reality of having a baby in the NICU). While context and culture influence attachment practices amongst caregivers, in the case of an infant being admitted to the NICU, these practices do not take precedence, but rather the health of the infant. Implications: Methodological recommendations include alternative sampling and data collection methods than online advertised snowball sampling that allow for a larger and more diverse sample size. Policy and practice recommendations for NICUs include improving accessibility to psychological support services and orientating information on the NICU for caregivers.Item The Adaptation of the Shadow Corpse Belief System for Change Management in Corporate Organisations(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Chazuza, Richard G.; Maier, ChristophThis thesis examines how the use of an African natural idea and practice, Mumvuri loosely translated in English to the Shadow on the Corpse Belief System can be adapted and used to understand change management in corporate organisations. While the talk of Ubuntu and other African ideas has received a lot of prominence in organisations and academia of its potentially untapped value in management, few to non-existent African ideas and practices are known to realistically permeate and guide management thinking and practices in corporate organisations. This thesis is informed and guided by the interpretive paradigm. It adopted and followed the qualitative approach where the basic interpretive qualitative research design was used. In-depth, semi-structured, open ended and thematised interviews were used to collect data from 35 carefully selected experts that were placed into 3 homogeneous groups. Thematic analysis was used as the data analysis method aided by ATLAS ti version 8 software package, a computer assisted data analysis software package (CAQDAS). The evidence from the research revealed that Mumvuri is a known and commonly practised African socio-cultural belief system. Even though it is rooted in the Karanga ethnic culture of modern day Zimbabwe, its traces are found in other African cultures. Despite the prevalence of Mumvuri in African culture, it has not been adapted and used in corporate organisations. The main contribution was the development of a conceptual framework for change management in corporate organisations and the accompanying guidelines of implementation for executives and practitioners. These guidelines outline the process of adaptation of Mumvuri as an African idea, belief and concept in management. The thesis makes an empirical, methodological and practical contribution. Further research is suggested in testing this conceptual framework in corporate organisations.Item A social realist perspective of academic advising in a South African higher education context: A study of practices and practitioners(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-08) De Klerk, Danie; Dison, LauraThe South African higher education sector has numerous challenges to contend with. Students' prospects of success are often vulnerable to uneven secondary schooling, structural and material constraints, massification of the sector, and a range of other factors. In this thesis, I argue that academic advising has the potential to help find responsive and sustainable solutions to address these challenges. Academic advising is well established in the global north. In contrast, it remains an emerging field of practice in South Africa, with a dearth of literature about how advising is developed and practiced within the country’s unique higher education context. This thesis aims to contribute to the limited knowledge base about advising as a practice and the work of academic advisors as practitioners in South Africa. The study provides a social realist perspective of the emergence of advising within a South African higher education context. It draws on Margaret Archer’s work on structure, culture, and agency, the morphogenetic approach, and the notion of stratified layers of social reality to analyse data, make inferences, and draw conclusions. This is a qualitative study that adopts a mixed methods approach. The research paradigm is phenomenological, while phenomenographic principles are used selectively to advance the objectives of the study. The data that informs the study consists of a quantitative baseline dataset and qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 academic advisors working at the University of the Witwatersrand. As this is a PhD by publication, the thesis consists of four interconnected papers (i.e., chapters), bookended by introduction and conclusion chapters. The first paper provides insights about advising as gleaned from the baseline data, while the second draws on the same data to highlight the impact of students’ structural and material constraints on the work of academic advisors. Papers three and four use interview data to glean academic advisor insights about advising prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. The thesis concludes by highlighting the transformative potential of academic advising for South African higher education yet cautions that a major shift in the way advising is perceived and practiced is required for its potential to be realised.Item Barriers to digital transformation in a South African water utility(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Paima, VeshalThis study offers a qualitative examination of the barriers hindering a leading South African water utility, referred to here as Organisation X, from fully embracing digital transformation. The qualitative case study scrutinises the utility's attempts at digitalising its processes for better efficiency and the significant barriers that disrupt the realisation of its digital initiatives. Through interviews, this study captures the perspective of these challenges from individuals deeply engaged in the digital transformation journey. The findings shed light on the intricate barriers that Organisation X faces, encompassing organisational culture, the integration of new digital tools with existing systems, governance, leadership, impacts on the value chain, and the overarching capacity for innovation. The conceptual framework of this study delves into the relationship between the organisation's strategy and its business model, focusing on how digital transformation can drive value creation by refining business operations. By investigating these factors, the study seeks to deeply understand the barriers that Organisation X faces in its quest to effectively implement digital strategies and advance its digital maturity. Furthermore, by evaluating the operational strategies of Organisation X, the research pinpoints congruencies, and disparities with its digital ambitionsItem First-year psychology students' understanding of traditional healing and treatment of mental illness(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-07) Mkansi, Akani Patience; Human, LeonieMental illness has shown high prevalence in local South African communities, however, the lack of knowledge and understanding of mental illness has an impact on the treatments that patients choose. Research shows that most individuals understand mental illness and define mental illness somatically and as resulting from biological causes (Memon et al., 2016), whereas there are other reasons for developing mental illness. Although patients consult psychologists and psychiatrists there is still a high number of individuals that consult traditional healers for the treatment of mental disorders (Zingela, 2019). Culture, beliefs, and the value placed on traditional healers results in continued consultation with traditional healers. A shared understanding of culture can help address barriers related to resistance due help-seeking behaviour (Zhou et al., 2021). The objective of the study is to explore first-year psychology students' understanding of mental illness and treatments. The data was collected using phenomenological interviews with ten first year psychology students registered with the University of the Witwatersrand, aged 18 and above. Semi-structured and open-ended interviews were conducted virtually using the Zoom meeting platform and lasted about 45 minutes to one hour. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The following themes were identified from the collected data: (1) understanding of mental illness (2) Healing of mental illness (3) role of traditional healers (4) reasons for consulting with traditional healer (5) The role of indigenous South African Cultural Understanding of mental illness (6) African cosmology and mental illness (7) challenges to understanding mental illness. The results presented various understandings of mental illness and treatments. Participants have identified culture, beliefs and several challenges as having an impact on access to mental healthcare services, therefore, it is noteworthy to have future interventions that consider a culturally accommodative and comprehensive framework for understanding mental illness.Item The impact of organisational governance on team autonomy in large-scale agile projects(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dhlamini, Bridgette Sebueng; Appiah, Erasmus KofiTraditional software development methods have proven to be ineffective for large- scale projects in the current digital era. This, as well as the complexities of large-scale projects, has exacerbated the need for more and more organisations to adopt agile project methodologies for large-scale projects to keep up with the fast-paced technology landscape. The adoption of agile methodologies can only work if it is supported by organisational structures that enable agile to be effective. These include governance structures and organisational culture that enable continuous rapid delivery of quality software. Team autonomy is key in enabling fast-paced delivery, and there should be alignment between the organisational governance structures and the autonomy of project teams. It is not clear as to what level of autonomy should be afforded to project teams, at the same time ensuring that the project receives the right level of oversight. The research followed a qualitative research approach, and 10 participants who had experience working on agile projects in one of the big banks in South Africa were interviewed. The study found that the lack of team autonomy in large-scale agile projects was due to the organisation’s little to no tolerance for risk and the blaming culture. To change this, the organisation needs to cultivate a learning culture that will allow project teams to learn and grow through their mistakes