Journal Articles

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A Brief Moment in the Great Postcolonial Story: Crime, Violence and Grief in Contemporary South African Theatre
(2022-11-03) Peimer, David
Much has been written about Protest Theatre during the apartheid era; and much has been written about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the 1994 democratic elections in South Africa. Much has also been written about the profound importance of postcolonial theory in relation to South African, and other African, theatre practices and traditions. This article aims to contribute to the growing knowledge of in-depth and nuanced insights gained from this legacy in the context of current, post-apartheid theatre. This article specifically argues that, in post-apartheid theatre, when the characters and/or audience, collectively experience grief, the traumatic legacy of the binary arrangement of identities (of ‘primitive/civilized, superior/inferior, master/servant’) constructed by and for power during the pre-revolution era, breaks down and the crimes of colonization and apartheid are perceived by the audience. This is seen as a necessary part of the process in the ongoing countering of the received master narrative inculcated by the colonial and apartheid periods. Agreeing with Ash Amin, the paper argues that through such theatre the periphery is liberated and, on those terms, engages with the centre, or historical, hegemonic narrative. From that perspective, history and the present can be grasped and new post-apartheid identities seen as multi-dimensional, non-stereotyped, and in ‘constant production’ are revealed. Applying this notion, one observes that multiple stories emerge to articulate this countering process. But, core to this process, is the subjective and collective experience of grief leading to the binaries collapsing and the crime of the colonial and apartheid project being seen at the core of the traumatic history which informs the contemporary, multi-layered South African experience. The article explores five contemporary South African plays: Bush Tale, Relativity; Township Stories, Hallelujah!, Reach, Armed Response. Notions of postcolonial and identity theory are incorporated in the article as they help illuminate the plays. In addition, insights gained from the Kleinian School of Object Relations psychoanalytic theory help inform notions of how the processes of grief and trauma deepen our understanding of the plays, and the contemporary South African narrative.
A Glimpse of China-African Union Economic Relations during 21st Century
(Journal of Development and Social Sciences, 2024-07-23) Muhammad Amjad Raza; Dr. Abdul Basit Khan
The ever-prospering China-African Union (AU) economic relations are the outcome of their long-term interaction. The dawn of 21st century marked a significant boost in this relationship with the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Chinese Presidents Hu Jin Tao (2003-2013) and President Xi Jinping (2013- ) preferred to follow a multilateral approach towards African continent and interacted with AU through inter-regional organizations which policy radically transformed the level of Chinese penetration into the continent. The Agenda 2063 of AU has also been designed to maximize the benefits from China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) of 2013. As a consequence of integrated efforts from China and the AU for the economic development of the continent, the collective economy of Africa had reached at a magnificent amount of $3 trillion in 2023. In this scenario, the current study, while reviewing policy documents and available literature, explores the nature of China's enhanced cooperation with Africa through regional and multilateral organizations such as the AU, FOCAC and NEPAD. It elucidates how China and AU had committed and cooperated in pursuit of the mantra 'build an even stronger community with a shared future'. Applying an explanatory and descriptive approach, the study concludes that China's extensive engagement with the AU to promote infrastructure development and connectivity has profoundly impacted African economic growth. Finally, it goes without saying that the analytics, assessments and outcomes of the study would help future researchers, academia and experts working on China’s economic engagements with the AU to rationally understand the impact of these relations.
A Quaternion-Driven Deep Learning-Based Novel Approach For Mobile And Locomotive Robot Path Planning And Motion Prediction
(2022-11-30) Pote, Jamie
In this study, I address the locomotive-robot dilemma in movement task sequences. Our method combines geometric motion planning and locomotion prediction using quaternions and deep learning architecture. This is comparable to human motion prediction. I begin by developing a collision-avoidance-based motion planning method. Then, using transformer deep learning, I anticipate robot locomotion. I used simulation to demonstrate my findings.
Ab Initio Simulation Of The Structural, Electronic, Mechanical And Elastic Properties Of Some Transition Metals Yttrium (Yt) And Scandium(Sc)
(2023-07-26) Enaroseha, Omamoke; AGBAJOR, GODWIN KPAROBO; Vwavware, O. J.; Akpoyibo, Ogheneovo
We analyzed theoretically from first principle the structural, thermodynamic, electrical and mechanical properties of Yttrium and Scandium. We used the Density Functional theory to provide the solution to the Kohn – Sham equation. The Xcryden software was used to obtain the structures of the elements studied in correlation within the PBE functions and were treated using the PAW pseudo – potentials and GGA to provide solutions between the core ions and valence electrons. From the ab initio calculations, we observed that a(A), B(GPa), B’(GPa) and E(eV) for both elements studied are engulf in the structural parameters. Calculations for C11, C12 and C44 to obtain the mechanical properties and G, B/G, E, µ, A and H to obtain results for the elastic properties were also carried out for both metals. The results obtained for Scandium shows that the values of B, C’, C11, C12 and C44 are 51.00, 4.00, 67.00, 43.00 and 32 respectively. For Yttrium we obtained 47.00, 4.07, 53.00, 40.20 and 22.00 corresponding to B, C’, C11, C12 and C44 respectively. The paper also provides results that agreed qualitatively with experimental data and other theoretical techniques discussed in the literature.
“Accused of a Sodomy Act”: Bible, Queer Poetry and African Narrative Hermeneutics
(2022-10-31) van Klinken, Adriaan; Muyunga-Mukasa, Tom
This article explores the role of poetry and narrative methods in African-centred queer biblical studies and theology. As a case in point, it presents a poem, titled “Accused of a Sodomy Act,” by Tom Muyunga-Mukasa, that was written as part of a queer Bible reading project with Ugandan LGBTQ refugees. The poem is a contemporary re-telling of the gospel story about Jesus and the “woman caught in adultery” in the context of socio-political homophobia in Uganda. The poem is complemented by an autobiographical reflection by the writer, providing insight into his personal experiences of growing up as gay and religious in Uganda. This is embedded in a more general discussion, relating the poem to trends of life storytelling in African LGBTQ activism, and to established narrative methodologies in African theological and biblical studies scholarship. Overall, the article makes a methodological contribution, by foregrounding queer poetry and storytelling as innovations in African narrative hermeneutics that expand the established concern with gender and sexuality beyond a heterosexual framework, and that include the marginalised voices and experiences of LGBTQ people.
Africa, Laboratory Equipment and COVID-19 Response
(2020-05-11) Bezuidenhout, Louise
As the world struggles to address the COVID-19 crisis, attention increasingly turns to laboratories and the crucial role that they play in diagnostics and research. A rising number of reports from multiple countries detail these problems: lack of laboratories, reagents, technicians, and equipment form bottlenecks in both diagnosis and the race for a viable vaccine. As COVID-19 cases start to appear on the African continent, questions about laboratory capacity become even more pertinent. The 2014–2016 Ebola pandemic clearly illustrated the challenges of managing pandemic responses in contexts with under resourced health infrastructures and strained laboratory testing capacity (Bell et al. 2016). In the case of the Ebola pandemic, these shortfalls were offset by a significant and sustained international response that brought equipment, testing capabilities, and streamlined supply chains into affected areas.
An exploratory study of early letter-sound knowledge in a low socio-economic context in South Africa
(Aosis publishing, 2011) O'Carroll, Shelley
This paper explores one aspect of early literacy development in a low socio-economic context in South Africa. Assessments conducted with a sample of children from two disadvantaged communities in Cape Town indicated that in this context, almost half of the learners entering Grade One were unable to recognise any letters. A Grade R intervention conducted by volunteers showed that children from this context were able to learn letter-sounds in Grade R through a programme that focused on teaching letter-sounds in the context of building language skills, emergent writing and concepts about print. In order to strengthen the effectiveness of the intervention, the volunteer programme was supplemented by support for the Grade R teacher and teaching assistant. Follow-up assessments of one of the intervention groups at the end of Grade One revealed significant correlations between early Grade One letter knowledge and end of Grade One word reading and spelling skills. The findings of this exploratory study are in line with research that shows the importance of letter-sound knowledge in the earliest stages of learning to read. This raises concerns about the historical lack of emphasis in the Grade R curriculum on this aspect of early literacy development. Although the study has a narrow focus and conclusions cannot be drawn about other aspects of early literacy learning in this context, the results suggest an urgent need for quality Grade R teacher training programmes with a specific focus on emergent literacy.
Analysis of Dividend Policy and Stock Return in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya
(2022-11-21) Oluoch, Ondiwa Simon; Aila, Onyango Fredrick
Global Securities Exchange witnessed slow performance between 2009 and 2018. Foreign direct investment declined in developed countries and also in Africa. In Kenya, Nairobi Securities Exchange Witnessed Volatile performance during the study period with 2011 and 2015 revealing bear run. During the period of volatility, making investment decisions by investors may have been challenging. Performance indicators such as NSE 20 Share Index, market capitalization, equity turn over, liquidity of stocks all were not stable and witnessed downward trend within the study period. The study sought to analyze the relationship between dividend policy and stock return in Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study is anchored on stock return theories and dividend policy theories .Reviewed literature revealed varied results. Studies reviewed used different methodology and variables arriving at conflicting results. Limited studies reviewed conform to the present study. The study adopted longitudinal research design; the target population was Nairobi Securities Exchange. Secondary data was drawn from Nairobi Securities Exchange. Results revealed that dividend policy significantly influence stock return (R2=0.1882, p=0.024<0.05), consequently, dividend yield has an inverse significant relationship on stock return in Nairobi Securities Exchange, (p=0.007<0.05). Result of this study is useful to policy makers, investors, regulators and finance analyst.
Antimicrobial resistance: One health approach in Rwanda
(2024-08) Sindayigaya, Patience; Dine, Roseline Dzekem; Ntakirutimana, Augustin; Nkurikiyimfura, Jean de Dieu; Uyisaba, Pascaline
This commentary provides the authors' views related to the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) profile in Rwanda in terms of prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and existing interventions at the one health interface. AMR is a critical and global health concern posing a significant threat to the effective treatment of infections and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Among few studies that have been conducted on AMR in Rwanda, the issue was found to be widespread in both human and animals. A high resistance has been found among the commonly used antibiotics seconded by the lack of knowledge and appropriate practices among different groups of people. Some interventions, including “one health” approach are in place aiming to address these issues, but challenges are still around due to developing surveillance system, limited studies, and low public awareness. Extensive studies and enhance surveillance are recommended to better understand AMR to inform the public and policy makers for effectively tackling of the AMR issue, particularly in rural areas. Data availability statement: Data sharing does not apply to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
Being Fair about the Design of FAIR Data Standards
(2020-08-10) Bezuidenhout, Louise
Since 2014 the FAIR data movement has been rapidly altering the landscape of data sharing and re-use. Support for the FAIR 3 movement has seen the evolution of disciplinary-specific standards to foster data that are “finable, accessible, interoperable 4 and reusable.” While these exciting developments should not be minimised, it is important to interrogate how these standards 5 are set. Key questions to ask include how representation in standard setting communities is addressed; what infrastructures 6 and resources these emergent standards are reliant on; and how standards dictate specific interpretations of “value” and 7 “valuable data.” Asking such questions introduces a needed reflexivity into FAIR discussions, as standard setters interrogate 8 what data practices commit present—and future—researchers to.
Can We Avoid Maladaptation At All?
(2023-10-14) Asare-Nuamah, Peter
The impact of climate change especially in developing economies has called for heightened global attention to tackle climate change. Yet, amidst the urgency to address climate change, emerging literature shows that existing climate change adaptation strategies have the potential to be counterproductive, further worsening the vulnerability of already fragile and vulnerable communities. Indeed, maladaptation cannot to completely avoided, but it can be substantially minimized. Achieving this requires a strong collaboration between science, policy, and practice interface.
Challenges and Possible Solutions for Wildlife Conservation in Ethiopia
(2021-09-02) Dida, Abkiyo
Ethiopia is endowed with a large variety of native plant and animal species within its diverse climate and topography. Around 320 mammalian species, including 39 endemics, 918 bird species, including 19 endemics, 240 reptile species (16 endemics), 71 amphibian species (30 endemics), 172 freshwater fish species, including 38 endemics, and more than 1225 insect species have been scientifically reported in Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia's wildlife is in peril right now. Therefore this review was aimed to identify the major challenges of wildlife conservation in Ethiopia and to suggest a possible solution based on the review results. Deforestation, road kills of wildlife along highways, wildlife trafficking, lack of law enforcement, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and land-use change are the identified challenges of wildlife conservation in Ethiopia. Develop a collaborative approach, invasive species utilization, promote community involvement and awareness creation are the suggested strategy that can bring solutions to the challenges of wildlife conservation.
Climate Change Estimates Surpass Rates Of Climatic Niche Evolution In Primates
(2022-11-14) Meyer, Andreas; Pie, Marcio
Primates might be particularly vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects from climate change, given their level of exposure, sensitivity to climatic conditions, and biological traits associated with extinction proneness (e.g., low dispersal ability). Therefore, a key question is whether primates will be able to adapt fast enough to keep up with future climate change. In this study, we used phylogenetic comparative methods to estimate rates of climatic niche evolution for 293 species of primates. We then compared these with projected rates of future climate change. We show that for temperature-related variables, future rates are in general >2800 times faster than rates of niche evolution characteristic of their recent evolutionary past. For precipitation-related variables, the overall difference between rates is >6700. If emissions continue unabated, differences between past and future rates can be at least 4800-fold for temperature-related variables and >7900-fold for precipitation. Species occurring in Central South America, Central and Eastern Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Malay Archipelago are expected to experience the fastest rates of future climate change, relative to their past rates of climatic niche evolution. Our results suggest that primate adaptation to future climate change would require rates of niche evolution unparalleled in the recent history of the group. These findings reinforce the evidence that climate change is a major threat to primates worldwide.
Current Fish Feed Status and Development of New Feeding Technologies for Aquaculture Growth and Development in Kenya: Rapid Review
(2023-12-18) Mungai, Daniel; Omondi, Argwings; Omweno, Jacob; Outa, Nicholas; Munguti, Jonathan
Aquaculture has emerged as a promising sector for addressing the ever-increasing demand for fish protein in Kenya, where over 50% of fish consumption is reliant on imports. However, the sustainable growth and development of aquaculture in Kenya are significantly influenced by the availability and quality of fish feed, which constitutes over 50% of the total production costs. The current fish feed status in Kenya is characterized by several challenges, including limited avail-ability of high-quality feed ingredients, high feed costs, and inconsistent feed quality and nutrient composition. These challenges pose significant constraints to the efficient production of healthy and marketable fish, limiting the full potential of aquaculture growth in Kenya. To address these challenges, efforts are being made towards the development of new feed formulations and feeding technologies that can improve the efficiency and sustainability of fish feed production in Kenya. This includes the utilization of locally available feed ingredients, such as agricultural by-products and aquatic macrophytes, to develop cost-effective and nutritionally balanced feed formulations. Moreover, research is underway to optimize feed processing techniques, such as extrusion, pelleting, and encapsulation, to improve feed quality, stability, and digestibility. Additionally, innovative feeding methods, such as automated feeding systems and precision feeding, are being explored to minimize feed wastage and maximize feed utilization, thereby enhancing fish growth and reducing production costs. The development of new feeding technologies for aquaculture growth and development in Kenya holds great potential to address the challenges associated with fish feed availability, quality, and cost. By optimizing feed formulations, processing techniques, and feeding methods, the aquaculture sector in Kenya can improve its productivity, profitability, and sustainability. However, further research, investment, and collaboration among stakeholders, including government, research institutions, feed manufacturers, and farmers, are essential for the successful implementation and adoption of these new feeding technologies to drive the growth and development of aquaculture in Kenya.
Decolonising Knowledge: Enacting The Civic Role Of The University In A Community-Based Project
(2022-11-14) McAteer, Mary; Wood, Lesley
The need to work in partnership with communities in a meaningful and impactful way has become a core part of university planning, in many countries around the world. In the Global South, the potential for the Eurocentric knowledges and power structures to dominate such partnerships is pervasive. This article reports on findings of a participatory action research project conducted with community members in a socio-economically disadvantaged community in South Africa who had identified a need to improve school-community cooperation in educating local children. Analysis of our findings, framed against broader cultural and historical contexts, suggests that when the role of university-based ‘experts’ is one of facilitation rather than ‘delivery,’ then not only is participation more effective, but, also, the process and products of knowledge democratisation can be realised more effectively. We thus provide unique insight into the way relationships between the university and the community can be reconceptualised, from a position of knowledge and epistemic hierarchy to one of epistemic democracy. We discuss the (civic) role of the university in enabling this co-construction of knowledge, and in developing the shared meanings and understandings that promote decolonisation and enable social change.
Digital Literacy and Reading Habits of the DMI-St. Eugene University Students
(2022-12-01) A, Subaveerapandiyan; Sinha, Priyanka
Digital literacy is the skill of finding, evaluating, consuming, and generating information using digital technologies. The study attempted to comprehend university students' digital reading habits and skills. It also provides a glimpse of the pupil's favourite reading materials, including physical and digital sources. We examined BSc and BE Computer Science students of DMI-St. Eugene University, Zambia. The tool was a structured questionnaire that was distributed through WhatsApp. The study's findings revealed that most students thoroughly understand digital tools and how to use them, but lack the skills to build their websites and portfolio. Out of 115 students, all agreed they used computers for learning purposes. Usage of digital environments, generally, they used the World Wide Web for searching for information. Additionally, most students have medium digital application skills, despite their preference for reading electronic books. The results indicate that students' gender and level of education had a statistically significant link with their digital literacy, whereas age wasn't shown to be a statistically relevant predictor. The findings show that, in terms of education, especially reading, students' or readers' top priorities are electronic resources; print book preferences are reduced.
Digital literacy skills among African Library and Information Science professionals – an exploratory study
(2022-12-01) Subaveerapandiyan, A; Sinha, Priyanka; Ugwulebo, Jeremiah Emeka
Purpose – This study aims to assess the digital literacy of African library and information science (LIS) professionals. Digital literacy skills are required in the digital library environment. Design/methodology/approach – Relevant literature was reviewed on this topic; previous study questionnaires, various university LIS curriculum, content analysis and job advertising were used for preparing the survey questionnaire. This study used an ex post facto research design. Purposive sampling was adopted in this study, and data were collected from Google formby sharing the research questionnaire by hyperlink which was undertaken from March 15, 2022 to May 24, 2022. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire. A four-point Likert scale was used to measure how library professionals acquired digital literacy skills. Content analysis of more than 500 job vacancies over the past three years (2018–2022) of library job advertisements was taken randomly. Findings – This study’s findings show that the majority of the good at basic level of digital literacy skills at the same time have less in advanced digital literacy skills. The finding of this study shows the majority of them have to upgrade and learn about advanced digital literacy skills. Practical implications – This study recommends adopting a new syllabus and updating a LIS curriculum based on the library’s technological development. Furthermore, this study’s potential result suggests more practical classes instead of theoretical study and it is useful to the library schools, associations, MOOC providers and lifelong learners. Originality/value – This study is conducted with 102 African library professionals from 13 countries. This study discusses futuristic digital literacy skills and basic literacy skills. This study is beneficial to those who are preparing a new curriculum in LIS fields.
Effects of Climate Change on Local Economic Development in Ghana, and Resilience Measures to Promote Sustainable Rural Development
(2022-11-21) Essuman, Bismark
According to the Ghana Meteorological Agency, historical climatic data from 1960 to 2000 show a consistent and obvious rise in temperature and a corresponding decline in rainfall across all biological zones. Rainfall in the Semi-Deciduous Forest zone is anticipated to increase by 2.8%, 10.9%, and 18.6%, respectively, in 2020, 2050, and 2080. These figures and estimates are concerning given Ghana's population of 31.07 million, with agriculture employing around 52% of the labor force, services employing 29%, and industry employing 19%. Women account for around 39% of the agricultural labor force. Agriculture accounts for 54% of Ghana's GDP, more than 40% of export revenues, and more than 90% of the country's food needs. These initiatives highlight agriculture's significant contribution to national and local economic development. Agriculture is the backbone of most rural economies in Ghana; thus, these data and projections are concerning, given the rise in temperature and decrease in rainfall, which would impede most agricultural activity in rural areas. Climate change poses a threat to national development, necessitating the development of a resilience strategy to mitigate its effects. Because local economic development is a crucial part of forward-thinking local growth, climate change has an impact on it. In order for local and regional governments to effectively respond to the most urgent demands of the local community, local economic development is a crucial duty of local government. More than merely economic growth, local economic development also requires fostering participation and community dialogue and connecting people with resources. It is important to examine climate change and create resilience strategies to lessen the problems it provides in rural communities in order to increase employment and quality of life for both men and women in rural Ghana.
Examining the Covid-19 Coping Strategies Employed by Residents in Selected South Africa’s Rural Areas
(SPCRD Global Publisihing, 2023-06) Okem, Andrew Emmanuel; MUBANGIZI, BETTY CLAIRE; Adekanla, N; John, SF; Ibrahima, B
Rural communities are vulnerable to shocks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The resilience of these communities depends on their ability to cope with the impacts of such shocks. This study examines the COVID-19 coping strategies of residents of Matatiele and Winnie Madikizela Mandela local municipalities in South Africa. We collected primary data through 11 FGDs and 13 individual interviews. Of the six coping strategies identified, the most cited was resorting to alternative food sources to address food insecurity. Other coping strategies include alternative sources of income; reducing remittance and expenditure; shifting to new activities; and introducing emotional support. The findings reveal that coping strategies entail changes around basic needs such as food and income. To protect these communities against future shocks, strong local institutions working in collaboration will be invaluable in empowering communities to identify and implement alternative livelihoods while building supportive infrastructure.
Exploring the Impacts of Transformational Supervision on Supermarket Store Managers’ Creativity: Evidence from Nigeria, South Africa and the United Kingdom
(2022-12-03) ALO, OBINNA; Cooper, Cary; Aslan, Ahmad; Tarba, Shlomo
The current article is one of the rare studies to specifically focus on the contextual conditions under which the learning-related actions of transformational supervisors’ help retailing supermarkets’ store managers to learn and engage in behaviors that produce creative outcomes. We use a qualitative research approach with the data based on in-depth semi structured interviews with 40 retailing supermarkets’ store managers in Nigeria, South Africa and the UK. Our findings show that transformational supervision significantly boosts store managers’ creativity, facilitated by fostering store managers’ learning orientation, creative role identity (CRI) and creative self-efficacy (CSE), in all three contexts. From our findings, we have developed a model that symbolize the role of transformational supervisors in fostering store managers’ creativity, which provides a baseline for supermarkets in (re)evaluating the significance of their leadership styles on follower creativity.

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