Browsing by Author "Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C."

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Bahlabelelelani : why do they sing? : gender and power in contemporary women's songs.
(2008) Zondi, Nompumelelo Bernadette.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
Certain cultural practices present unspoken questions to women. While women may not be free to state these concerns upfront I argue that they have always had some means of expressing themselves in creative ways about issues that affect them. One issue that is investigated in this dissertation is the question of why women sing. This study, therefore, examines one of the channels, which are songs, that women and rural women in particular employ to deal with their day to day living. To this end I have selected cultural songs as one of the ways of demonstrating how women negotiate their spaces in the culture. The study is based on a community of women from Zwelibomvu near Pinetown, South Africa but goes beyond this as I believe that women in general speak for the majority of other women especially with regard to issues around gender and power inequalities. Songs have been selected as a genre and as a special form of expression that women in particular find easier to use to raise issues that affect them in their daily lives. The three hour DVD rendition that forms part of this study captures a synoptic view of the amount of raw data found in this study. Through the medium of song, and strengthened by the stories that they share, Zwelibomvu rural women are able to get a sense of relief and consolation from the burdens that they have and which they would like to share. Presented as a two part field work process, the first process involves the collection of songs in ceremonies and occasions and observing an d being part of the occasions and ceremonies where the songs that are sung by women are performed. This process culminates in the production of the three hour DVD rendition that forms part of this study and which captures a synoptic view of the amount of r aw data found in this dissertation. The second part mainly involves interviews of categories of respondents in similar settings/districts observed where ceremonies were attended and attempts to provide some insight into why women sing and the question of gender and power in contemporary women’s songs. Finally, the last chapters involve an analysis of songs with regard to themes that emanate from these songs as well as a review on their oral composition.
The functions of dreams and visions in the ibandla lamaNazaretha at Inanda.
(2003) McNulty, Grant.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
This study investigates the function of dreams and visions in the Shembe church at Inanda. It looks at who Isia Shembe (the church founder) and his lineage are to Shembeites, the nature of the relationship between Shembe and the amadlozi (ancestors) and what roles they play in Shembeite life. The data was collected using qualitative methodology - in-depth interviews that were transcribed and where necessary, translated. The study is best understood within a structural-functionalism framework, which accounts for the social and cultural aspects of the religion. The study concludes that Isia Shembe and his lineage are generally thought of as prophets through whom God works. Shembe and the amadlozi often work as a unit and perform the roles of converter, purveyors of good fortune and guides or directors. In addition, Shembe solely performs the roles of cultural leader and mediator between Shembeites and the amadlozi and between Shembeites and God. Dreams and visions function to guide Shembeites, as communication with the spiritual realm, as a method of conversion and as re-affirmations of faith.
Gender imbalances in the school governance : a case study of two Umbumbulu high schools.
(2003) Ngcongo, Ndondo Mildred.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
'Gender imbalances in the school governance' was studied in two schools and amongst community members of Umbumbulu, a rural area, and 60 kilometres from Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Data collected from the study reveal that governance structures of the studied schools are male dominated with men holding highest positions and women in middle or lower ranks. The status quo in the two schools is found to be reflective of the Umbumbulu community's cultural beliefs. There are entrenched beliefs regarding which gender should hold management positions, rather than what constitutes and is required for good leadership. The study found that although there are other factors that lead to gender imbalances, the overriding one is the fact that the culture and beliefs that the community subscribes to is highly gendered and stereotypical. In turn policies formulated e.g. selection and hiring policies reflect a low regard for women and practically discriminate against them. It is found that the trend leads to problems, which affect the entire schooling system. Most respondents are aware of the imbalances and are not content with them but do not commit in bringing about change.
The lives and experiences of HIV positive teenage learners : a case study of Intshanga schools of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2008) Luthuli, Elgie Nompumelelo.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic is acknowledged as a disease that has harmful impacts on the social and economic development of developing countries. Much of the research on the pandemic has not, until recently concentrated on its impact on the education sector and on teenagers as people living with HIV. This study investigates the lives and experiences of HIV positive teenage learners (main participants) in some Intshanga schools in KwaZulu-Natal. As teenagers are essentially minors, and would be under the care of parents or other caregivers, it was necessary to learn more about the lives of the teenagers from caregivers in the community and from family members within families where there are individuals living with HIV. The study provides some insight into how other people like family members and caregivers understand the pandemic as well as the role they play in the lives of those infected by the HIV virus. Empirical data was collected over a period of a year (2004-2005) and yielded the following main findings: * Fear about disclosing one's status: HIV and AIDS are still not accepted as one of the significant realities of the lives of learners. It is regarded as a shameful disease which most members of the community prefer not to talk openly about. * Effects on affected learners: Social, economic and cultural circumstances and perspectives impact negatively on relationships in general and on relationships significant to learners themselves, i.e. parent-child and adult. * Persons living with HIV are called names by those who are seemingly not affected. * Teenagers report that they avoid using local healthcare services because they have on occasion experienced being verbally abused at these health care centres. * Teenagers are not assisted in dealing with peer pressure. * Teenagers are vulnerable to making disastrous choices.
Magazine representations of women in texts and images of Valentine's Day celebrations.
(2007) Mthethwa, Ntombifuthi Christophora.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
Women's magazines have been accused of using their power of reaching millions of audiences to influence ideas such as the perceived role of a woman in the society; how she must behave, what she must do to win the attention of men as well as inform her of her limitations (Marshment, 1997). Women's magazines do this through the advertisements and stories that they publish. Ballaster et al. (1991) posit that the media has very powerful means of influencing and persuading audiences to think, act and behave in a particular may. The media has the power to shape and direct the way in which audiences perceive themselves. Evidently, it creates a desire in people to improve themselves by purchasing a certain product. Following a critique of seven women's magazines, this study acknowledges the power of the media to influence its audience and analyses the use of the theme of Valentine's Day in stories and advertisements of the selected magazines. The analysis explores how such influence can result in the promotion of gender stereotypes in society.
Orality and its cultural expression in some Zulu traditional ceremonies.
(1993) Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.; Argyle, W. John.
Abstract not available.
Renegotiating masculinities: perspectives of male students at the University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN)
(2008) Shikumo, Edith Asiko.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
This dissertation sought to delve into the deconstruction of the male gender and thus touch on the undercurrents accruing from changing masculine identities in South Africa. In retrospect, the empirical research conducted interrogated renegotiated male identities i.e. from authoritative, breadwinner, man-of the- house etc. to scholar, nurturer, liberal etc. It looked at the transformation of masculinities within the gender discourse and asked if given the foregoing, whether men are indeed reconstructing their gendered identities in contemporary times. Analysis of perspectives concerning interpretations given to contemporary perceptions of masculinities was gleaned from a fraction of male students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) , Howard College campus. These students had undertaken an introductory gender studies module course at the campus. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants of this study. Some findings from the study indicate that urbanisation and formal education play a role in mapping out new gendered identities among the young men interviewed. A cosmopolitan and urban environment may be contributing to novel ways that young men are enacting their masculinity. Several participants talked of emergent cliques and labelling that was a contributory factor to behaviour change as well as peer pressure. Nevertheless, for a number of them, cultural or traditional constructs still had some pull though some participants gave indications of interrogating which traditions to follow even though they still highly valued their cultures. Recommendations gleaned from this study were therefore juxtaposed against the need to establish a: more egalitarian environment in the hope of achieving gender equity. Due to the level of interrogation the participants showed in relation to their gendered identities, there is a need to pro-actively and continuously engage men in various gender equity programmes. As these young men's identities are in a constant state of flux, there was also a need to continuously interrogate what changes men are undergoing and what specifically propels them to behave in certain ways. Other than paying attention to how urbanisation and formal education impacts young men in a contemporary sense, it is also recommended that attention be paid to how older male role models impact on young men's identity formation. Key words: Masculinities, Gender identities, Contemporary identities, Social constructIonism
Representation of Black African women's bodies in the soap opera, Generations.
(2008) Thabethe, Funeka E.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
Feminists have always taken an interest in the manner in which the media represents women. This is due to the fact that the media is always accused of representing women in an unfavourable manner. If not under-represented, women are objectified or used to perpetuate negative stereotypes about women in general. Research demonstrates that the media has moved from under-representation of women. However, equal representation to men or overrepresentation of women does not necessarily mean correct representation. This dissertation is based on the soapi opera Generations, a soapie where female characters outnumber male characters. The purpose of this dissertation is to look at the manner in which black African women characters' bodies are represented. The women characters' bodies have been studied as social constructions with an underlying message. Foucault's ideas of subjectivity were employed to look at the unlimited possibilities as well as limitations of the body. Subjectivity when looking at bodies have been analysed through the flexibility of bodies to be changed through discipline, body gestures as well as adornment with jewellery and other accessories. Moreover, the underlying culture behind the various constructions was studied. The findings were that in the soapi opera Generations, the representation of women characters' bodies was highly influenced by western culture. The choice of a character's body size, hair texture and complexion is mainly that which is defined as beautiful in western culture.
The gendered construction of mourning and cleansing rites of widowhood amongst the Zulu speaking people of Ndwedwe community, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2003) Daber, Benedicta N.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
The gendered construction of mourning and cleansing rites of widowhood was studied amongst the Zulu community of Ndwedwe, 70 kilometres north of Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. These cultural rites were investigated through in-depth interviews with six widowers and twelve widows. Respondents were asked about their experiences and perceptions regarding their compliance to the two rites. An analysis of these experiences, which were translated and transcribed into English, was carried out, using studies from other cultures internationally and locally as reference point, for the study. It was revealed that mourning rites, which follow death of a spouse can be stressful for both genders and must be observed strictly by the use of black or any mourning dress. The period of mourning is characterised by isolation and stigmatisation especially for the widows. Cleansing is a symbolic act that purifies all members of the household from defilement by death. This is done for all relatives following burial but a widow remains impure not less than one year of 'successful' mourning in most cases, before she is cleansed and is then absolved into society's normal life. This study has revealed that mourning and cleansing rites have psychological and physical health implications for both genders but with more negative impacts on widows than widowers.
Trends, modifications and motivations of ukuhlolwa kwezintombi (virginity testing) among the Zulu in KwaMashu district of KwaZulu Natal between, 1960-2000.
(2000) Khuzwayo, Nobuhle Nonhlanhla.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
This study investigates the trends. modifications and motivations of ukuhlolwa kwezilllombi (virginity testing) among the Zulu in KwaMashu district of Kwa Zulu Natal. The study reveals that:- • Ukuhlolwa kwezillfombi has been historically regarded as a vital social tool to bring pride to the virgin girl, the parents and the community as a whole. • The big motive was to receive the full lobola especially uikomo kamama (the eleventh cow). Urbanization, industrialization, acculturation, education and religious beliefs led ukuhlolwa kwezintombi to its near demise in twenty years ago. • In recent years its resurgence has been noticed in most areas of Kwa Zulu Natal and townships to fight against women abuses, teenage pregnancies and HIV/Aids . • It is met with a variety of views and emotions with others considering it as valuable while others consider it outdated and irrelevant. • Virginity testing is regarded as a custom of cultural value and the country is in the process of African Renaissance. • Regarding the mY/Aids catastrophe, one can count on 'True Love Waits ' and virginity testing as means of prevention.
Ubunjalo nenqubo yomndeni omkhulu : ubudlelwane phakathi komakoti nomamezala elokishini laKwaMashu = The extended family's power structure : a case study of relations between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law in KwaMashu Township.
(2005) Hlophe, Nokwazi.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.
No abstract available.
Ukuzibophezela ekuqhakambiseni usikompilo encwadini insumansumane ebhalwe ngu Elliot Zondi.
(2002) Mathonsi, Sibuselaphi.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.; Magwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
Lolu cwaningo, "Ukuzibophezela ekuqhakambiseni usikompilo encwadini Insumansumane ebhalwe ngu-Elliot Zondi", luhlose ukuveza ukubaluleka kwezingxenye zosikompilo lukaZulu ezitholakala encwadini ebhalwe ngu-Elliot Zondi ethi iNsumansumane. Lolu cwaningo lugqugquzelwe ngukuthi imibhalo eminingi yesiZulu ayibukeki ikhuthaza okungamasiko namagugu esizwe sikaZulu kanti Insumansumane ibukeka izibophezele empilweni yesizwe sikaPhunga noMageba. Lokhu kuvela ezingxenyeni ezithile lapho uZondi ekhuthaza futhi eqhakambisa okungamagugu esizwe sikaZulu, ethi kufanele kugcinwe, kuhlonishwe ngoba kungumgogodla wesizwe. Ukubukezwa kwemibhalo esondelene nalolu cwaningo kuveze ukuthi abahlaziyi abathile banemibono eyahlukene ngomyalezo oqukethwe yiNsumansumane. Lolu cwaningo lubheke yonke lemibono lwase luqhamuka nombono owahlukile. UZondi kwiNsumansumane ulwa nemithetho yamaNgisi elumisa okwembabazane nephambene nenqubo yesizwe samaZulu. Imibhalo efana neNsumansumane iphonsa inselelo kwabanye ababhali besiZulu ukuba babhale bakhuthaze ukugcinwa kwamasiko esizwe sikaZulu. Insumansumane ikhombisa ukuthi ayisiwona nje umbhalo wokuba ufundwe ezikoleni kuphela, kepha nomphakathi kaZulu wonkana ungazuza okuningi okuyisisekelo sobuzwe bukaZulu. UZondi akagcini nje ngokuba aveze izinkinga ezikhungethe isizwe, kepha uveza nekhambi lokuxazulula lezi zinkinga. Insumansumane ingumbhalo ofundisayo nokhuthaza ukwazana nokubekezelelana kwezinhlanga ezakhele leli zwe, ezahlukene ngokwamasiko. Ngaphandle kokuthi Insumansumane iyakhuthaza, iyisibuko sikaZulu lapho izizukulwane ziyokwazi ukuzibuka khona, ziziqhenye ngobuzwe bazo, iphonsa inselelo kwabanye ababhali besiZulu ukuba babhale ngokungananazi bakhuthaze ukugcinwa kwamasiko esizwe sikaZulu. Ngenxa yemigomo yobufishane balolu cwanmgo, yokubheka kuphela ukuzibophezela kweNsumansumane kusikompilo lwezenhlalakahle yesizwe samaZulu, angikwazanga ukubheka eminye imikhakha kulo mdlalo nakweminye imibhalo ezibophezele kusikompilo lukaZulu. Ukwenza isibonelo nje, umbhalo kaMsimang (1975) othi Izulu eladuma eSandlwana, ubukeka ungomunye wemibhalo ezibophezele kusikompilo lwezenhlalakahle kaZulu. Kungaba ukubamba iqhaza elibalulekile ukuba kekucwaningwe kubhekwe ukuthi yiziphi izingxenye zosikompilo lwezenhlalakahle uMsimang aziqhakambisile nokuthi zibaluleke kangakanani esizweni.