Browsing by Author "Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal."

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Confluences of Lithoko, religious and traditional beliefs and western poetry in modern Sesotho poetry (MSP) : an intertextual perspective.
(2015) Maimane, Ketlalemang Clement.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.; Zulu, Ncebo Sibonelo.
From an intertextual perspective, this study analyses the lithoko, religious beliefs and practices and western poetry confluences in modern Sesotho poetry. In this analysis, modern Sesotho poetry texts covering a period of seventy-nine years (79) from 1931 to 2010 have been selected. Of the utmost importance in the analysis are the intertextual manifestations in modern Sesotho poetry. These include the lithoko oralformulaic style in modern Sesotho poetry which focuses on form, structure and content. The study also looks into echoes of texts indicative of religious beliefs and practices (both local and foreign) in modern Sesotho poetry, the host-parasite relationship between Western poetry and modern Sesotho poetry, the emerging trends and the evaluation of modern Sesotho poetry in relation to its poeticness or literariness. In order to address the above intentions of the study, the qualitative library approach was employed to critically examine the identified intertextual features from the population of twelve (12) modern Sesotho poetry texts selected through both the cluster and purposive sampling techniques. The following are the findings of the study on the issues investigated: modern Sesotho poetry is an intertext as texts from lithoko Christian, traditional beliefs and practices as well as western poetry are present in it at varying levels of form structure, content and traditional images in virtually recognizable forms as Barthes (1981: 39) asserts that the literary position of any text is an intertext in which other texts are present in varying levels and more or less recognizable forms. Both proto, transitional and open forms attributed to lithoko and western poetry are present in modern Sesotho poetry. Modern Sesotho poetry has also been found to have diverse emergent trends not only in terms of structural forms but also in content and linguistic devices in the form of traditional imagery. As an intertext, modern Sesotho poetry has emerged to be poetic considering aspects of poetic function and poetic language as elements of poetry in the evaluation of its poeticness. The study concludes that modern Sesotho poetry is an intertext which is a text of convergence where the presence of the four predecessors is manifested at varying levels and in more or less recognizable forms.
Feminist discourse analysis in four selected Zulu literary texts beyond 'woman as a victim'.
(2018) Gumede, Hendry Sifiso.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.
The study’s hypothesis was that the condition of women in Zulu patriarchal society as reflected in the selected Zulu literary texts is still intolerable. Some female and male authors tend to echo social tendencies and trends, wanting to maintain the status quo of the system of patriarchy. The study surfaces the traditional patriarchal views on marriage, ukungena (taking over of the responsibilities of the late brother) and other gender inequities. The research qualitatively examines these traditional issues and approaches in the four selected literary texts from a literary feminist discourse perspective. The study has managed to portray various situations in which women discover their potential by focusing on the various major problems they have to face in the patriarchal society. The four literary texts analyzed depict women characters as victims. For instance, the novels Ifa Lenkululeko and Umshado portray the widows’ world as a hybrid space characterized by forces of tradition and modernity. Both novels show how widows are usually trodden upon and least protected by the society from patriarchal interpretations, and expectations of the tradition. The plays, Ngiyazisa Ngomtanami and Ngiwafunge AmaBomvu, on the other hand, depict flaws and failures of the patriarchal system. Both plays expose these flaws and failures in a subtle manner that an inattentive reader may not be able to observe. They both reflect women’s maturity in challenging the stereotypes of the patriarchal system. These literary texts display some transformed approaches in the portrayal of female characters. The study calls for a change of mindsets from members of society who still endorse patriarchal stereotypes of women. It makes it clear that, only by affording full consideration to women’s needs and contributions, can the civilization grow and mature.
The mourning cultural practices amongst the Zulu-speaking widows of the KwaNyuswa community : a feminist perspective.
(2013) Ndlovu, Cecilia Daphney.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.; Naidoo, Shamila.
This study titled: “Mourning Cultural Practice Amongst the Zulu Speaking Widows of the KwaNyuswa Community: A Feminist Perspective” explored how mourning cultural practices contribute towards gender discrimination which results to women oppression. The main aim of this study was to document how cultural practices impact negatively to women. It focused on challenges and consequences that the Zulu speaking widows particularly in the rural areas experience during their mourning period. Within feminism as an umbrella theory underpinning this study, radical approach was employed to address the issue to be investigated since it considers patriarchal practices as a primary cause of women’s oppression (Wills and Ellen, 1994:117). This approach enabled the study to extract the gender imbalances inherent in cultural practices, and to expose widow’s experiences, why they experience what they are experiencing and how do they perceive their experiences. This study employed a qualitative research approach embracing the interpretive paradigm and sought to obtain a rich and deep interpretation of participant’s responses on the topic investigated. A combination of three qualitative data collection methods were used, these were: face to face interviews, focus groups discussion and participant observation. Thirty participants were randomly selected from five districts of KwaNyuswa and that include: key informants, women and men, widows and widowers and these were regarded as people who are knowledgeable and have an experience with the phenomenon studied. Thematic data analysis was used in this study through which four themes were emerged. These themes were derived from participant’s perceptions and experiences which made it possible to meet the research objectives. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of people at KwaNyuswa consider mourning cultural practice as an integral part of their lives irrespective of its constraints or challenges it might have to the people involved. It was clear from this study that the people of this community are very much conservative and stereotyped and they do not consider anything of gender transformation or gender equality. Recommendations were made for social and gender transformation and for some means to improve the widow’s plight.
Perceived gender inequality reflected in Zulu proverbs : a feminist approach.
(2010) Mpungose, Zethembe Mandlenkosi.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.
This dissertation explores the subject of gender inequalities as reflected in Zulu proverbs. The most notable examples are those proverbs that comment on the role and position of Zulu men in society, on women's behaviour, on marriage and on the morality of the Zulu society. The dissertation explores how language is used in the proverbs to help shape the behaviour of women, from childhood up till the time they assume the responsibilities belonging to omakoti (brides). This study was undertaken in order to gain greater insight and understanding into why Zulu women are expected to play a submissive role in their society, unlike their dominant male partners. The study provides a case study of Zulu proverbs so as to gain an in-depth understanding of how patriarchy is reflected through language, and how proverbs help to construct the woman's identity in Zulu society. Through the use of research participants, the dissertation concludes that Zulu proverbs about women are associated with ukuhlonipha, a custom where omakoti, once married, adopt new names for items they use on daily basis because they reflect the names or syllables of in-laws. This study adopts a qualitative research methodology. Primary data was collected through interviews and several books on proverbs, whilst secondary data was collected from a wide selection of books, theses, dissertations and journal articles. Interviews which were carefully conducted with nineteen females (thirteen females between the ages of 16 and 35, and six females over the age of 35) and fourteen males (eight males between the ages of 16 and 35, and six males over the age of 35), all who are from KwaZulu-Natal.
Social commitment in some Zulu literary works published during the apartheid era.
(2002) Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.; Canonici, Noemio Noverino.
This study, Social commitment in some Zulu literary works published during the apartheid era, was motivated by what was perceived as arrogant and superficial observations by a number of especially foreign-based critics, that all the literature in South Africa African-languages published during the apartheid period was children stuff, not worth the paper it was written on, and that it did not show any effort at commitment to, or at reflecting on the weighty social problems that civil society in South Africa had to bear. In response to such criticism, the study highlights aspects of social commitment in selected literary works, and it also sketches the committed approach as part of the African literary outlook. It traces commitment in oral traditional literature, where it appears that the great preoccupation of the oral society was that none of the achievements of the human spirit get lost. The proverbs clearly reflect on, and offer directives for, day-to-day problems, while myths represent reflections on the fate of man and the world. Folktales use common problems in life and family as the basis for the conflictual situations to be resolved. Izibongo (praise poems) declaim the heroic deeds of our leaders, trace our history, and demonstrate that, even in moments of glory, the needs of the people must be taken care of on pain of being negatively labelled with invectives that will reverberate through the centuries. In a brief survey on the early 20th century stages of South African literature in African languages (Zulu, Xhosa, S. Sotho) it was noted that our pioneer writers made a gigantic effort to experiment with genres, forms and contents, and, in the process, to reflect on the anxieties caused by the often bewildering encounter of Mrica with the west. Our early writers excel in creating poetry that amalgamates tradition and modernization, but in the narrative genres they seem to be able to be more genial and creative when they deal with historical material, possibly because they feel more at home with an inspiration that imitates the glorious praise poetry and are thus able to deal with the present in terms of past events, without upsetting critics or education authorities. Then the decades of the expected maturity arrived -from the 1960s to the 1990s, but the seeds of vibrant originality sown during the previous period were cruelly trampled over and squashed, possibly by both the apartheid-appointed censors and by the fear that they would object to any 'committed' writing and destine it for the dustbin. Fear, self-imposed censorship, and possibly more than a little laziness hampered vigorous developments of literatures that had appeared very promising at their emergence. Listed here are a number of works in Xhosa, Southern Sotho, Zulu and Shona. The contributions of English and Afrikaans works to South African literary development are also outlined. The fact that most works were meant for schools caused a further restraint on originality and creativity, although it should have spurred the authors on to do their very best, because through the schools they were moulding the future of the nation. But a number of authors were valiantly able to overcome the general self-defeating frustrations and to rise to the challenge of producing excellent material, outstanding in both form and content. Some such works are examined and exemplified in the thesis. One of I.S. Kubheka's novels, Ulaka LwabaNguni, is analysed to show the depth of the conflict between Africa and the west, between country and city life, between western schooled and traditionally educated people. The new ways could become a monster that swallows everything and everybody, specially if one is unable to keep the animal on the chain of ubuntu that allows only as much westernization of the mind as can go hand in hand with the greatest traditional values. Then follows the analysis of three historically based plays and one novel. History offers the opportunity of speaking about the present by describing the past. Msimang and Zondi do exactly this, and offer visions of today's social problems that become clearer when placed on the lips of people such as Mkabayi, Shaka, Cetshwayo, Bhambatha. Each of these works is a clarion call to wake up and be counted, because the new Africa is rising, both soulful and promising, full of expectations if one is able to overcome present day restrictions. The author of this research fervently hopes that this work will produce better understanding among the South African races, and give birth to an era of multilingualism and multiculturalism, where the differences are treatgd115 gifts rather than obstacles. The country is great, and its populations present an extraordinary wealth of life and experience, especially when all is viewed through the prism of the colours of the rainbow, generously reflected in the new South African flag.
Some gendered practices in a Zulu family : a feminist perspective.
(2012) Langa, Mdumiseni Langelihle.; Mathonsi, Nhlanhla Naphtal.
This study on “Some Gendered Practices in a Zulu Family: A Feminist Perspective” investigated gender bias, gender inequality, and gender stereotypes as seen in daily gendered practices happening within the Zulu family. The practises examined are confined to the domain of the Zulu culture, particularly the Zulu marriage. The four main research questions put surveillance on how married women are restricted to move freely on the premises of their own homes; how women can unhappily find themselves in a polygamous marriage; how a wife’s dignity can be denigrated due to a man’s lack of understanding of her body anatomy; how she can be denied equal status with her husband due to certain cultural beliefs and conceptions. In the face of inevitable change that influences human behaviour, this study sought to show that the Zulu nation, particularly men, find it difficult to easily and speedily accept that culture and tradition are subject to change. The study attempted to establish whether there is any improvement on gender transformation or not, especially within the context of the current endeavours by the South African government to ensure that there is no gender discrimination by having female representativeness in all spheres of government. Progress has been made with regard to fair representation of women in political and decision-making positions in all spheres of government. The country is currently rated 7th in the world in terms of representation of women in legislature. http://www.buanews.gov.za/rss/08/08120715451006-5/11/2012 Throughout the analysis and interpretation of both the statistical and qualitative data, I critiqued the data to establish whether the gender transformation ideal is being achieved in the Zulu family or not. Radical feminism, the theory through which this study was conducted, has helped to show that Zulu women are still disadvantaged and oppressed due to social machinations that are essentially invented by patriarchal men.
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.