Browsing by Author "Sekhesa, Thabo."

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An Afrocentric enquiry on lived experience of ubuntu among IsiZulu-speaking persons from different geographic areas, South Africa.
(2017) de Bruyn, Shayne.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
In post-apartheid South Africa, the term Ubuntu has come to be popularised and thus politicised by the governing party (Coertze, 2001; Dolam, 2013). This has been done in an effort to evoke a sense of unity in the South African populace and thus aid in nation building (Nkondo, 2007). However, in order for Ubuntu to be a governing value embraced by South Africans and assimilated into South African society, a clear definition and understanding is required so that it may have practical application in day to day life. Such practical information seems to be largely missing in literature. It was therefore the objective of the following Afrocentric, explorative study to investigate how the concept of Ubuntu is subjectively defined, understood and applied by people in everyday life. In an effort to gain detailed data, the study focussed on eight isiZulu-speaking persons from two geographic areas in KwaZulu-Natal – the suburban areas surrounding Durban, and an informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg. Both commonalities and discrepancies were discovered and explored in the narratives of Ubuntu between the two areas under study. In addition, a multiplicity of insights into the nature and practice of Ubuntu were discovered. It was found that Ubuntu denotes the quality of being a person made possible through humane relationships with other people, and that being a person simultaneously implies interconnection and morality. In addition, it was found that participants conceptualised Ubuntu as inclusive of all human-beings, but practiced Ubuntu in a more exclusive manner. Such discoveries facilitated a comprehensive discussion around Ubuntu – the positives, potential downfalls, affecting variables and possibilities. The aim of this work is to continue both the development of Afrocentric research in South Africa, as well as the body of knowledge around Afrocentric topics such as Ubuntu, thus assisting in the effective application of African knowledge in Africa.
Contraceptive myths: a qualitative study investigating contraceptive myths amongst black female students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2017) Shozi, Thobeka.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
This qualitative study investigated the contraceptive myths held by black female students of the University of KwaZulu-Natal aged 18–27 years. Data for this study was collected through a focus group discussion and individual interviews. Majority of students who participated in this study indicated that they did not use condoms. Most participants appeared to have the knowledge of contraception and of risky sexual behaviours. The results also revealed that students are aware of the common myths and misconceptions about contraceptives, however, most of them perceived these myths to be true. Some of these myths included infertility and vaginal wetness as a result of using hormonal contraceptives. Participants also reported that their partners also influence their contraceptive use because of the myths they hold about contraceptive usage.
The discourses that influence the application of the Ntu psychotherapy by psychologists based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2017) Mntungwa, Nosihle.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
The study made use of critical discourse analysis to explore how psychologists in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, talk about their practice of psychotherapy and Ntu psychotherapy in particular. The objectives of the study were to explore how psychologists define psychotherapy; to identify the type(s) of discourse which are used by psychologists in Pietermaritzburg regarding their preferred therapeutic techniques; to explore how discourses are used to promote or exclude particular psychotherapies.; to explore Pietermaritzburg psychologists‘ knowledge of the Ntu psychotherapy, and to explore Pietermaritzburg psychologists‘ position regarding the use or not of Ntu psychotherapy in their practice when working with black South African clients. The results of the study suggested that the definition of psychotherapy rests on the medical and scientific discourse and these continue to influence the choice of psychotherapeutic modalities by psychologists. None of the psychologists who participated in this study were aware of what Ntu Psychotherapy and culture was used as a resistive stance against the prevailing traditional psychotherapeutic modalities. Recommendations for training and methodology were also provided and discussed in this study.
The influence of ancestral spirits on sexual identity amongst traditional healers (izangoma) in South Africa : a discourse analysis.
(2018) Mnyadi, Khanyisile Rosemary.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
The main aim of this study was to explore whether sexual identity is influenced by ancestral guides among Traditional Healers (iZangoma) in South Africa. The focus of this study was on iZangoma; diviners who are possessed by idlozi (spirit of the departed who had the gift of healing spiritually) and reach trance states through ingoma (drumming). The research design used in this study was qualitative and exploratory. The sample consisted of five participants who were recruited using the Snowball sampling technique. Participants included three lesbian females, one bisexual female and one transgender man. Four of the participants were Traditional Healers and one was still an iThwasa (undergoing initiation). The Social Constructionist paradigm (discourse analysis) was used to analyze interviews with Traditional Healers. The main findings of the study were that participants defined their sexual identity as a biological or genetic construct, as their culture, their pride, a result of witchcraft or poisoning, as influenced by their environment and ancestors, and also as a misunderstood concept. This study also revealed that dominant ancestral guides can have an impact on the sexual identity of Traditional Healers depending on whether the ancestral guide was sexually attracted to males or females when they were still alive. Lastly, for Traditional Healers, engaging in same-sex relationships seemed more forced or „imposed‟ by ancestral guides rather than it being a choice.
Investigating the emotions evoked within student activists when singing struggle songs: a study of student protests at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2019) Adams, Mapula Mantsha.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
This study investigated the emotions evoked within student activists when singing struggle songs during university protests. The study made use of a qualitative exploratory research design to get an in-depth understanding of students‟ emotional experiences. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with five student activists from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg campus). The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. This study found that the spiritual aspect of these songs evokes negative and positive emotions within student activists. The negative emotions experienced were anger and pain, while the positive emotions were pride and hope. The reflective space that these songs provided for students allowed them to acknowledge their emotions. This provided catharsis to the students‟ anger and pain. The positive emotions evoked by the singing of these songs allowed for the recognition of previous victories. This gave them hope and reminded them of their ability to achieve desired results in their environment as they protested. The study recommends that future research looks into the perception of struggle songs held by those at whom the songs are directed.
An investigation into the role of struggle songs in youth driven protests: perspectives of youths in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
(2020) Zamisa, Masixole.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of struggle songs in youth driven protests from the perspectives of youths in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study was guided by three objectives which were to explore which aspects of struggle songs, resonate with the youth today; to explore what emotions are evoked by singing of struggle songs; to explore the role of the songs in youth driven protest action. The study made use of the Social Identity Theory (SIT) proposed by Tajfel and Turner. The Brain stem reflex; Rhythmic entrainment; Evaluative Conditioning; Emotional Contagion; Visual imagery; Episodic Memory; Musical expectancy, often refered to as the BRECVEM model was also used as a supporting theoretical framework. This study was based on the qualitative approach to research. The researcher used purposive sampling and snowball sampling to select participants for both individual interviews and focus group discussion. Thematic Analysis was used to analyse and interpret results. Three main themes were identified as: Youth and struggle songs; Emotional reaction; Role assigned to struggle songs during a protest. The findings suggest that, firstly, the youth in Mdantsane use struggle songs because they are relevant to the current struggles. Secondly, they reveal that some of the songs evoke strong emotions which in turn influence the conduct of the youth during the protest. Lastly, the results suggest that the struggle songs are deployed strategically to serve certain roles for the benefit of the group. Recommendations for further studies were also provided and discussed in this study.
The psychological healing and unifying aspects of struggle songs: perspectives of ex-members of uMkhonto we Sizwe based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal.
(2020) Nguse, Siphelele Msawenkosi.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
This qualitative study sought to investigate the perspectives of former members of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) on aspects of struggle songs that were psychologically healing and unifying. The study used the Afrocentric theoretical framework, the constructivist research paradigm, and it is premised on Africa(n)-psychology. Further, the study employed a purposive sampling method to recruit participants who reside in the city of Pietermaritzburg in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The thematic data analysis method was utilizing in analysing the study results. Consequently, the study results demonstrated that struggle songs have various origins, such as the anti-colonial struggles and frontier wars, churches, cultural activities and ceremonies, and popular anti-apartheid protests. It was illustrated that struggle songs played emotional, psychological, and political roles in the lives of former MK combatants. Importantly, struggle songs were proven to have unifying and healing potential. This was found in their lyrical and rhythmic properties, which inspired imagination, reminiscence, solidarity, and collective identity. Lastly, struggle songs have been reported to have varying impacts on the former MK combatants today. Some reported that struggle songs have a positive impact, while others reported that they have a negative effect due to the songs being used for sinister purposes in the post-apartheid South African politics.
Struggle songs and multidimensional black identities: a phenomenological study on the meaning of struggle songs for black university student activists in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2021) Sekhesa, Thabo.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
This study sought to explore the meaning that contemporary black student activists from universities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa hold towards the struggle songs that they sing. This study was undertaken to gain some understanding into how black student activists use struggle songs to define and construct their identities. A qualitative exploratory design was used. This study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 of the study included the sampling of the commonly sung struggle songs (2015-2018) by black student activists from the YouTube platform (N=21). Political Discourse Analysis (PDA) (van Dijk, 1997) was used to analyse these songs. Phase 2 employed individual interviews with black student activists (N=10). Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) (Smith & Osborne, 2003) was used to analyse these interviews. The Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI) (Sellers et al., 1998) was the theoretical framework used in this study. A comprehensive understanding of the political history of South Africa and its racial tensions provided the canvas upon which the songs and the lived experience of singing them could be interpreted and understood. Major findings from the study were that discourse strategies such as topics, textual schemata, local semantics, lexicon, syntax, rhetoric, expression structures and speech acts were employed in struggle songs sung by student activists. These discourse strategies were used to varying degrees in the songs to construct the identities of the student activists who sang them. The findings of the study are substantiated by the African notion that the process of constructing an identity is an incomplete and ongoing one to achieve full humanity. Student activists who participated in this study experienced the songs as tools that enabled them to identify with and re-experience the anger and pain of apartheid tyranny. This in turn motivated them to fight against injustice. The conclusion of this fight was interpreted to be a state of generalised acknowledgement of injustices perpetrated against black people in South Africa and the continued pursuit of a just and fair society. The overarching theme of these songs is that of encouragement to become a contemporary black activist who is brave and determined in their quest for the achievement of a complete humanity for all.
A study of employee passion at a technology business incubator in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Naidoo, Miranda.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
Employees who are passionate about what they do will be both happier and more productive at work (Robertson-Smith & Markwick, 2009). Their passion stems from caring deeply about what they do or where they work and being personally invested in and motivated by its mission.This qualitative study investigated the passion(s) of seven employees of a technology business incubator in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to explore how the employees of this business incubator define passion, to explore whether they were / are passionate about their jobs / careers and finally to explore whether these employees experience / experienced any barriers to pursuing their passion(s). The participants in this study found it difficult to define passion(s). They mostly defined passion(s) in terms that reflected strong positive emotions. Most participants were ambivalent about their passion for their jobs / careers. Background and personal circumstances have played a significant role in preventing many of the participants in this study from pursuing their passion(s). Following this study, it is recommended that further research be conducted to further our understanding of the role of passion(s) for employees of business incubators in order to enhance employee passion and organisational performance. Keywords: employees, passion, business incubator, barriers and organisational performance.
The meaning of struggle songs for the black female university students.
(2023) Makhaye, Nomvuselelo Lorraine.; Khumalo, Richard Thabane.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
This study investigates the significance of struggle songs and meaning they have for six Black female university students who sing them at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Pietermaritzburg (PMB). To understand the singing of struggle songs from experiences of these university students, the study employed a qualitative methodology, interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Data was collected using semi-structured interviews that were recorded and transcribed. From transcripts, IPA provides a step-by-step guide to analysis. The theoretical foundations for this study were Black feminism and the Afrocentric paradigm. Findings indicated that the meaning that the participants attach to struggle songs is that of a versatile tool through which they communicate injustices and victories. These Black female university students also saw struggle songs as a tool that unites Black people in the fight against injustices and a tool that captures Black South African history and, furthermore, defines their identity. Singing struggle songs brought about a connection with the past, fallen heroes, and the spiritual realm, as well as positive and negative emotions. The study participants revealed that Black university students, including both genders, and Black South Africans are still suffering the consequences of apartheid, like financial struggle, which has its background in apartheid policies that disadvantaged Blacks. Furthermore, Black female university students still leave in fear because of gender-based violence (GBV). They also have other unmet needs that they feel could be easily addressed but are not. These lead them to engage in the singing of struggle songs. It is suggested that addressing these issues at the university and government levels will benefit both the university and the students by reducing protests and increasing time spent in class focusing on the main purpose, which is to study.
The use of revolutionary songs in the #FeesMustFall movement: a discourse analysis.
(2020) Phajane, Mokgabisi Gaopalelwe.; Sekhesa, Thabo.
This study employed a discourse and thematic analysis to explore the use of revolutionary songs in the #FeesMustFall (#FMF) movement. This was achieved through three main objectives namely: to identify the role(s) of revolutionary songs in the #FMF movement; to explore the purpose of amending pre-1994 revolutionary songs during the activities of the #FMF movement; and to investigate the intended message(s) communicated by the revolutionary songs sung by the #FMF members. A qualitative methodology was employed, and the theoretical framework used was social constructionism. The sample size consisted of six participants and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The results of the study suggest that the use of revolutionary songs in the #FMF movement were understood by their functionality. Three primary themes identified as playing roles by revolutionary songs in the #FMF movement were, namely: communicating, mobilising, and expressing collective identity. The participants understood emotional, spiritual, and nostalgic expressions as subthemes for the communicative role. The participants were in consensus that the songs ought to accurately reflect the context in which they occur, although there were contradictions regarding the seemingly opposing positions vis-à-vis the need versus no need to amend revolutionary songs. This elicited a discussion regarding the relevance of revolutionary songs in the #FMF movement. The discussion produced the fourth theme of the findings titled: the more things change, the more they remain the same. The revolutionary songs of the #FMF movement conveyed message(s) perceived to be important to the members of the wider #FMF movement. The fifth theme regarding the intended message(s) communicated by the revolutionary songs is titled: messages that ego the past. The increase in tuition fees served as a catalyst for unearthing deeper issues that were present in South African higher education. Certain revolutionary songs focused on challenging the barriers of inequality, widespread discontent regarding the conditions of colonialism, transformation, and institutional racism, while other revolutionary songs conveyed the constructive roles of self-persuasion, reaffirmation of identity, and mobilisation. The participants demonstrated that the intended message(s) may change based on the directed audience and the audience itself may change based on the context.
Violence in schools : a correlational study into the relationship between an Afrocentric orientation and attitudes towards violence among African secondary school learners in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2011) Sekhesa, Thabo.; Mkhize, Ntate.
This correlation study investigated the relationship between Africentric values (Collective work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics and Self determination) as measured by the Children’s Africentric Value Scale (CAVS) (Belgrave, Townsend, Cherry, & Cunningham, 1997) and attitudes towards violence reflected by Culture of Violence and Reactive Violence as measured by the Attitudes Towards Violence Scale: A Measure for adolescents (Funk, Elliot, Urman, Flores, & Mock, 1999) with a sample of 200 secondary school learners in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal. There was no statistically significant relationship between the aforementioned Africentric values and attitudes towards violence. Gender was found to be a predictor of Reactive Violence with male participants being more prone to endorse reactive violence. Recommendations for school violence interventions based on Africentric values were also provided and discussed in this study.