Masters Degrees (Sociology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/7201

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An analysis of the media as a key socialising agent for gender and gender stereotypes.
(2023) Zungu, Sindisiwe.; Lamula, Sihle Pretty.
This study examines how the media influences gender identities among university students by studying harmful gender stereotypes toxic masculinities and femininities. Qualitative data were gathered through detailed interviews with students aged 18–26 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, using snowball and purposive sampling. The thematic content analysis involved coding the interview transcripts, identifying recurring themes, and analysing patterns in the data. The study revealed that the media significantly influences how students view themselves and others. Men are frequently shown in powerful roles, while women are often portrayed in submissive roles. This reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and unequal power dynamics. Participants observed that societal norms restrict women from independence and limit men from self-expression. These observations reflect entrenched, harmful gender norms. Moreover, male power dynamics and societal structures frequently contribute to gender disparities and reinforce damaging gender stereotypes. Students encounter challenging stereotypes regarding women, which persist through the depiction of beauty norms and traditional gender roles. Furthermore, the media portrays hegemonic masculinity, which refers to the dominant form of masculinity that idealises traits like aggression and control. This perpetuates restrictive and harmful ideas of true masculinity. To promote gender equality, the media should prioritise equality in content, policy, and practice. To combat gender-based violence, address public health issues, and promote positive and constructive gender practices, it is critical to address gender stereotypes in the media. The media exerts a significant influence on societal norms and values. Therefore, it is essential to coordinate efforts to foster a deeper understanding of harmful forms of masculinity and femininity, while also promoting positive gender practices. Gender-based violence and problems with public health will only get worse if harmful gender stereotypes in the media are not addressed. Future research should explore the impact of the media on gender identities across different cultures and promote positive representations of gender. Gender socialisation significantly shapes an individual’s views on gender roles, beliefs, cultural norms, and societal expectations. This underscores the critical importance of implementing education programmes that integrate gender equality education into curricula and community initiatives that establish safe spaces for open dialogue, challenging traditional societal gender norms.
Perceptions of the relationship between poverty and educational attainment in South African Higher Education: a case study of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College Campus.
(2023) Xulu, Noxolo.; Lamula, Sihle Pretty.
Abstract available in PDF.
A food sovereignty insight into land, gender and justice in provincial agri-food governance: lessons from nongovernmental organisations in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2022) Kinnear, Finn Alexander Hartwell.; Seedat-Khan, Mariam.
The author argues that food insufficiency and gender inequity are conjunctive social ills which require concomitant analysis and intervention. To assist, food sovereignty offers a viable heuristic mechanism to critique such a range of injustices associated with present food systems. However, despite the efforts of its promulgators, researchers regard food sovereignty’s nexus with gender dynamics as precarious. Given the extent to which agrarian social structures remain bastions of gender inequity, the shortcoming is likely to compromise food sovereignty’s transformative potential. Moreover, in acknowledging the concomitant feminisation of agriculture and deprivation, any failures in public and third sector strategy have most profound repercussions for smallholder women. Consequently, the author proposes an intersectional framework of feminist food sovereignty to centralise smallholder women in governance and development praxes. The framework considers a layered food systems approach which highlights the sociological dynamics surrounding intrahousehold food production, processing and consumption. In formulating this framework, the research undertook a qualitative analysis of third sector insights into food sovereignty and gender equity in rural KwaZulu-Natal. These findings furthered the conceptual link between food sovereignty and gender in context. Furthermore, to test the viability of such a framework as an apparatus of critique, analysis of relevant governance arrangements was undertaken. The feminist food sovereignty insight was imbricated within an existing diagnostic framework to engender holistic critique of food systems governance arrangements. Ultimately, the researcher offers multiple recommendations to consolidate governance and development praxes for the dual benefit of gender equity and food sufficiency.
Max Weber, rationality and development: an investigation into the problem of "rationality" in liberal development perspectives.
(1991) Watkins, Gillian Patricia.; Stopforth, Peter.
Abstract available in PDF.
Focusing on caregivers: the experiences of women caregivers caring for orphans and vulnerable children at Crossroads Child and Youth Care Center, Matatiele.
(2019) Moalosi, Lerato Constance.; Rama, Sharmla.
The concept of caregiving is at the centre of current political, social, cultural and economic debates globally. Under capitalism, care and caregiving are socially necessary and integral to reproduction and production but is increasingly devalued. There is lack or absence of adequate labour protection for caregivers, whether in relation to their voluntary or in non-wage labour activities. This study focuses on women caregivers’ experiences and challenges in caring for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and at the same time providing care to their own families and households. The study probes about the types of support available and the support caregivers deem necessary and important in their roles. The study draws on ethics of care theory that reflects the caregivers’ experience, why women end up in the caregiving field and why caregiving is considered as a public good, a labour of love, and how care is provided ethically. The theory also shows the relationship between patriarchy, socio-economic status and gender roles in South Africa influences understandings and valuing of paid versus unpaid care work. Use of the case study approach assisted to allow for an in-depth understanding of the caregiving in a specific context. A sample of ten caregivers working both day and night shift at Crossroads Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) participated in face to face in-depth interviews. Thematic content analysis technique was used to report key findings. The study shows that caregivers require support in terms of policy reframing. The participants explained, for example, that in the NPO sector, the policies did not adequately support their labour demands and the time required to provide OVCs with comprehensive care. Stipends and pension benefits are not comparable and fair. Capacity building to enhance their job, life skills, and interventions to address social problems are needed. It is recommended that caregivers should be part of policy forums to establish their needs. It is also recommended that since legislation and contracts are usually in English translations are required and perhaps workshops on how to understand the contracts. Caring for the caregivers is equally important and beneficial.
Integrated curriculum in Lesotho: challenges encountered by learners through their teachers’ views.
(2019) Phosisi, Itumeleng Juliet.; Joseph, Rudigi Rukema.
The Ministry of Education and Training in Lesotho (MOET), for the first time since the country attained its independence, published the Curriculum and Assessment Policy in 2009.The initiative was influenced by the challenges brought by the HIV AIDS pandemic, increasing poverty, climate and environmental degradation as well as other needs emanating from globalization. MOET has embarked on the review of the entire primary and secondary education curricula, with the purpose of making education at these levels accessible, relevant, and of efficient and best quality hence the formulation of this new curriculum. The focus of the literature that the study was aware of was mostly on the challenges that teachers encountered with the implementation of the new curriculum. Narrowing down to the case of Lesotho, the integrated curriculum had recently been implemented and the study conducted by Selepe (2016) mainly focused on the challenges that the teachers encounter with its implementation, while Raselimo and Mahao (2015) assessed the opportunities and the threats that this policy could pose and Ramokoena (n.d) assessed the conflict between policy and practice. It was evident that there were few studies pertaining integrated curriculum in Lesotho and furthermore, a knowledge gap regarding the issue of the learners encountering challenges as the curriculum is implemented was evident. The study therefore sought to explore the challenges that the learners in six primary schools within the district of Leribe face while this curriculum is being implemented. It additionally intended to find out if there are sufficient relevant resources to help these learners adapt to the new curriculum innovation. The study intended to explore the learners’ challenges through their teachers’ views because the learners were believed to be too young to provide sufficient information. The qualitative method was considered appropriate to explore these challenges and data was collected using in-depth interviews from 5 grades three and five grades six teachers from five different primary schools. Purposive and convenience sampling were used to locate the sample. The findings indicated that the learners encounter challenges and most of them were associated with too much content and insufficient time in and the issue of not repeating grades. The findings also showed that there are insufficient resources in all grades to help the learners adapt into this new curriculum. Lastly, the study recommended that there should be a strategic way to encourage learners to gain interest in their schoolwork and put effort towards effective learning. It was also recommended that the stake holders should look intensively into the issue of insufficient resources that are relevant to the implementation of the policy.
What perceptions of cross-racial adoption reveal about notions of race, culture and identity : a qualitative study of young white South Africans.
(1999) Miller, Elspeth A.; Mare, Paul Gerhardus.
Abstract available in PDF.
The social identities of Indians in a changing South Africa.
(1995) Maharaj, Pranitha.; Carrim, Yunus.; Stopforth, Peter.
Abstract available in PDF.
Murder in Natal 1992-1993 : a sociological analysis of rates and patterns.
(1994) Thomson, James Douglas Scott.; Stopforth, Peter.
No abstract available.
A sociological analysis of historically marginalised seafarers: a case study of the changing face of South African seafarers at the port city of Durban.”
(2017) Mazibuko, Justice Mfanafuthi.; Seedat-Khan, Mariam.
The advent of democracy in South Africa has brought about fundamental changes in the spheres of governance. One of these changes is the policy transformation in the maritime industry and public service by the South African navy. This study explores the changing face of the South African seafarer. Understanding the context of Employment Equity Act and Affirmative Action policies in the maritime industry and South African navy. This has had an impact on the way gender and race is viewed in light of the political and social transformation in the workplace. This thesis analyses the understanding of these political reforms amongst historically disadvantaged individuals in the South African navy. It will also explore any visible demographic and gender change amongst the occupational ranks of the seafarers. In doing so, the thesis aims to highlight key concerns in reconstructing an educated, reskilled and employable South African workforce for the maritime industry.
Students’ insight and understanding of the notion ‘decolonisation of the curriculum in higher education’ at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.
(2018) Ndamane, Sindiswa Nobuntu Psyche.; Rama, Sharmla.
The #FeesMustFall protest in South African Universities in 2015 and 2016 saw students raise, amongst their concerns regarding the nature of the higher education curriculum and the inability of some students to afford higher education. In terms of the former, students called for a decolonised higher education curriculum. In spite of the growing calls for decolonisation, there are contestations about what decolonisation is and how it can best be implemented in the country’s higher education institutions. In addition, cumulative evidence affirms that some students have little or no knowledge of what decolonisation means and are rather absorbing populace or rhetorical stances (Oelofsen, 2015). This study investigates students’ understanding of the meaning of a ‘decolonised curriculum’. This qualitative study employed in-depth face-to-face interviews with fifteen students across different Colleges at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The sample of participants included two student organisations leaders and thirteen student members of these organisations. Thematic analysis was used to report key findings. Paulo Freire’s concept of critical consciousness and Steve Biko’s black consciousness has been used to understand the factors that shape students’ ideas and notions of the decolonised curriculum. The study shows that students acknowledge the challenges in the implementation of the decolonised curriculum in universities. Using more African based authors rather than western authors in the curriculum is one of the ways it can be transformed. The language was also identified as critical to debate on the curriculum. Students believe that if the curriculum is taught in South African indigenous languages, academic performance would improve. Renaming the university infrastructures and facilities also becomes the main proposal from students who claim that they do not identify with individuals whose names are used to label university buildings. Students recommended that the renaming of the buildings be taken into consideration because it is highly associated with decolonisation of the curriculum and university. Participants recommended that more formal dialogues should be conducted between academics and students. Students also need to do more research on decolonising the curriculum so that they can avoid rhetorical arguments and stances.
A sociological exploration of sexual relationships and intimacy amongst a select group of participants in an informal settlement: a case study of Cato Manor, Durban.
(2019) Macozoma, Sandisiwe.; Khan, Sultan.
Humans have a general desire to belong and to love, which is usually satisfied within an intimate relationship. These relationships involve feelings of liking or loving one or more people, romance, physical or sexual attraction, sexual relationships, or emotional and personal support between the members. Sexual relationships and intimacy are very important in family life and societal stability, because they are the outcome of complex interactions between individuals who are conscious of belonging to organized groups and who behave according to a system of learned rules communicated through symbolic language. Thus, the outcome of sex and intimacy, for many groups, globally, is procreative marriage, even though modern sexual arrangements have a distinctive character, which sets them apart from pre-existing systems. In developed countries world sex cohabitation is something that is not shun upon, unlike in traditional societies, because as married couples, cohabiting men and woman have similar cultural traits, as they have rather similar social backgrounds and are often of the same cultural level. In traditional patriarchal societies, like Africa, the male is viewed as apprehensive towards intimacy, while the female is seen as having a great capacity to commit herself to love and to be intimate. It is in this context the study of family life, love and intimacy is studied within an informal human settlement context. The assertion is that irrespective of the nature and type of human settlements, intimacy, sexual relationships are universal human needs, and this study aims to ascertain as to whether this holds true within the context of informal human settlements. Informal human settlements by their very nature are compact, densely populated, deplete of basic infrastructure and lack privacy. It is characterized by shack dwellings, made from a host of materials within proximity with each. Given this physical characteristic of informal settlement, it is assumed that residents of these settlements are prevented from leading normal family lives. It constrains the expression of one’s intimacy, sexual relationship and family life which this study hopes to unfold.
The rise of environmental social movement organization’s mobilization against the proposed hydraulic fracturing in the Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Lele, Dominic Dummene.; Rama, Sharmla.
This research aims to understand social movement organizations, specifically the environmental social movement organizations and their mobilization against the proposed hydraulic fracturing in the Midlands. The proposed fracking has spurred mobilization activities among environmental social movement organizations in the Midlands. This research employs qualitative research methods. To answer the research questions and to achieve the objectives of this study, face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants from fifteen environmental social movement organizations who participated in the anti-fracking mobilization. This research draws attention to the roles of environmental social movement organizations and highlights other key findings to understanding social movement organizations, such as, the sources and challenges in getting funds for social movement mobilizations and other activities. It also captures the use of local languages as a strategy by social movement organizations. This study underscores the importance of using legal means as a strategy for social movements and the collaboration and networking among social movement organizations in advancing their goals. This study highlights how social movements recruit members for mobilizations. It captures the different positions and views held by some organizations on the issue of fracking. This study also highlights some theoretical and conceptual approaches in analyzing and understanding social movement organizations. Theoretically, this study links the concepts of environmental justice, social justice and Karl Marx’s view on justice (economic justice) in his critique of capitalism, in order to understand why (factors and concerns) environmental organizations emerge and mobilize. In linking these three concepts, this study shows that environmental social movement organizations can employ the insights and richness of these concepts in their struggles towards achieving environmental justice in the society. This study highlights the economic, environmental and health impacts of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas. The findings in this research add to the broader knowledge of understanding social movement organizations in the society.
Work intensification and emotional labour of nursing staff at King Edward VIII Hospital.
(2018) Phatela, Manchoko Francinah.; Mtshali, Mduduzi Nkosinathi Gladwin.
This study investigates Work Intensification and Emotional Labour of nursing staff at King Edward VII Hospital. The study submits that previous studies that have explored the phenomenon of emotional labour tended to be moralistic and have focused much on the unprofessional groups like the petrol attendants, security guards, and domestic workers, with a handful, focused on the professional groups. Against this backdrop, this study extends the discourse of emotional labour and work intensification by drawing insights into the lived experiences of the professional workers, nurses in particular. This is because many people associate nursing as a woman’s profession especially in African societies. These key findings are in reminiscent with literature provided by Boxall and Macky (2009) as well as Chowolhry (2014). The authors maintain that work intensification has made nurses to become alienated and stressed with their work and therefore nurses may find it difficult to recognize and challenge excessive levels of emotional labor that are associated with their work. Grounded on the interpretivist paradigm, this qualitative study conclusively holds that work intensification leads to emotional labour in the nursing profession. The study also provides a fascinating thought which indicates that work can likewise be bracing, fulfilling and fiscally useful. The main argument herein is that emotional labour has an impact on the physical, psychological, as well as stimulating emotions of the human being. On this note, the study engaged with the two elements of emotional labour, namely, surface and deep acting which are the core components of emotional labour. In order to provide a sociological lens to the phenomenon, the study draws insight from Goffman’s (1990) dramaturgical theory. The performativity anchored in this theory is a reflection that nurses at King Edward VII Hospital do not allow them to be genuine but just to appease the patients and the management by suppressing their real emotions.
An investigation into the challenges facing single parents in disclosing their HIV/AID status to their teenage children: a case study of the Vulindlela area in the Umsunduzi Local Municipality.
(2019) Bhengu, Nomfundo Precious.; Seedat-Khan, Mariam.
The continuing spread of HIV/AIDS has brought about unprecedented challenges to the ailing South African health care system, as well as the people infected and affected with HIV/AIDS.The study is qualitative in nature and it aims to explore and understand the challenges facing single parents when disclosing their HIV status to their teenage children, at the Vulindlela Area, in the uMsunduzi Local Municipality which falls under the jurisdiction of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. The enquiry was conducted at Songonzima, Taylors and Mafakatini Clinic. Approximately twenty respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique which is also referred to as judgmental sampling. An interview schedule was used as a research instrument in this study. An informed consent was issued to participants informing them that participation in this study is voluntary and that they are free to withdraw their participation should they feel uncomfortable to continue. It is envisaging that the findings of this study will go a long way in assisting the health practitioners in uMsunduzi to understand the challenges facing single parents who are HIV positive when it comes to disclosure of single parent’s HIV status to their children. Keywords – HIV, single parents, teenage children, disclosure, HIV status, partners support, parental challenges
The role of small hauliers within the transportation industry.
(2001) Majozi, Zamaqamu Carol.; Marcus, Tessa.; Roebuck, Christopher S.
There is very limited information that is available on small haulage and the role that it plays in the communities that embark on it. For this reason it was necessary to compile a directory of all the accessible small hauliers and the services that they provide. The research presented here explores the role of small haulage as both an employment and income generating venture. The study was conducted in three geographic locations that range in scale, sophistication and location along a transect form city (Pietermaritzburg) to town ( Greytown) to rural service center (Maphumulo). Larger and more formal haulage is characteristic of Pietermaritzburg as opposed to both Maphumulo and Greytown where small haulage is prevalent. Data was collected using a quantitative questionnaire, which included both open and closed ended questions. 148 small hauliers were interviewed for the study and their ages range from 22 to 65 years. The majority of these small businesses are self-funded because they have been refused financial assistance by formal financial institutions. Most financial institutions do not have policies governing financial support for small enterpreuners. Some are not aware of support systems made available by the government to assist small businesses. The majority of these businesses operate with one vehicle, either from home or from a highly accessible area like a busy street where there is greater need for their service. The small hauliers in Greytown and Maphumulo operated from loading zones similar to the ones found in the taxi industry. Besides hauling goods they also compete with the taxi industry for passengers to supplement their incomes and as a response to the greater needs for passenger transportation in these areas. The businesses are locality bound, rely on local skills and markets and serve the communities that they are based in. They are owner managed, very informal, not registered and lack the business support and skills necessary for their long term survival, are threatened by bigger hauliers. The small hauliers embarked on them out of poverty and in the absence of any other source of livelihood. The biggest challenge is to prepare and develop these types of small businesses for incorporation into the bigger and formal haulage sector by providing them with a highly accessible support base and the necessary business running skills to ensure their long-term survival. There is also a need to incorporate women more in these types income-generating ventures.
The use of linkedIn for recruitment: an exploratory and descriptive study of telecommunications companies listed on linkedIn (South Africa)
(2017) Quartey, Awo Ama Dede.; Bydawell, Moya May.
The internet has brought benefits and challenges to society. E-recruitment is among the benefits. This present study explores the recruitment trends of Telecommunications companies which are online as well as the benefits and challenges of using LinkedIn when recruiting potential employees. In order to explain the findings, the study uses Giddens’ theory of Late modernity, with his focus on the institutional dimensions of modernity and expert systems. A quantitative methodology was used in this study. Fifty-four (54) Telecommunications companies completed an electronic survey. Findings from this study reveal that companies are moving away from traditional methods of recruitment to electronic methods, particularly Professional Social Network Sites (PSNSs) or Social Network Sites (SNSs) (P/SNSs). LinkedIn is a Professional Social Network Site (PSNS) used the most for screening, advertising and recruiting. Representatives from Telecommunications companies tend to use LinkedIn via their laptops in order to access the site. Moreover, they realize the benefits involved with using LinkedIn such as the ability to view potential candidates’ profiles, contact candidates and have access to a large talent pool. The research findings for this study indicate that LinkedIn is used by 93% of employers for work purposes. Thirty percent of representatives always use LinkedIn when recruiting job candidates, while 54% advertise job vacancies on LinkedIn and 31% have used LinkedIn to source new hires in the past twelve months. Thirteen challenges were identified: all with responses below 7%. These include incomplete profiles, an overload of job applications, employers’ complaints about limited responses and the expenses involved in LinkedIn usage. All indications are that there are no major problems: however, in order to ensure that such problems will not intensify in the future, it would be advisable to attend to them in their “budding stage.” This study did not collect data on inequality and poverty: however, these have been identified as challenges which may possibly prevent many South Africans from using the internet and LinkedIn and hence not being able to realize its potential benefits. The present study is exploratory and descriptive in nature and is the first study, to my knowledge, to reveal the benefits of LinkedIn by South African Telecommunications companies.
A sociological medico-legal investigation on surrogacy in Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ekiti State and Oyedele & Co, Abuja.
(2017) Alabi, Oluwatobi Joseph.; Seedat-Khan, Mariam.
Up until recently adoption is basically the only alternative to infertility, however with the advancement in medical technology, it is now possible to procreate through various channels in assisted reproductive technologies. It is noted that the development of surrogacy as an assisted reproductive technique has brought to fore contentious issues about the definition of motherhood, parenthood and the sacredness and cultural sanctity of the family system most especially in an African context. Suffix to say that surrogate arrangement flickers ethical, medical, psychological and socio-cultural concerns that needs to be examined, understood and addressed. This research is a sociological medico-legal investigation of surrogacy in Nigeria that investigates the medical, legal and cultural trepidations eminent in the practice and growth of surrogacy as an assisted reproductive technique through an explorative qualitative lens. The research sample are spread across three categories within the society which are: gynecologist, traditional birth attendant and legal professionals. The research interviewed 20 participants across these categories. The findings of the study revealed that, the growth of surrogacy within the Nigerian context has been hampered by socio-cultural, religious and traditional sentiments that has hitherto manifested itself in gender stereotypes, social stigmatization and prejudice towards fertility as well as the conceptualization of womanhood and family system. It is evident from the findings that the absence of legislation about surrogacy in Nigeria has given way to several vices such as baby farming and the commodification of women and children. The research discusses the medical concerns prioritizing the essence of surrogate practice; brings to fore the socio-cultural and religious narratives surrounding the practice; and, emphasizes the need for appropriate legislations to avoid exploitation, commodification of women and children and address the controversies around fertility treatment in Nigeria.
Gendered impact of HIV/AIDS on livelihoods among infected and affected farm households in a selected community in Koinadugu District, in Sierra Leone.
(2016) Jenkins, Finda Bandor.; Pattman, Robert.
This study explores the impact of HIV and AIDS on farming households in Koinadugu District, Sierra Leone. There is a strong relationship between HIV/AIDS and nutrition; as poor nutrition reduces the immune system’s ability to fight infections which hasten the progression from HIV to full-blown AIDS, and / or HIV/AIDS itself may lead to malnutrition. It draws on interviews with policy makers /service providers, as well as with men and women in households with farm workers infected by HIV/AIDS. Koinadugu District is predominantly agrarian, with many adults, mainly men, involved in small scale agricultural production. However, it also has the highest rate of HIV infection of all the Districts in Sierra Leone during the 2005 HIV/AIDS sero prevalence survey. Of particular interest, this study is concerned about the social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS, and the gendered forms this takes. In order to ameliorate the impact of HIV/AIDS on farming households, this study recommends the provision of labour saving devices, improved seeds and better storage and processing facilities for farmers, as well as educational and health facilities for farming and other households. It also recommends improvements in nutrition through support for enhanced food crop diversification.
The experiences and challenges of adapting to an inclusive education learning environment: a study of students with disabilities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus.
(2017) Mthethwa, Lungani Justice.; Rama, Sharmla.
Available research suggests that in South Africa, the lived experiences, realities and challenges faced by students living with disabilities are inadequately addressed and prioritised. In addition, most of the studies on the experiences and challenges of students with disabilities are conducted by able-bodied researchers on persons with disabilities. This study bridges this gap in research as it is undertaken by a student with disability and with students with disabilities. This study, therefore, adopts an emancipatory disability research framework and the Social Model of Disability to produce a comprehensive understanding and examination of the lived experiences of students with disabilities. The main aim of this study is to understand the everyday life experiences and challenges faced by students with disabilities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Howard College Campus. The study adopted a qualitative design using in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews to collect data from twenty purposively selected participants. The study explored the challenges faced by male and female students with different types of disabilities. The findings demonstrate that certain infrastructure and services at the University remain disability unfriendly, and thus the notion of an enabling inclusive environment is problematic. These deficits inhibit students with disability from adapting to the inclusive education environment and context. These include, for example, accessing study material in appropriate formats and lack of awareness and knowledge by lectures, support staff and non-disabled students on how to assist or socialise with students living with different types of disabilities. This study found that the quality and type of interaction that students with disabilities have with the Disability Unit (DU) plays a crucial role in their academic life. The study also focused on a brief discussion of students‘ thoughts and experiences of the gaps in both the national and UKZN‘s policy frameworks and how the policies, services and environment can be improved to better address the needs of students with disabilities.

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