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The influence of musical interventions on drug abuse reduction among Nigerian youths: a study of David Jones’s popular music (2017 – 2022)
(2025) Eze, Ezekiel Onyebuchi.; Govender, Eliza Melissa.
Drug abuse is one of the extreme health and social problems confronting Nigeria, as the national prevalence rate of 14.4 per cent surpasses the global prevalence rate of 5.5 per cent (UNODC, 2021). Drug abuse prevalence is perceived to be very high among Nigerian youths (NDLEA, 2013; Umukoro et al., 2016; Adeyemo et al., 2016; Umukoro & Aina, 2020) as a result of several prevailing risk factors (Unya & Onya, 2020; Adeniyi, 2022) that the Nigerian youths are predisposed to in their immediate environments. A good number of communication strategies have been adopted in the past, both at international and national levels, to reduce the impact of these risk factors on Nigerian youths. However, these approaches have failed to yield the expected outcomes, partly due to the complexities in developing drug abuse interventions that can help to address the situation.
The use of educational programmes in Nigeria's efforts to address drug abuse has since been championed (Ajayi & Alli, 2020; Olarewaju et al., 2022). Entertainment Education (EE) applications are rare health interventions in the Nigerian context. This thesis explores, in a broader sense, the EE potential of an anti-drug abuse popular music intervention, David Jones's anti-drug abuse popular music (2017-2022), as a tool to address drug abuse among Nigerian youths. Using Social Cognitive Theory, this study explores David Jones’s anti-drug abuse interventions through the lived experiences of Nigerian youths exposed to it, towards exploring the EE potential for drug-related interventions.
The epistemological assumption upon which this study draws is the interpretive paradigm. The study used hermeneutic phenomenological methodology fortified by seven FGDs to generate qualitative data. The purposive sampling was employed to select a sample comprising 41 Nigerian youths who volunteered from seven tertiary institutions, namely the Rivers State University (RSU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Godfrey Okoye University (GOU), Coal City University (CCU), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) and Veritas University (VU).
The data collected for the study were analysed employing reflexive thematic analysis. The findings of this study sustain the conclusion that EE holds vast potential in the development of interventions that would help address the growing prevalence of drug abuse among Nigerian youths aged 18 -25 years. David Jones’s anti-drug abuse interventions’ messages were found to have offered transformative educational information, promoted guidance and counselling of the study’s participants, and stimulated self-belief. This also indicates that the anti-drug abuse popular music intervention was grounded in SCT and perceived to be relevant in informing EE interventions (Willoughby et al., 2018). However, David Jones’s anti-drug abuse popular music intervention (2017-2022) does not fully address the entertainment needs of some Nigerian youths due to the music composition and deferential in the listening functions of significant music uses. These include the music theme, melody, repetitive and minimalist pattern, and static nature, as it lacks dynamics and contrast. The study concludes that continuous engagement in the production of intriguing EE music is essential to foster the saturation level needed for the success of music interventions. It also emphasises the importance of incorporating theories in EE music messages through design and implementation. The appeal for behavioural changes and the highlight of the dire consequences of drug abuse should be paramount in music intervention. This approach may help suppress the risk factors responsible for drug abuse among Nigerian youths and trigger good drug use behaviour. The success of EE music intervention depends on a nuanced understanding of youths' music genres, information or practical needs, and entertainment experiences.
International trade, technology and labour share: a BRICS analysis.
(2024) Mtshali , Sinenhlanhla.; Kohler , Marcel Rene Anton Robert.
This research paper comprehensively analyses the complexities of international trade and technology adoption related to labour share within the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). As these diverse countries have experienced rapid trade expansion in recent decades, this study's primary question is: How does international trade and technological innovation impact the labour share of income in the BRICS countries) from 1991 to 2022? Despite the trade growth, the BRICS countries face challenges with labour share dynamics, income inequality, and high unemployment rates. The relationship between trade openness, technology innovations, and labour share in these emerging economies may show different trends than in developed countries. While trade has risen, it has not translated into equitable growth in labour income share. The random effects regression and the generalised methods of moments estimation results for 1991 - 2022 analyse labour share dynamics in BRICS countries. Trade liberalisation and technological innovations show minimal impact on labour share across the random effects models and generalised methods moments estimations, highlighting the importance of other variables, such as labour policies and skills development, to address income distribution related to labour share. These findings underwrite an understanding of how global economic factors shape income distribution in the BRICS countries. The study aligns with discussions in the Ricardian, Heckscher-Ohlin-Stolper-Samuelson theorem, which forecasts that shifts in factor demands and income distribution will increase trade and technological change.
Exploring the localisation of COVID-19 prevention messages in eThekwini communities.
(2025) Bokolo, Simamkele.; Govender, Eliza Melissa.
The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted communities and healthcare systems worldwide. In early 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended a range of preventive measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 which included regular handwashing or sanitising, social distancing and the use of face masks. These measures were adopted by governments around the globe including South Africa. However, these strategies were predominantly based on biomedical and behavioural approaches, with limited consideration of the socio-cultural context in which health decisions and preventive actions are taken. Evidence from past and ongoing pandemics, such as Ebola and HIV, demonstrates that excluding local knowledge, cultural norms, and community-based insights in health messaging can limit the effectiveness and uptake of these interventions. Adopting a photovoice methodology embedded within the community-based participatory approach, this study explored the local interpretation, adaptation and reconstruction of the dominant COVID-19 prevention messages that included regular hand washing and sanitising, the use of face masks and social distancing in three eThekwini communities (including Umbumbulu - a rural community, Cato Crest - an informal settlement and Umlazi a township). Participants were recruited purposively in each community. Data was collected in two phases with the first phase taking place between March and April 2021 during the adjusted level 2 lockdown, and the second phase was during the adjusted level 1 lockdown, between October and November 2021. The study adopted a three-staged data collection process which included (1) the introductory sessions with participants to inform them about the study and data collection methods (2) the photovoice data collection stage in which participants went out to their communities to capture photos that reflected their understanding, interpretation and adaptation of the COVID-19 prevention messages within their local contexts and (3) the focus group discussion which included detailed discussions on the photos collected and explored other related themes. Data was analysed thematically.
Key findings from this study highlighted that people's understanding and interpretation of COVID-19 prevention messages evolved over time. During the first phase of data collection, people focused on making sense of these messages within their local cultural contexts. Whereas, the second phase found that there was more familiarity with the dominant messaging and localised interpretation of these messages to fit specific contexts. While there were mixed reactions to adopting COVID-19 prevention messages, cultural beliefs and values often conflicted with full compliance, challenging widespread acceptance of these measures within local communities. This study highlighted the importance of integrating community perspectives and contextual nuances in the development of health communication strategies to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability in managing future pandemics. These insights can guide the design of culturally grounded public health interventions and strengthen future pandemic communication strategies to ensure greater trust, uptake, and long-term adherence to prevention measures.
The relationship between tertiary education and employment in South Africa.
(2025) Njilo , Sbusiso Blessing.; McKenzie , Tamlyn Candyce.; Vermaak , Claire Lauren.
Fundamentally, Human Capital Skills and Infrastructural Development are expected to enhance industrial Sector Growth in Sub-Saharan African economies. However, evidence from the literature observed a paradox that requires further investigation. Consequently, this study examined factors determining industrial output growth in Sub-Saharan African Economies. The study investigated the comparative effects of human capital skills and infrastructural development on industrial output growth across four sub-regional economic blocs in 40 SSA countries between 1990 and 2022. Also, the study examined asymmetric and threshold effects of human capital skill and infrastructure on industrial output growth across the sub-regional economic blocs in SSA. The study hypothesised that (i) certain factors impact industrial output growth, (ii) human capital skills and infrastructural techs had comparative effects and significant effects on industrial output growth, (iii) there were asymmetric and threshold effects of human capital skills and infrastructural development on industrial output growth across subregional economic blocs in SSA. A panel data analysis via trend, matrix correlation estimating techniques, and short-run and long-run dynamic systems from generalised methods of the moment (GMM) were adopted to achieve objective one. Trend analysis, Sub-sample analysis, Fixed Least Square Dummy Variable (LSDV) and short-run and long-run dynamic system GMM were adopted to achieve objective two. To achieve objective three, panel threshold regression and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lags (NARDL) techniques were used. The outcomes from objective one showed that key measurement variables had short-run and long-run dynamic effects on industrial output growth in SSA. This implies that industrial output growth is pathdependent, indicating that the current level of a country's output growth strongly influences its future output growth. For example, factors like school enrolment rate, ICT, and average year of schooling were negative and statistically significant in impacting growth. Consequently, the study recommended that authorities in SSA enact policies that would drive human capital skills and infrastructure development across the region. It was also suggested that individual sub-regions such as ECA, ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC should draft subregional policy support unique to their sub-region to address specific and perennial problems militating against industrial output growth.
The perspectives on the impact of corruption on service delivery: a case study of a KwaZulu Natal municipality.
(2025) Mdlalose, Siphesihle Hazel.; Ngubane, Londeka Princess.
KwaZulu-Natal, which is one of South Africa's largest provinces in terms of population density, is home to numerous municipalities which are local government structures that are mandated to ensure basic service delivery to all the citizens in its area of responsibility. However, this province has reportedly faced unique challenges in its ability to ensure equitable and sustainable service delivery. While the municipalities in this region are tasked with improving the quality of life for their residents, the pervasive nature of corruption undermines their efforts. Corruption poses a significant challenge to effective governance and service delivery in many municipalities across South Africa, including iNdumiso Municipality1 in KwaZulu-Natal. Corruption in local governance has emerged as a significant barrier to effective service delivery by municipalities across South Africa. Acts of corruption do not only redirect essential resources away from critical community needs, but also reinforce inequality and impose the marginalisation of certain groups in the population. Due to the broad nature of corruption as an academic topic, it was deemed important and instructive to narrow down the scope of this investigation to a particular case to ensure that contextual factors would be suitably considered. In this instance, the case on the impact of corruption in service delivery was the iNdumiso Municipality.
Local governments play a vital role in managing the delivery of basic services such as sanitation, water, and housing and form the government tier that is closest to communities (Sekibuule, 2012). Poor governance in municipalities can greatly affect public service delivery, either directly through higher pricing or indirectly through lower quality or frequency of available services. However, the high levels of corruption in local governments are associated with service delivery, therefore it was important to examine irregularities in service delivery to determine how a local community was affected by such malpractices, which unnecessarily impoverish citizens. The choice of iNdumiso as the study location was significant due to recent reports of corruption within this local government structure. These reports raised concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of public service provision in this area. By focusing on this municipality, the study aimed to gain a deep understanding of the specific challenges faced by residents in accessing quality services and the role of corruption in exacerbating these issues. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, a pseudonym is used to refer to the municipality under study. The research aimed to explore the prevalence, forms, and drivers of corruption within the municipality and analysed how these factors hindered the provision of essential services. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews involving 18 participants, including 10 municipal workers and 8 community members. The findings revealed that corruption in the iNdumiso Municipality manifested in several ways, including bribery, nepotism, and embezzlement. These corrupt practices had a direct and detrimental impact on the quality and accessibility of services such as water, sanitation, and infrastructure. Economic pressures, weak institutional frameworks, and cultural norms that tolerate unethical behaviour were identified as the key drivers of corruption. While the study found that some efforts had been made to address corruption, it was highlighted that these initiatives had been largely ineffective due to weak governance and lack of accountability. The research therefore emphasises the need for a more robust and collaborative approach to service delivery through initiatives that involve local government, community members, and civil society. It seems essential to combat corruption and improve service delivery in iNdumiso Municipality, and possibly other municipalities that experience similar challenges.