Browsing by Author "Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome."

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Acholi indigenous methods for healing and re-integrating survivors of violent conflict into the community: a case of Gulu and Kitgum, Northern Uganda.
(2017) Adibo, Josephine.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
This study explored Acholi indigenous methods for healing and re-integrating survivors of violent conflict into the community in Gulu and Kitgum, Northern Uganda. The healing mechanisms of Acholi indigenous healing and reintegration methods have not previously been documented. This study sought to describe how survivors of violent conflict in northern Uganda experienced these methods. The study also sought to identify the specific problems for which these methods were prescribed, the ritual processes as experienced by the participants, and their perceived healing mechanisms. A qualitative research paradigm was used. Fifty (50) participants were selected using purposive sampling. Male and female survivors of violent conflict comprised the sample. Elders, who officiated in these rituals, were also interviewed. Data, in the form of interview narratives, was analysed using Voice-Centered Relational (VCR) method. The findings indicated that the healing rituals were performed in various specific sequences dependent on the nature of the atrocities committed. The most commonly used rituals were nyonotongweno, culukwor and matoput, in that order. The rituals were performed for a range of reasons, incorporating cleansing and protection of the survivors, their families, as well as the communities into which they were returning, from the bad spirits of the deceased that were never appeased. The rituals healed through spirituality— an appeal to a force greater than humanity — the presence and participation of the community, compensation of the aggrieved clan, and open forgiveness. The place of healing, as well as the healing of the spaces where the violence took place, attest to the holistic, as opposed to the individualistic, orientation of western versus indigenous methods. The contaminating effects of the violence extend beyond individuals and the community to the environment itself, hence the need to heal spaces where violence occurred. Most participants perceived the rituals in positive terms. Influences of religion and globalisation were noted amongst those that perceived the rituals in negative terms. The fact that women who were sexually violated during the conflict were unable to resume a conjugal relationship with their spouses, even after the rituals, points to the profound influence of gender. This calls for further investigation into the effectiveness of healing rituals in cases where sexual violence against women is involved.
Addiction and recovery from whoonga : an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the lifeworld of youth from INK townships "in recovery” = Ukubhenywa noku simama ekubhemeni iwunga : kuhlungwa ngokuhlolisisa nge-phenomenology ehumushayo umhlaba wezimpilo zentsha yasemalokishini ase-INK “esimamayo”.
(2020) Khumalo, Richard Thabane.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.; Mayaba, Phindile Lungile.
In dealing with a rampant increase in addiction to whoonga or nyaope, a heroin variant drug that has taken hold amongst Black youth in South African townships, the employment of addiction treatment that includes harm reduction measures is advanced. Complementary to these approaches, this study speaks to addictions to whoonga from an ecological perspective, a macro level approach concerned with eliminating addictions by identifying their root causes. In seeking solutions and intervention from the environment that begets addictions, recovery draws empirical evidence from overcoming addiction, a science of factors prompting, sustaining, and supporting abstinence and long-term recovery. This is a person-centred approach that begins with an understanding of recovery from experiences of those “in recovery”, people who are in the process of resolving their addiction issues, to advance interventions that people would identify and be familiar with. To make sense of addiction and recovery from whoonga from the perspective of those who were involved, six young Black African males between the ages of 20 and 33, who had desisted from whoonga use for an average of 3.3 years, were recruited from the communities of Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu (INK) townships, north-west of Durban. Participants were recruited through snowballing, and by using advertisements. Participants were interviewed indepth, and one-on-one at their original homes, using semi-structured interviews. These interviews were guided by an interview schedule derived from literature on addiction treatment, self-change models, as well as recovery frameworks. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), a qualitative methodology derived from hermeneutic phenomenology that was developed within psychology to add an idiographic component. To understand what addiction and recovery from whoonga meant for participants, four superordinate themes: becoming iphara, being iphara, curative confrontations (becoming human) and nurturing potentials (approximating citizenship), guided discussions. Results show that addiction to whoonga transformed participants in profound and deleterious ways. Addiction was characterised by a state of being iphara, a term that describes the embodiment of dedicated whoonga use. While whoonga addiction was initiated in pursuit of pleasure, escaping difficult life situations, and boredom, and where the influence of friends and peers dominated, it soon became a burden that began with the body becoming the site for pain. The state of being a whoonga addict is described as a preoccupation with the drug and the now, in which there is a deficiency of care for oneself, others, and other life concerns. Largely because of crime committed in the pursuit of the next fix, whoonga addicts are marginalized and ostracised by the community and family members. Other than isolation, to be an iphara is a perilous and precarious lifestyle, in which vigilante attacks from the community retaliating would put addicts’ lives and the lives of those close to them in danger. Arrests presented criminal records with huge implications for future employability. Recovery from whoonga was founded on survival instincts and a sense of self-preservation when difficult conditions as an addict were presented to participants’ lives. The crossroads within whoonga addiction lives jolted participants to the correct orientation to the truth, demanding reorientation to the present, that involved the evaluation of the past and concerns with the future. Although desistance can be coerced, an inner resolve to end addiction lives was deemed necessary; and such bolstered courage to attempt desistance. Desistance involved the use of Methadone: this was difficult particularly for participants who desisted from whoonga use without recourse to medication and professional help. Recovery marks a sense of growing and maturing; taking responsibility for oneself and others, which are efforts of becoming umuntu/human; making amends with peers, family members, and the community. Participants in this study present evidence of overcoming whoonga addiction. They offer an opportunity for the emergence of recovery support in the creation of peer recovery-support groups. Participants would model recovery, presenting hope to those addicted and the community, that overcoming whoonga addiction is a reality. Such should alleviate stigma and create pressure on the unwilling. Peer-recovery groups provide communities of former whoonga addicts with a place to go to. Such communities are best positioned to support early recovery experiments in empathic and non-judgemental ways. To filter preventative measures, reorientation of youth to traditional African ways that support and bolster a sense of pride in who they are, is necessary. Instilling mechanisms of earning membership to the community, and guidance on navigating transition to adulthood, for example, rites of passage amongst youth, would be necessary. The message is that actions and behaviours reverberate, affecting their communities. For youth to understand the plight of own communities, teaching individual responsibility to the health and welfare of communities, is important for prevention. Iqoqa locwaningo Ekuhlahleni indlela iNingizimu Afrika ezobhekana ngayo nokubhebhetheka kokusetshenziswa kwesidakamizwa esibizwa ngewunga noma i-nyaope, nokuyisidakwamizwa se-heroin exutshiwe esesithathe isizinda kwintsha eMnyama ehlala emalokishini, kuhlongozwa ukulandelwa kwezinhlelo eziphakamisa ukusetshenziswa kokulashwa kwezidakamizwa umhlabawonke nezifaka izinhlelo ezehlisa umonakalo odalwa izidakamizwa. Ekuhlangabezeni ngokulekelela lezizindlela, lolucwaningo lubheka ukubhenywa kwalesisidakamizwa ngokusibheka ngokwesimo semvelo, nokuyindlela ebanzana efaka ukuqedwa kokubhenywa kwezidakamizwa ngokuthola izimbangela eziyizinzika edala ukubhenywa kwezidakamizwa. Ukuthola izixazululo nendlela okungangenelelwa ngayo ngokwezendawo edala ukuhuqwa kwalezizidakamizwa, ukusimama ezidakamizweni kuhlongoza ukuqhakambiswa kwezindlela abantu abasimama ngayo ekubhemeni izidakamizwa, nokuyisayensi yokusimama efaka ukuthi yini eyenza abantu baqalise ukusimama, bakulondoloze futhi balekeleleke ukuthi baziyeke futhi baqhubeke bengazibhemi izidakamizwa. Lokhu kubeka phambili umuntu ombandakenyayo, okuqala ngokuthi siqondisise kahle ukuthi abantu abasimamayo, nabaziyekile izidakamizwa benzenjani, ukuze sikwazi ukuthola izisombululo ezizojwayeleka kubantu ngoba zisuselwa kulokho abakwaziyo nokwenzekayo ezimpilweni zabo. Ukuqondisisa kahle ukubhuqabhuqwa nokusimama ekubhuqwabhuqweni ukubhema iwunga kususelwa kwizindlela abayibona ngayo labo abambandakanyekileyo, izinsizwa eziMnyama eziyisithupha ebezineminyaka esukela kwamashumi amababili kuya kumashumi amathathu nantathu, nababesebeyiyekile ukuyibhema iwunga isikhathi esingangeminyaka emithathu nezinyanga ezintathu sebebonke, batholakale kumphakathi wamalokishi aseNanda, eNtuzuma naKwaMashu, kwinyakatho ntshonalanga yeTheku. Ababambe iqhaza kulolucwaningo batholakala ngokuthi bamemane, kwasetshenziswa nezikhangiso. Kwaxoxwa nabo kabanzi kwizinkulumo ubuso nobuso besemakubo. Lezizingxoxo zazingakhululekile ngokuphelele ngoba zazilandela imibuzo eyayihleliwe. Lemibuzo ehleliwe yasuselwa kwimibhalo nezingcwaningo ezidlule kwizifundo zokulashwa kokubhuqabhuqwa izidakamizwa, ukuziguqula kwabantu ngokwabo kanye nakwizinhlaka zokusimama ezidakamizweni. Lezizingxoxo zaqoshwa zabhalwa phansi umcwaningi. Lemibhalo yabe isihunyushwa kusetshenziswa i-interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), nokuyindlela yokucwaninga e-qualitative, esuselwa kuhlobo lwe-phenomenology ehumushayo eyabe isifakwa ukuhluza iidiography ngaphansi kwazo izimfundiso zoMoya. Ukuthi ingenziwa njani lendaba yewunga izosuselwa kwizinhlaka zokusimama. Ukuqondisisa ukubhenywa nokusimama ekubhemeni ADDICTION AND RECOVERY FROM WHOONGA: AN IPA vi iwunga, kuzosetshenziwa lezizingqikithi ezikhuluma ngo: Ukuqala ube iphara; Uma usuyiphara, Ukunqwamana nezimo ezinzima kodwa ezilulamisayo (Usuqala uba umuntu), bese kuba ukwenza izinto eziqhubekisela phambili impilo uzokwazi ukubuyela usebenze njengomuntu ojwayelekile (okungukwenza izinto ezisimamisayo neziwubuntu). Imiphumela yalolucwaningo itshengisa ukuthi ukubhuqwabhuqwa iwunga kwabashintsha ngendlela egxilayo nenemiphumela emibi kubona siqu sabo, nokuchazwa njengokuba iphara nokungukuba isimo sobuhambuma. Nakuba ukuqala ukubhema iwunga kwakungukuhubha intokozo nokuthanda izinto, kubalekelwa izimo ezinzima emakhaya nesimo sokungenzi lutho, lapho kudlange ukushomana nokuthokozisa abangani, iwunga yabe isisuka iba umthwalo, okwaqala ngomzimba usugqamisa ukuba sezinhlungwini. Ukuba iphara kuchazwa njengokunaka iwunga kuphela nentokozo yamanje, lapho umuntu akasenandaba naye, abanye abantu kanye nokwenza ezinye izinto ezibalulekile empilweni. Ngenxa yobugebengu, ukuba iphara kusho ukunyongozwa umphakathi nemindeni, bakukhiphela ngaphandle. Ngaphandle kokunyongozeka, ukuba iphara impilo enobungozi lapho intukuthelo yomphakathi ongahlasela ubeke impilo yakho kanye neyomndeni wakho encupheni kungenzeka. Uma beboshwa babuya benamarekhodi obugebengu okwenza kubenzima ukuqasheka. Ukusimama ukubhema iwunga kutholakala lapho impilo isikubhincisela nxanye sekusele ukuzisindisa wena sekufike izimo ezinzima ezihambisana nokuphila impilo yokubhema iwunga. Lesisimo sokukhetha sihlokolozwa ukuzibuzisisa nokubheka impilo ngendlela eyiqiniso ephoqa ukuthi umuntu abuke isimo lapho ekhona, abuke emuva bese ecabanga ngekusasa. Nakuba ukushiya iwunga kungaphoqwa, uma kusuka ngaphakathi kuyaye kumthwale umuntu ukuthi amelane nezinhlungu zokuyeka. Kwasetshenziswa i-Methadone ukuyeka iwunga, kunzima kakhulu ukuyiyeka, ikakhulukazi kulabo abavele bayeka bengasebenzisanga muthi bangaya nakwabezempilo. Ukusimama kunokufana nokukhula, uyimele impilo ubenendaba nokuzinakekela unakekele nalabo abaseduze kwakho, okuyimizamo yokuba umuntu, uphinde uzwane nabantu, imindeni, abangani kanye nomphakathi Ababambiqhaza basivezela ubufakazi bokuyekeka kwewunga. Basinika ithuba lokuqala izindlela zokulekelela labo abafuna ukuyiyeka, kanye nalabo esebeyiyekile, bengabuyeli. Bangahlahla indlela etshengisa abanye ukuthi iwunga iyayekeka. Bangahlanganyela ndawonye basize laba abasandakuyiyeka ngendlela engezobanyongoza bezozwelana nabo ngosizi abalwaziyo bonke. Ukubhenywa kwewunga emalokishini kuqeda isithunzi, lapho uma ubuntu bufundiswa kwintsha kungaveza izindlela zokuziphatha, nokubaluleke ekuqhubekezeleni umphakathi phambili. Lokhu kungasiza ukuthi balulame nokuthi bengayiqali nokuyiqala iwunga.
Autonomy, relatedness and ethics : perspectives from researchers, community members and community representatives.
(2009) Majola, Pinky Zibuyile.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
This study explored the ways in which different stakeholders, namely researchers, community members and representatives define and understand ethically problematic scenarios with respect to research. The intention was to understand the tensions within ethical decision-making as a result of competing conceptions of the self, namely, autonomous and relational conceptions of the self. A hypothetical case scenario, mirroring real life experiences, was used to elicit participants’ understandings of ethical dilemmas. Thematic analysis was employed in the analysis of interview data. Results show that all stakeholders understand ethical dilemmas with reference to benefit sharing, communal and individual ownership of knowledge, and different ways of knowing and validating knowledge. Tensions were noted throughout these understandings, especially in relation to individualistic and communal concepts of the self. It is recommended that indigenous epistemologies should be acknowledged as vital components in research into the experiences of local communities in particular. Research should be considered as a joint process whereby research participants and communities engage on an equal basis with researchers.
The career development experiences of Black African female psychologists in South Africa : a narrative approach.
(2010) Fabiano, Débora Katembo Sassamela.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
This study investigated Black African female psychologists’ lived experiences of career development. The purpose was to describe the influences of the community on the career development of Black female psychologists. It also aimed to explore the challenges and successes of these women’s career lives in order to generate knowledge to understand Black female psychologists’ career development dynamics. This qualitative study was informed by narrative/hermeneutic approaches and Black feminist thought frameworks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Black African female psychologists. Results show that Black African female psychologists faced numerous challenges such as lack of family and community support in some cases; limited understanding of psychology in their communities and health sectors, as well as financial problems and discourses of inferiority throughout their professional training. The lack of relevance of their academic training to the multicultural society, in which they have to practise, was emphasised. The intersection of gender, race and class was evident in most of the narratives. The role of emotion and spirituality in the career development of some of the participants was highlighted. The results are discussed in relation to the literature.
Career development narratives and experiences of post-matriculants in a disadvantaged community: a study of Douglas in the Northern Cape.
(2022) Hoorn, Caroline.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
Post-matriculants in disadvantaged communities such as Douglas encounter a number of career challenges. The transition to the democratic dispensation in 1994, coupled with the rapid changes in the information domain that are characteristic of post-industrial life, complicate the career development trajectories of black youth in the rural areas in particular. Legally, South Africa has moved from an apartheid to a democratic system. Although this democratic system is approximately 27 years old, the legacy of apartheid runs deep and more so in rural settings. The career development stories and experiences of black rural youth in provinces such as the Northern Cape have not been told, leading to their marginalisation. It is against this background that the current study explored the career development narratives and experiences of post-matriculants in the Douglas community in the Northern Cape. Using a qualitative, narrative approach, the researcher elicited career development stories from 23 participants in Douglas using semi-structured interviews. The study revealed that the career development narratives and experiences extracted are those filled with a mixture of a few positive experiences but mainly those of frustration, stagnation, and loss of hope resulting from the uncontrollable external environmental conditions in Douglas. Key pillars like family, teachers, some people in the community, as well as non-governmental organisations, played a critical role in enabling post-matriculants to choose and pursue careers amidst constant frustration with social, environmental, and socio-economic factors that posed serious obstacles. Another key factor that the study showed was that gender did not have any influence on the career choices of the post-matriculants. The perceptions around career choices and gender were being challenged partly by the urge to affirm equality and the constant reminder of the poverty-stricken conditions prevalent in the households. However, the constraints experienced by the post-matriculants outweighed the enablers’ needed for consistent career development. In addition, the study concluded that while the systems of influence like individual, society and environmental-societal are critical in shaping individual career pathways, individuals are pushed by a strong sense of self-concept, and self-efficacy propelled by constant resilience to emerge with successful careers even amid existing deeply entrenched structural systems designed to disadvantage black people. Lastly, the study concluded that the development of self as individuals is not done in the absence of the community or society. The study revealed a lot of attachment to society that was expressed in the future plans of Douglas’ post-matriculants should they succeed in their career pursuits. Therefore, the importance of stakeholder roles and integration within the planned strategies towards the effectiveness of career development processes and approaches would alter the career development narratives and experiences of post-matriculants and would enable them to have successful career pathways and growth.
Conceptions of illness, help seeking pathways and attitudes towards an integrated health care system : perspectives from psychological counsellors, traditional healers and health care users.
(2008) Zondo, Siyabulela Felicia.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
Perceptions of health and illness which include the perceived cause and recourse play an important role in diagnosis and management of illness. Traditional and allopathic medicines are used simultaneously and sometimes without the knowledge of the health professional and this has an impact on clinical outcomes. Overlooking patients’ subjective experience, health providers’ biases and prejudice may pose a negative impact on clinical outcomes. This study explores patients’, traditional healers’ and psychological counselors’ perception of illness by conducting interviews and administering open-ended questionnaires. The data is analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively through the use of content analysis and non-parametric statistical procedures. The results indicate that the concept of illness is complex and multidimensional with physical and socio-spiritual aspects. Effective management requires a joint approach between indigenous and western health systems. The results further show that traditional healers fully embrace the integrated health approach while there is some skepticism and uncertainty from psychological counselors which could be stemming from their training. There is still work to be done in terms of health planning and policy but also the training of health professionals.
Conceptions of research and attitudes towards research and research collaboration : a community perspective.
(2009) Zukelwa, Nondumiso.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
This study investigated community members’ understanding of research and res earch collaboration. Their attitudes towards research, as well as their perceptions of research, were explored as were factors that affected their understanding of research and research collaboration. The study used maximum variation sampling to select 12 participants who occupy di fferent influential positions in the community. The current study was conducted in the eas tern part of KwaZulu-Natal. An interview guide was used to collect data, aimed at acquir ing in-depth understanding of community conceptions of research and research collaboration. The at titudes and perceptions of the research were examined. Lastly, factors that affect research and research collaboration were explored. The results suggest that the participants have a limited understanding of Wes tern research. Community training and education is thus warranted. Participants indicated that community members would appreciate the establishment of relationships characterised b y mutual respect for different world views held by researchers and participants. This was viewed a s a vehicle towards a more consultative approach to research which does not overlook the interface of world views for research outcomes to be useful. This was also perceived as likely to facil itate adequate participation in decision making in the research process. The involvement of key community members was emphasised.
The construction of masculinities and sexuality among young male university students.
(2012) Masitha, Nosipho Mabel.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.; Mankayi, Nyameka.
This study explores the ways in which masculinity and sexuality is constructed among 18–24 year old young male university students and how these constructions intersect with their sexual practices. A plethora of literature about masculinity and sexuality reveals a normative masculinity where being a man is associated with risky practices. Through literature review it is also emphasised that although masculinity is rather stable, it is contested and subject to struggle and change. Hence there is a call for flexible descriptions of what it means to be a man. The study is situated in a social constructionist framework. Semi-structured interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Themes are determined and analysed using discourse analysis. Participants’ reflections bring to the fore how idealised construction of masculinity is valued and the extent to which men conform in order to earn the status of manhood. Some discourses that emerged from participants contribute to the idealised construction of masculinity. The university context seems to provide a better space for the attainment of this idealised masculinity as opposed to the home (with parents/members of the family), which is perceived to be placing a strain or restriction on masculinity. The study further found that men are reluctant to use condoms, and label women who initiate condom use. This reluctance and labelling reinforce their urge to present themselves as invulnerable, virile, brave, initiators and thrill seeking. The study concludes that it is impossible to tackle the scourge of HIV/AIDS without looking into the construction of masculinity and sexuality among males.
A cross-cultural study of parents' estimates of their own and their children's intelligence in a sample of Black and Indian South Africans.
(2005) Persaram, Shenila.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
This study investigated Black and Indian South African's estimates of their own intelligence and that of their first two children. Parents gave estimates for seven types of intelligence (Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences) and overall intelligence. The purpose of this study was to establish if gender and/or cultural differences existed in the estimates of intelligence. The participants were asked to complete a brief one-page questionnaire, the 'estimates of intelligence' questionnaire, which has been used in previous studies in this field (Furnham et al, 2004; Furnham et al, 2002a; Furnham & Mkhize, 2002; Furnham, 2000; Furnham et al, 1999; Furnham & Baguma, 1999, Furnham & Gasson, 1998). The results indicated that Indian South Africans gave higher estimates of intelligence than Black South Africans for their own intelligence and that of their children (first and secondborn children). In addition, mothers were found to give higher self-estimates for musical intelligence than their male counterparts. No gender differences were found for parents' estimates of their first and second-born children. In comparing parents' estimates of their own intelligence as compared to their children, parents gave higher estimates of their own intelligence. The predictors of overall intelligence were also explored. Parents were also asked to answer six close-ended questions, which investigated their views of intelligence and intelligence tests.
The cultural and linguistic appropriateness of the individual scale for Zulu-speaking pupils : a Bakhtinian analysis.
(2016) Mayaba, Phindile Lungile.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
The context of psychological practices in South Africa is changing, particularly the assessment practices. A change in ways of understanding intellectual functioning has transpired within culturally and linguistically diverse contexts, initiating an evaluation of intelligence measures. South African policies and laws relevant to the practice of psychologists have been passed with an aim to ensure equitable and fair assessment practices for all children. Evaluating psychological tests is of significant importance as psychologists are ethically bound to periodically examine the contextual relevance of the assessment tools they use. This study was undertaken to qualitatively evaluate the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of the Individual Scale for Zulu-Speaking Pupils (ISZSP). The study adopted a triangulated descriptive-interpretive qualitative research design within a social constructionist paradigm. Bakhtinian dialogism was employed as a theoretical and methodological framework for this study, focusing on the relational and dialogic nature of human existence. Twenty-two isiZulu-speaking participants were recruited within the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Ten participants were practicing psychologists who have used the ISZSP in their practice; and 12 participants were isiZulu-speaking learners within the age range of 9 years to 19 years, 11 months. The data were collected in the form of expert review reports written by psychologists and in the form of audio-visual recordings of learners being assessed using the ISZSP. Contextualized content analysis and conversation analysis were employed to analyse data, applying the principles of Bakhtinian dialogism. The findings reveal that psychological assessment is dialogic in nature, however, the conventional static approach to assessment prevents the process to take this form. The study argues the ISZSP needs to be revised in a manner that permits the social negotiation and co-construction of knowledge during the assessment process, as human existence and all human functioning is dialogical. The findings indicate that the ISZSP presents with numerous challenges because it does not accommodate social and regional variations of isiZulu. These challenges seem to stem mainly from the archaic nature of the language of the ISZSP. To remedy this, psychologists have resorted to dynamic assessment and bilingual administration of the ISZSP. The psychologists seem to shy away from their ethical obligation to evaluate the ISZSP and to document mechanisms that have been instrumental in addressing these challenges. These findings have implications for theory, policy and practice that call for a large-scale revision of the ISZSP, constructing it as a tool that would be culturally and linguistically appropriate for the population it was intended for.
Cultural issues in the understanding of ethics in the nursing profession : implications for practice.
(2000) Gambu, Sibongile Qhakazile.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
The study explored moral and ethical dilemmas experienced by Black nurses in a local community clinic. In particular, it examined the influences of the concept of self or personhood in nurses' ethical and moral decision-making. Influences of culture and family on morality were also investigated. Using the interview methodology developed by Gilligan (1982), nurses were asked to tell stories involving moral dilemmas in their work. Interviews were analysed using the voicecentred relational method. This method involves reading the interview narratives a number of times, each reading focusing on a particular aspect of a respondent's narrative. Results show that nurses often find themselves caught between two opposing moral and ethical viewpoints in their practices. On the one hand are hospital procedures, which are informed by universalist approaches to the person and the moral. From these are derived ethical principles emphasizing individual autonomy and choice. On the other hand, the majority of patients subscribe to a communal view . ofpersonhood. From this perspective, to be moral entails knowing one's position and responsibilities within family and community. Dilemmas arose from nurses' identification with patients' moral perspectives while realizing that this could lead to "unethical" conduct, (given , their training and current codes of ethics). It is recommended that moral and ethical deiiberations should dialogue with alternative, marginalised, viewpoints, in order to be culturally responsive. It is further recommended that ethics be conceptualised as a practical-moral engagement, rather than a detached application of knowledge.
Culture and the self in moral and ethical decision-making: a dialogical approach.
(2003) Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.; Durrheim, Kevin Locksley.
This study investigated isiZulu-speakers' conceptions of morality. The relationship between concepts of the self and morality was also explored, as were influences of gender, family and community on moral reasoning. Fifty-two participants of both genders were interviewed. The sample was drawn from urban, peri-urban and rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal. The participants were invited to tell a story involving a moral dilemma they had experienced in their lives. The resulting narratives were analyzed using an adapted version of the Relational Method, an analytic procedure developed by Gilligan and her colleagues (e.g. Brown & Gilligan, 1991) to analyze narratives of real life conflict. Respondents considered morality to be a state of connection or equilibrium between the person, other people, and his or her social milieu. Connection is characterized by caring, just and respectful relationships among people and everything to which they stand in relation. Immorality, which is characterized by relationships devoid of care, justice and respect, results from a breakdown in social and communal relationships. Conceptions of morality were found to be dependent on respondents' understanding of the self. The view that morality is characterised by connection was associated mainly with the communal or familial self. However, tensions were also noted between competing concepts of the self within the person, namely the communal and independent selves. These tensions complicated respondents' choices in the face of moral conflict. Gender was also found to influence moral reasoning: in the face of moral dilemmas involving gender, men were concerned with the preservation of their masculine identities, while women found themselves positioned powerlessly by culturally defined narratives of femininity. These results are discussed with reference to traditional African philosophical frameworks and dialogical theory. The implications of the study to psychological theory, social science research ethics and health-related intervention policies are highlighted.
Development and stakeholder's validation of prisoners programme in Nigeria.
(2020) Adewuyi, Temitayo Deborah Olufemi.; Nwoye, Augustine.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
The purpose of this study was to identify some indices of stakeholders’ awareness and readiness for prisoner reintegration, develop and validate the curricular content of proposed prisoner reintegration programme, determine the needed implementation resources and find out some challenges to be faced in working towards effective implementation of the proposed PREP. The theoretical framework of the study was based on Desistance Paradigm theory (DPT) and African Culture Compatible Model (ACCM). Sequential explanatory mixed methods design of quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted for the study. Convenient sampling population of 1500 participants for the quantitative study and 15 for the qualitative study responded to the instruments of Stakeholders’ Awareness and Readiness for Prisoner Reintegration Inventory (SARFPRI) and Structured Interview Format (SIF) developed by the researcher from the available literature reviewed. The participants were between the ages of 31 to 70 years from Nigerian States of Lagos, Nasarawa and Anambra. Due ethical clearance was followed and obtained locally from Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS), now Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS), Abuja, Nigeria; and from University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA), Multiple Independent Samples t-test and Pearson Chi-Square and thematic content discourse were employed to answer the five research questions raised and nine hypotheses formulated for this study. The result of the findings showed that the proposed prisoner reintegration programme was applauded and approved by 75% of the Nigerian stakeholders who participated in the study. The selected Nigerian stakeholders who participated in the study had sufficient indices for awareness and readiness to embrace the proposed prisoner reintegration programme (PREP) in Nigeria. The proposed objectives and contents of prisoner reintegration programme (PREP) were endorsed and positively validated by the study participants. The result of the findings also revealed some anticipated challenges for effective implementation of PREP in Nigeria. Finally, proposed prisoner reintegration programme was positively embraced and successfully validated by the Nigerian stakeholders studied. The researcher gave fourteen recommendations for policy and practice based on the findings of the study. Recommendations for further studies were also proffered.
The educators' perceptions and experiences of inclusive education in selected Pietermaritzburg schools.
(2008) Mayaba, Phindile Lungile.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
After the first democratic elections in 1994 the South African government was faced with the enormous challenge of blending a sophisticated First World education system for the minority with an underdeveloped Third World education system for the majority. The government committed itself to the principles of an inclusive education approach in order to provide equal quality education for all learners. The focus of the inclusive education will be to provide education for all learners (not only for the disabled) who for one or more reasons were discriminated against under the previous education policy. The aim of this study was to investigate the educators’ perceptions and experiences of inclusive education in schools where it is being implemented in Pietermaritzburg. The study also looked at the nature of concerns and attitudes held by these educators. Both a literature and empirical study were executed. The quantitative and qualitative approaches were used and data were collected by semi-structures questionnaires administered to thirty educators from schools where inclusive education is being implemented. Quantitative data was analysed using the descriptive statistics. A thematic analysis technique was used to analyse qualitative data. The results were presented against the central themes that emerged and include: inclusive education is challenging by its very nature; negative attitude towards inclusive education and learners with barriers to learning; negative perception towards adapting the curriculum to learners with barriers to learning; availability / lack of resources and support needed in inclusive classrooms; areas of needs in working with learners with barriers to learning; and many learners’ needs are not being met, while educators’ workload and stress have increased. A general sense of negativity was found with regard to the educators’ perceptions and attitudes towards inclusive education. They indicated that they were not well prepared for inclusive education. Recommendations were made to facilitate improving the preparedness or readiness of the educators, for inclusive education in inclusive schools in the Pietermaritzburg area.
Educators' perceptions of learners' intelligences.
(2006) Maharaj, Ishara.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
Educators from schools located in the Midlands region of KwaZulu Natal were approached to participate in the present study with the aim of investigating educators' perceptions of their learners' intelligence. School type differences in educator estimates of their learners' overall and multiple intelligences, and the best predictors of learners' overall intelligence were investigated. Information was elicited pertaining to educators' views on intelligence and the multiple intelligences most valued in pedagogical practice. A questionnaire was administered to educators from Previously Disadvantaged High and Primary Schools, and Ex-Model C High and Primary Schools. Educators from Previously Disadvantaged High Schools gave comparatively lower estimations of their male and female learners' intelligences. Mathematical and verbal intelligence were shown to predominate as the foundations for academic intelligence, especially for male learners, while cultural and social intelligences were included as best predictors of female learners' overall intelligence. A preponderance of the Western associated academic intelligences (mathematical and verbal) was demonstrated in pedagogical practices. The study highlights the need to engage with educators' implicit perceptions of intelligence to facilitate change in education.
Effects of iron deficiency on the cognitive functioning of primary school children in southern KwaZulu-Natal.
(1998) Rangongo, Mamoloko Florah.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the children in the study on some psychometric tests and to find out whether iron deficiency had any effect on cognitive skills as measured by the selected psychometric tests. The study also wanted to find out if there would be any gender differences on the psychometric tests. A sample of 810 children was selected from eleven schools from the rural Southern part of KwaZulu-Natal. The children were of ages eight to ten years old, were all Zulu speaking and in standard one. Blood samples were taken from all the children to determine iron levels. Psychometric tests viz., the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Young's Group Mathematics Test, were all administered to measure cognitive performance. The results showed no significant iron level effects on most of the measured cognitive skills. There were some significant gender effects on all the psychometric tests except for the Maths test. There was general low performance on all the psychometric tests. Therefore, the results highlighted the importance of designing more tests that can be standardized and thus be applicable to Zulu speaking children and other children with similar backgrounds. The tests should also be able to tap into the cognitive skills that may be affected by iron levels. There is also a great need for studies looking at the lower end of iron deficiency.
The evolutionary basis of sex differences in identifying the intentional object of romantic jealousy: a cross-cultural replication.
(2022) Sookdew, Ritasha.; John-Langba, Johannes.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
This investigation is about studying the intentional object of romantic jealousy using the controversial evolutionary psychological approach which has made headway into understanding the intentional object of romantic jealousy. The point of departure of this study however is that the potential of using evolutionary findings to better understand romantic jealousy rests on testing if it is a reliable observation. Thus, grounded on an evolutionary psychological theoretical framework, this study employed replication research methodology to investigate the replicability of a study by Schutzwohl (2008) about the intentional object of romantic jealousy in a bid to test the consistency of the findings on a sample of university students in South Africa. For the findings which replicated, a chi square test for independence showed that there is a sex difference in the intentional object of romantic jealousy between males and females under the conditions of sexual infidelity (χ2 = 4.806; df = 1; n = 202; p < 0.05) and emotional infidelity (χ2 = 8.596; df = 1; n = 97; < 0.05), further confirming that males direct the intentional object of romantic jealousy to their partner under the condition of sexual infidelity(χ2 = 8.345; df = 1; p < 0.05; p= .004). The finding which did not replicate for this sample, the chi square test for independence showed that the intentional object of romantic jealousy of females is not the rival, when their partner is emotionally unfaithful to them (χ2 = 1.573; df = 1, p > 0.05, p= .210). Although evolutionary psychology has made significant advancements to help understand the intentional object and romantic jealousy, it remains necessary to improve the quality of data used to test evolutionary predictions about the intentional object of romantic jealousy in order to yield appropriate data that adequately tests the predictions. Future research in evolutionary psychology, the intentional object of romantic jealousy, and the use of replication research design for evolutionary psychological studies is recommended.
An exploratory investigation of the common ethical dilemmas experienced by psychologists assessing Black African school children.
(2010) Bayi, Tenjiwe Lindiwe.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
This is an explorative study into the challenges and ethical dilemmas that practitioners face when assessing the intellectual functioning of black learners. Participants were registered psychologists and intern psychologists involved in assessing black African learners. Data were collected by means of an interview schedule that had been designed for this purpose, based on the literature in the field. All participants were interviewed individually. The psychological practitioners interviewed in this study reported linguistic barriers, limited cultural knowledge, and lack of scientific validation as posing the major challenges for them in assessing black African learners. Among the ethical dilemmas that were reported were confidentiality and informed consent which were sometimes compromised by their dual responsibilities to the client and the schooling system or another third party. Forming discussion forums, development of new and appropriately normed assessment tools and incorporating relevant skills in training programs were recommended as some of the strategies to overcome these challenges and ethical dilemmas.
A forensic review and evaluation of the regulatory and ethical framework governing health-related research in post-ebola Liberia.
(2021) Franklin, Kokulo.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND The end of the deadly 2014 Ebola outbreak in Liberia has seen a noticeable influx of western researchers into the country. Given the vulnerable nature of the majority of Liberians (impoverished and poorly educated), this raises a lot of ethical concerns. This study sought to gauge the local research governance frameworks to discover what protective structures and documented stipulations exist, since there has never been any such assessment. METHODOLOGY The study made use of a triangulated qualitative design, involving a desk review of fifteen (15) national guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations, coupled with eleven (11) in-depth key informant interviews with purposively-identified oversight institutions and some researchers. RESULTS Key documents (Public Health Law, National Research for Health Policy, and the Clinical Trial Guidelines, National Research Ethics Board Guidelines, and the University of Liberia – Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation IRB Handbook), along with key institutions (Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority, the National Research Ethics Board, and the University of Liberia – Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (UL-PIRE) IRB) were found to be critical to the overall governance, review, approval, and monitoring of health research in Liberia. The frameworks governing health research were found to contain most of the traditional protective stipulations, though significant gaps were also identified from the desk review and in-depth interview with the major stakeholders. Stipulations on emerging issues (stored samples, bio-banks, genetic/genomic research, and data ownership and sharing) and contextually relevant issues (post-trial access, ancillary care, and consent in local languages) are evidently absent or only fleetingly mentioned. CONCLUSION Overall, Liberia appears to have in place the relevant foundational frameworks for acceptable governance of health research. However, the documents are in need of substantial overhaul and contextualisation, especially given the rapidity with which legal and ethical governance of health research has advanced over the past few decades. The local institutional governance is also in need of reorganisation, something that will enhance adequate coordination and management of health research.
Grade four teachers’ language attitudes and lived teaching experiences in KwaZulu-Natal schools, South Africa.
(2018) Mweli, Patrick.; Mkhize, Nhlanhla Jerome.; Buthelezi, Thabisile.
The language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in South African primary schools poses a threat to quality teaching and learning, more importantly, access to the curriculum knowledge by African learners, particularly at Grade Four level. The argument is that the use of African languages to teach African children enables the alignment of the learners’ worldviews and African ways of knowing which allows them full access to knowledge. The purpose of this study is to explore Grade Four teachers’ language attitudes and their lived experiences in managing the language transition taking place at Grade Four. In addition, the study aims to develop a teacher-language-attitude questionnaire and a Worldview Based Mother Tongue Educational Model that will enable the meeting of the minds of teachers and learners using the mother tongue. The researcher used a mixed methods approach to interrogate the phenomenon of study. To investigate teachers’ attitudes the researcher used a survey, and explored their lived experiences in managing the language change at Grade Four level, using five focus group interviews. The sample for the survey constituted of 400 respondents and five focus groups consisting of 20 Grade Four teachers in total, selected from semi-rural and urban schools within the Pinetown and UMgungundlovu districts. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was used to analyse data from the survey and thematic analysis was employed to analyse data from the focus group discussions. The overall findings point out that the majority of Grade Four teachers are struggling to teach most African learners at Grade Four level using English as LoLT, and prefer the use of African languages as language of learning and teaching. The main conclusion of the study is that when the language of learning and teaching is the mother tongue of both the teacher and the learner, it allows the meeting of their minds. In the process, teachers explain better and learners understand better. Hence, African learners in using their mother tongue as LoLT get full access to knowledge.