Hitting the Sweet Spot in the Next Normal: Innovative Response to Disruptive Change: Reintegration after Disruption

The tertiary education sector’s emergency remote teaching response to the COVID-19 pandemic was swift and committed. The rollout from March 2020 of EdTech to complement the extant technology platforms was rapid, but hitting the sweet spot, the nexus of teachers, students and EdTech was not uniformly attained. Interrogating the particularities of this elusive target rests on three premises: thorough and durable comprehension of knowledge beyond facts remains the goal; the post-pandemic future is different from that normal preceding it, and compensating for the lived existence of much of not most of the student body is a point of weakness. The role of tertiary education institutions is elevated to prominence in the next normal. For, if teaching is to be mechanical and learning indifferent, the pandemic will have taught us nothing. Deep learning, the goal of instruction, requires prioritisation and deliberate and considered methodisation. This, in turn, requires confronting a multiplicity of issues: the methods of teaching and assessment that prompt superficial and short-term memorisation, the shortcomings of quality assurance systems, the scant connection there appears to be between taught curricula and consequent learning outcomes, and the desires of the labour market which for younger graduates especially, remains tantalisingly out of reach. If education is to be societally relevant, it must find the balance between achieving redress aligned to ideological principles and transformation mapped to the requirements of the labour market

Justice for the Survivors: Examining the Effectiveness of the Adopted University Policy in Serving Justice on Gender-Based Violence Cases at a Selected South African University

Incidences of gender-based violence (GBV) on university campuses have become endemic. Although some universities developed policies to manage the scourge of GBV on their campuses, the effectiveness of such policies in serving justice to the victims of GBV remains controverted. This study examined the perceived effectiveness of an adopted policy and its implementation in serving justice for the victims of GBV at a selected South African university. A radical feminist perspective underpinned this research. A qualitative research methodology with semi-structured self-administered interviews was used to collect data from 10 purposefully sampled participants: two victims of GBV, two staff members from the GBV unit, the counselling unit and the HIV unit, and two members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Using a thematic analysis, the study found that the implementation of the adopted policy at the selected university failed to ensure effective reporting of GBV incidents. It also did not serve the appropriate justice for the victims of GBV by punishing the perpetrators of GBV or by rendering adequate support to the survivors of GBV. The research recommends enacting multi-sectoral approaches, ensuring increased training on the processes to be followed, and evaluating the relevant policy management and implementation of the GBV policy at the university regularly. The university should change the sociocultural environment on campus to one of zero tolerance towards GBV and any other form of violence. Better implementation of the policy, collaboration with the SAPS and transparent dealings with perpetrators will lead to enhanced justice for victims

Unmasking Coloniality: Perspective by Incongruity in Naipaul’s Miguel Street

Various debates and contradictions characterise the life and fiction of Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul. While many critics view Naipaul as a prominent figure who perpetuates colonial narratives through his literary oeuvre, this article proposes an alternative perspective, particularly in the context of Miguel Street. To deviate from the lens of colonial racism and clichés, this article employs Kenneth Burke’s concept of “perspective by incongruity” as an alternative reading of the text. In so doing, Miguel Street is thus interpreted as a collection of short stories that unveil the coloniality of existence within Trinidad’s flawed modernity. Perspective by incongruity is a rhetorical resource that unmasks coloniality’s inhumanity by subverting and challenging known pieties in the novel. This article demonstrates how Naipaul uses character portrayals to shock the audience to the tragedy of humanity under coloniality, thus connecting the text to broader social and political realities. Arguably, the success of Miguel Street lies in violating the audience’s expectations and introducing ambiguity into their perceptions. Naipaul inadvertently assumes the metaphorical role of an evangelist who asks the audience to alter their orientations and give them new meanings. As such, the article examines Burke’s rhetorical tool of perspective by incongruity as an alternative lens in interpreting the short stories without seeking to sanitise Naipaul’s debatable legacy

Raised by the Herd: Insights from African Elephants for the Support and Continuing Professional Development of Newly Qualified Social Workers in South Africa

Newly qualified social workers in South Africa face numerous challenges when transitioning into the workforce, highlighting a gap between their perceived work readiness and the realities of professional practice. Despite completing a four-year Bachelor of Social Work degree with substantial work-integrated learning, many graduates feel inadequately prepared for their roles and experience insufficient support and development upon entering practice. These challenges align with international trends, where newly qualified social workers often lack essential guidance, supervision, and structured professional development. Drawing on lessons from the collaborative care seen in African elephant calves, this study explored the barriers faced by, and the support and development needs of, recent social work graduates in South Africa through a quantitative study operationalised through a cross-sectional survey design. Through non-probability sampling, 39 participants from various social work sectors completed a self-administered, web-based questionnaire tailored to the South African context. Data analysis, using descriptive statistics and content analysis, revealed a pressing need for structured support initiatives, such as mentorship, supervision, and tailored induction programmes. These initiatives are essential to enhance job satisfaction, foster professional and personal growth, and improve retention rates. Insights from elephant calf socialisation, particularly the concept of being “raised by the herd,” emphasise the importance of extended nurturing environments and continuous development for young professionals. This emphasises the role of cooperative care and effective communication in supporting newly qualified social workers. Recommendations include a collaborative, accountable approach involving key stakeholders to address existing gaps, enhance access to support initiatives, and provide specialised training

Legal Histories of Land Tenure in Africa

The legal systems of most African countries are a legacy of past European colonial powers, which at independence stayed largely intact, protecting private property rights and land tenure inequalities. The former British colonies covered a larger combined land area than any other colonial power, and this article applies a legal history approach to land law “genealogies” in four of them: Nigeria (West Africa), South Africa, Kenya (East Africa), and Zambia (Central Africa). The three professions most involved with land (law, surveying, and planning) were part of colonial power structures, associated with violent evictions, the “dual mandate” separating private property rights from African land tenure, and separate governance arrangements for urban areas that contributed to unplanned peri-urban settlements

Judicial Delineation of Local Government Spatial Planning Powers in South Africa

The indistinct division of spatial planning-related powers and functions in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, often leads to the overlap, conflict, and confusion of responsibilities between the national, provincial, and local spheres of government. Due to much uncertainty, municipal planning powers are a subject of massive intergovernmental contentions, coupled with an array of litigations. This article, therefore, examines the judicial delineation of local government spatial planning powers in South Africa. Through a critical analysis of relevant case law and legislation, particularly the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA), this study explores the tensions between local government autonomy and the national and provincial regulatory frameworks pertinent to spatial planning powers. The research reveals that the judiciary plays a pivotal role in shaping spatial planning policy, often balancing competing interests and constitutional imperatives. Accordingly, judicial recourse has delineated spatial planning powers and asserted the autonomy of municipal planning. The findings highlight the need for legislative clarity on the division of spatial planning powers, the importance of an integrated and viable co-operative spatial governance, professional development initiatives, a more proactive approach in judicial interpretation of spatial planning laws, and meaningful community participation in spatial planning processes, to cumulatively ensure that local governments promote equitable development. This study contributes to the ongoing debate on local government powers and spatial planning in South Africa, offering valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners

Revisiting the Principles set out in Daniels: A Discussion of Basfour 3327 (Pty) Ltd v Thwala

This case note discusses the judgment in Basfour 3327 (PTY) Ltd v Thwala (LCC160/2017) [2022] ZALCC 20. It revisits principles set out in Daniels v Scribante 2017 (4) SA 341 (CC) to show that, although consent is not a requirement for an occupier to improve an existing dwelling to align it with dignity, meaningful engagement with the owner is necessary. Despite the occupation needs occupiers might have, Daniels is context sensitive and therefore not a blanket authority to construct a new dwelling. This note affirms that Thwala can be distinguished from Daniels: in Thwala, the occupiers were not involved in improving their existing dwelling to make it habitable. Instead, they were constructing a new dwelling outside the demarcated area, without the owner’s consent. Where a dwelling is not habitable and it is necessary to construct a new one, it must be done after meaningful engagement between the occupiers and the owner in accordance with the general guidelines set out in Daniels. The Thwala judgment should be welcomed for speaking out against the violation of the rights and/or interests of owners by occupiers

Opposition Political Party and Electoral Performance: Nigeria and South Africa in Comparative Perspective

Opposition political parties perform various functions in a democratic society, including the alternation of power and deepening, strengthening, and consolidating democracy through constructive criticism of public policies. All opposition parties hope to win elections and become ruling parties to further consolidate democracy. This article examines how opposition political parties in Nigeria and South Africa have fared in these functions, with emphasis on their electoral performance since the two countries returned to democracy. Content analysis of extant literature was conducted and elections in the two countries were analysed through simple frequency to achieve the research objective. The study found that opposition political parties in South Africa seem to be doing better in engaging the government compared to their counterparts in Nigeria. However, opposition political parties in the former have not been able to alternate power compared to those in Nigeria. This article concludes by advocating for a merger of opposition political parties in South Africa for possible alternation of power. In addition, Nigeria’s opposition parties need to be more engaging and vibrant to consolidate democracy

Reviving Zimbabwean Traditional Dance through Popular Youth Culture

As Zimbabwean youth increasingly gravitate toward modern, globally influenced music and dance, traditional cultural expressions risk fading into obscurity. This study investigates how traditional Zimbabwean dance forms can be integrated into contemporary youth culture to preserve cultural heritage in the face of globalised trends. Grounded in Raymond Williams’ concept of “culture as a whole way of life” and Homi Bhabha’s theory of cultural hybridity, the research also employs the positive deviance approach to engage a group of young creatives in experimenting with cultural fusions. The study was conceived as action research, and data was collected through field observations and interviews with dancers and creatives. Findings suggest that by identifying and promoting those individuals who have already begun blending traditional and contemporary dance, the revitalisation of Zimbabwean dance heritage can foster cultural continuity and serve as an avenue for youth self-expression. The results contribute to ongoing discussions on cultural preservation, innovation in cultural expression, and the role of the arts in civic engagement and social change

Advancing the Career Prospects of Postdoctoral Research Fellows: An Organisational Justice Perspective

Postdoctoral research fellows (PDRFs) play an invaluable role in the academic realm, but little distinctive research attention has been paid to this cohort relating to their future career prospects. In response to this lacuna and the career uncertainty faced by PDRFs, the current study adopted a qualitative interpretive case study approach to examine the career prospects of PDRFs from an organisational justice perspective in one South African public university. The main purpose is to remind universities of the significance of supportable career pathways. Thirteen purposefully selected PDRFs participated in in-depth online interviews. The study employed analytical content analysis supported by the Coding Analysis Toolkit (CAT). The findings revealed that the supply of PDRFs has not led to them being absorbed into academia, leaving the current model questionable. The findings further revealed that PDRFs are confronted with an overabundance of institutional challenges which are mainly perpetuated by their hosts, with the “publish or perish” condition weaponised to instil fear. Without a clear national policy shift that gives PDRFs an authentic route into the academic profession they will remain stagnant without any sustainable career progression. We recommend that the careers of PDRFs can be advanced through a customised programme of intent to absorb them into academia. The findings are of great significance to the South African Department of Higher Education and Training to realign the current postdoc model to advance PDRFs’ career prospects