Examining sustainability of drama and theatre initiatives in southern Africa: a case study of Southern Africa Theatre Initiative (SATI)

ABSTRACT This is a study of the sustainability of drama and theatre initiative in Southern Africa. It is an attempt to establish the underlying causes for the collapse of drama and theatre initiatives which are supported by Northern Non Governmental Organisations, with the view of suggesting alternative partnership and organizational models which are appropriate for Southern Africa. However, this is in no way an attempt to provide rigid all-purpose organisational models, but offer possible explanations for the failure of drama and theatre initiatives based on research, experience of the researcher and a collation of related works on the subject by renowned academics and theatre practitioners. To focus the research, a case study of Southern Africa Theatre initiative –SATI under the financial support of Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency- SIDA was used to provide specific concrete examples of successes and failures of drama and theatre projects. General examples were drawn from initiatives in specific countries in Southern Africa to buttress arguments put forward. It is believed that through this study, practitioners, academics, theatre managers and development officers from International NGOs will be able to reflect and critique their own work and come up with even better and more appropriate solutions to practical challenges faced by drama and theatre initiatives in the region. The works of Ngugi wa Thiongo, Frantz Fanon, Paulo Freire, Walter Rodney, Chinua Achebe and Andre Gunder Frank provide the study with theoretical models against which its assumptions and arguments are based and developed. The works of the four authors are related in many ways as they describe the macro political economy in the post colonial Africa which globally explains the challenging situations of drama and theatre initiatives in the so-called third world countries. For a long time the problems faced by theatre initiatives involved in development work have been examined at a micro level resulting in prescription of remedies at the macro level, however this has not yielded far reaching solutions. It is the conviction of this study that the problems which are experienced at micro level are a manifestation of bigger problems presented and explained by post-colonial, ‘development’, globalisation and dependency theorists. The findings of this study divulge both lucid and controversial assertions which derive from a multiplicity of factors such as unclear objectives set by theatre practitioners, lack of management skills of theatre practitioners, lack of government support, inadequate policies of the NGOs in the south, stringent organisational policies of NGOs in the north, lack of mutual trust between the north and the south and the prescriptive agendas and demands of the project funding bodies, institutions and agencies. This study therefore suggests serious compromise and tolerance on the part of both Northern NGOs which provide financial support and the Southern NGOs which initiate and implement drama and theatre initiatives. The proposed models for sustainable theatre initiatives are; ‘Civic Innovation’, ‘Social Entrepreneurship’, government and infrastructural support, synergies for capital investment and partnership between business and the theatre through sponsorship. The suggestions made are not prescriptive but rather conceptual frameworks which are open to modifications and further development as the search for sustainability of drama and theatre initiatives continues. The study mainly utilised qualitative research methods which involved unstructured interviews and analysis of narrative reports and policy documents. Quantitative data was also used but in very few instances. Ethnographic reflection and retrospection was also deployed as the experience of the researcher as an academic, practitioner and theatre manager was very influential in shaping arguments in this study

HIV stigma: an exploration of how songs with HIV thems are perceived by Zimbabwean nationals living in Johannesburg , South Africa

Research Report submitted to the School of Public Health University of Witwatersrand In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Public Health 23 October 2015Background: Despite music being part of everyday living in most African countries, limited research exists on how popular music has been used in public health interventions and its effectiveness in addressing public health issues such as stigma and discrimination among people living with HIV. This study used two Zimbabwean songs about HIV to compare musicians’ intended messages to audience perceptions on the portrayal of people living with HIV. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of 20 interviews with Zimbabweans in South Africa and two key informant interviews with the musicians. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA. Results: Popular music can possess many edutainment qualities, but some key distinctions to a typical edutainment programme were noted in the study. Unlike other forms of edutainment that rely on characters to model required behaviour; in songs, musicians took on that role as storytellers. Despite the differences, listeners perceived the educational message within the songs. Phrases and images used by musicians had different meanings among research participants. Sometimes these deviated from the musicians’ intended messages, often reinforcing stigma and discrimination among participants. Some participants thought the songs emphasized identification of victim and perpetrator as well as stereotyping the physical appearance of PLHIV. Others felt PLHIV would feel judged if they listened to one of the songs. The songs reinforced gendered notions of HIV transmission. Context, time and setting could create different perceptions to the same or different listeners listening to the same song. Conclusions: This study highlights how music can promote either the inclusion or othering of PLHIV. By appreciating how audiences perceive music, unintended messages can be minimised, harnessing a widespread art form as a channel for health communication. The research provides an impetus for future interdisciplinary research involving musicologist, SBBC practitioners, and the artists to explore how best methods to of harnessing the art in public health interventions

Detriments associated with substance abuse among out - of - school youth in Ntselamanzi, village, Alice Town

The main aim of the study was to investigate the detriments associated with substance abuse among the out- of- school youth of Ntselamanzi Village in Alice. This study intended to achieve the following objectives. (i) to establish the causes of increased indulgence in substance abuse in Ntselamanzi village, Eastern Cape. (ii) to identify the various kinds of drugs abused by the society of Ntselamanzi (iii) to identify the consequences of substance abuse to the lives of the out-of-school youth. (iv) to suggest the strategies that can be used to reduce substance abuse in order to enhance the youth‟s socio-economic growth and societal bliss. Using the quantitative method ninety-eight questionnaires were administered to the out-of-school youth in Ntselamanzi village and eighty questionnaires were returned fully answered. The major findings of the study outlined that dominating factors of substance abuse in Ntselamanzi village were family drug use, increased drug accessibility, lack of recreation and peer influence. As a result drug abuse among the out of school youth has indicated that the youth end up dropping out of school, unemployed, facing health complications and committing anti-social activities in the village which causing family conflicts and rifts in the community. These all affected the out-of-school youths‟ well-being, academic future and their quality of life was lowered due to all related issues with drug abuse. It can be concluded that drug use among rural outof-school youth is detrimental to the out-of-school youths, their families destroyed and their community crippled from the anti-social activities that take place. The future of the youths‟ education is hampered; the quality of persons in the community and families is lowered. Having unproductive out-of-school youth as a result of drug abuse is not good for the development of the village and all the persons therein.Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 201

A critical policy analysis of the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Programme in KwaZulu-Natal : a case study of the Sibonginhlanhla Communal Project.

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.This research project examines the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Programme (LRAD) in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in terms of a public policy framework, which includes policy implementation. In analyzing the nature of the LRAD Programme the project investigates the issues of governance, development, the policy agendas, policy actors and policy subsystems in South Africa (the executive; the legislature; the appointed officials; research organizations; the labour; civic organizations; the mass media; and the electorate). The relationship between the national government and provincial government has also been discussed. The reasons for adopting the land reform policy have also been examined which include the need to address the past legacies of apartheid; to demonstrate democracy and good governance as a way of upholding the human rights principles; to develop the previously disadvantaged poor communities through acquisition of land as property; to address the unemployment problem. through agricultural development; and to broaden the base of agricultural industry in South Africa. The project further investigates the history of land in South Africa. The author has given an analysis of the new Government's LRAD policy; the systems of land acquisition in South Africa; the beneficiaries and their contribution; and the problems encountered in the implementation of the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Programme. In understanding the progress of the LRAD Programme an area of Moshesh in Loteni (in KwaZulu-Natal) which has a Communal Association Project known as Sibonginhlanhla Communal Project has been studied. Issues such as the objectives, the financing, the nature, the management of the project, and the project evaluation and monitoring systems have been considered. The project critically analyzes the LRAD Programme in KwaZulu-Natal where some issues of good governance and development have been looked at including elements of good governance in South Africa, such as being a responsive government, coordination and network, transparency, efficiency and accountability, the exercise of discretion, and the challenge of policy implementation. The writer has also looked at elements of development in South Africa, namely, women empowerment, youth participation, the collaboration of national and provincial government. Finally, the project proposes areas of further research. These are: effective and efficient implementation of the LRAD Programme to ensure that more people are engaged in agricultural development; transparency in the allocation of land to project participants to ensure that the programme benefits more people; and training programmes in various areas of need should be established for the benefit of upcoming farmers. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs should coordinate and implement the training programmes before the projects start. There is need to encourage cooperation between government and some NGOs that are involved in land reform and farmer support programmes, especially in the area of training, to drive and to give priority to the youth in agricultural development programmes, and to empower women. Finally, there is a need for capacity development through institutional reforms, human resource development and organization strengthening

Detriments associated with substance abuse among out - of - school youth in Ntselamanzi, village, Alice Town

The main aim of the study was to investigate the detriments associated with substance abuse among the out- of- school youth of Ntselamanzi Village in Alice. This study intended to achieve the following objectives. (i) to establish the causes of increased indulgence in substance abuse in Ntselamanzi village, Eastern Cape. (ii) to identify the various kinds of drugs abused by the society of Ntselamanzi (iii) to identify the consequences of substance abuse to the lives of the out-of-school youth. (iv) to suggest the strategies that can be used to reduce substance abuse in order to enhance the youth‟s socio-economic growth and societal bliss. Using the quantitative method ninety-eight questionnaires were administered to the out-of-school youth in Ntselamanzi village and eighty questionnaires were returned fully answered. The major findings of the study outlined that dominating factors of substance abuse in Ntselamanzi village were family drug use, increased drug accessibility, lack of recreation and peer influence. As a result drug abuse among the out of school youth has indicated that the youth end up dropping out of school, unemployed, facing health complications and committing anti-social activities in the village which causing family conflicts and rifts in the community. These all affected the out-of-school youths‟ well-being, academic future and their quality of life was lowered due to all related issues with drug abuse. It can be concluded that drug use among rural outof-school youth is detrimental to the out-of-school youths, their families destroyed and their community crippled from the anti-social activities that take place. The future of the youths‟ education is hampered; the quality of persons in the community and families is lowered. Having unproductive out-of-school youth as a result of drug abuse is not good for the development of the village and all the persons therein.Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 201

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Impact on Smallholders - What Do We Know, What Don't We Know and How Can We Find Out More?

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) endemic regions contain three-quarters of the world's FMD susceptible livestock and most of the world's poor livestock keepers. Yet FMD impact on smallholders in these regions is poorly understood. Diseases of low mortality can exert a large impact if incidence is high. Modelling and field studies commonly find high FMD incidence in endemic countries. Sero-surveys typically find a third of young cattle are sero-positive, however, the proportion of sero-positive animals that developed disease, and resulting impact, are unknown. The few smallholder FMD impact studies that have been performed assessed different aspects of impact, using different approaches. They find that FMD impact can be high (>10% of annual household income). However, impact is highly variable, being a function of FMD incidence and dependency on activities affected by FMD. FMD restricts investment in productive but less FMD-resilient farming methods, however, other barriers to efficient production may exist, reducing the benefits of FMD control. Applying control measures is costly and can have wide-reaching negative impacts; veterinary-cordon-fences may damage wildlife populations, and livestock movement restrictions and trade bans damage farmer profits and the wider economy. When control measures are ineffective, farmers, society and wildlife may experience the burden of control without reducing disease burden. Foot-and-mouth disease control has benefitted smallholders in South America and elsewhere. Success takes decades of regional cooperation with effective veterinary services and widespread farmer participation. However, both the likelihood of success and the full cost of control measures must be considered. Controlling FMD in smallholder systems is challenging, particularly when movement restrictions are hard to enforce. In parts of Africa this is compounded by endemically infected wildlife and limited vaccine performance. This paper reviews FMD impact on smallholders in endemic countries. Significant evidence gaps exist and guidance on the design of FMD impact studies is provided

Understanding the perceived role of mobile media in relation to development in a South African rural area

This study explores the different perceptions of mobile media in relation to development within Dwesa, a marginalised rural community in South Africa. The proliferation of mobile phones and increasing access to the internet in Africa, and South Africa in particular, is extensively documented and attempts have been made to explore its impact on development. Drawing on adapted aspects of the Diffusion of innovation theory (DoI), the study seeks to understand the relative advantage, compatibility with needs and values, and observable benefits of using mobile media for a rural community. I provide a critical discussion of the concept of development and its relationship with digital technologies and innovation. I reflect on the Diffusion of innovation theory, highlighting its critiques, adaptations and modifications in studies, particularly in the Global South. The present study employs a qualitative methodology and relies on focus groups, semi-structured interviews and observation as methods of data collection. Participants were divided into three focus groups based on Rogers classification of innovativeness (early adopters, majority adopters and late/non-adopters) and I conducted two follow-up interviews with participants of each focus group. I analysed the data thematically. Research participants identified several areas where mobile media contributed to development and positive change, such as lowering the cost of access to information and communication, staying in touch with distant relatives, increasing access to services and providing entertainment, especially among young people. The participants noted that despite these positive changes, that mobile media on its own cannot be expected to address challenges of infrastructure and public service delivery. Research findings also revealed that mobile media might interfere with socio-cultural values of respect, human dignity and privacy. I conclude that, while mobile media is generally considered as beneficial, its critical role in improving the socio-economic conditions of people in Dwesa still remains in doubt. The study provides an opportunity to further investigate the compatibility of mobile media with socio-cultural values along the lines of age and gender, and address issues of digital skills and digital marginalisation

The perceived success of selected therapy programmes on mitigating the relapses of patients with substance use disorders in Gauteng, South Africa

This study aimed at evaluating the perceived success of selected therapy programs in mitigating the relapse of patients with substance use disorders at two selected rehabilitation centres in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The methodology used for this study was a mixed-method approach, although more emphasis was on qualitative methods. The qualitative data was collected from four focus groups, and 6 in-depth interviews from key informants. The quantitative data was collected using questionnaires that were completed by 100 primary carers of discharged patients from the selected drug treatment centres. The main findings of the study showed that substance use disorder is a complex disease that requires several factors to be considered to avoid any relapses. The study showed that rehabilitation centres are hugely contributing to efforts of solving substance use in Gauteng and South Africa as a whole. These rehabilitation centres offered various treatment programs to individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. The findings also indicated that the selected therapy programmes at the rehabilitation centres met their objectives. However, some of the programmes were successful in mitigating the relapses of patients recovering from addiction to a lesser extent. The study also found out that the number of individuals who relapse is relatively high, however, the study did not dive into the depth of the causing factors. This may be room for future studies. Findings further indicated that the rehabilitation centres lacked in the application of a holistic approach to addiction treatment, even though there were several treatment programs offered. The issue of exorbitant residential fees in private rehabilitation facilities was also highlighted by the data collected. The research concluded by suggesting several recommendations such as research to improve policy for substance use with a focus on the human rights approach to the drug problem. Recommendations to the Department of Social Development which is responsible for the rehabilitation centres in South Africa. To ensure that all centres that are registered for offering treatment for substance use disorder be mandated to use a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, diversifying and individualizing treatments for better outcomes. Lastly, recommendations were suggested to the social work practice, to support rehabilitation facilities by providing continuous specialized training to their social workers. Recommendations to social work training and curriculum to include in-depth substance use disorders during education, training, and field placements, for best practice amongst new social work practitioners placed in rehabilitation centres.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 202

The perceived success of selected therapy programmes on mitigating the relapses of patients with substance use disorders in Gauteng, South Africa

This study aimed at evaluating the perceived success of selected therapy programs in mitigating the relapse of patients with substance use disorders at two selected rehabilitation centres in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The methodology used for this study was a mixed-method approach, although more emphasis was on qualitative methods. The qualitative data was collected from four focus groups, and 6 in-depth interviews from key informants. The quantitative data was collected using questionnaires that were completed by 100 primary carers of discharged patients from the selected drug treatment centres. The main findings of the study showed that substance use disorder is a complex disease that requires several factors to be considered to avoid any relapses. The study showed that rehabilitation centres are hugely contributing to efforts of solving substance use in Gauteng and South Africa as a whole. These rehabilitation centres offered various treatment programs to individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. The findings also indicated that the selected therapy programmes at the rehabilitation centres met their objectives. However, some of the programmes were successful in mitigating the relapses of patients recovering from addiction to a lesser extent. The study also found out that the number of individuals who relapse is relatively high, however, the study did not dive into the depth of the causing factors. This may be room for future studies. Findings further indicated that the rehabilitation centres lacked in the application of a holistic approach to addiction treatment, even though there were several treatment programs offered. The issue of exorbitant residential fees in private rehabilitation facilities was also highlighted by the data collected. The research concluded by suggesting several recommendations such as research to improve policy for substance use with a focus on the human rights approach to the drug problem. Recommendations to the Department of Social Development which is responsible for the rehabilitation centres in South Africa. To ensure that all centres that are registered for offering treatment for substance use disorder be mandated to use a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, diversifying and individualizing treatments for better outcomes. Lastly, recommendations were suggested to the social work practice, to support rehabilitation facilities by providing continuous specialized training to their social workers. Recommendations to social work training and curriculum to include in-depth substance use disorders during education, training, and field placements, for best practice amongst new social work practitioners placed in rehabilitation centres.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 202