Archive of Journal
Volume 78, Issue 4, Apr. 2022

MEDIA COVERAGE OF XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF THE SUNDAY TIMES E-EDITION AND TIMESLIVE

Volume 78, Apr 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.4.5

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Abstract: News media play an important role in not only informing the public, but also in shaping public opinion. Whether unconsciously, or consciously, the media frame and set the agenda of news by the selection of news items. In doing so, public opinion is thus shaped and framed. It is therefore imperative and critical that news is presented in a fair, unbiased and responsible manner. This paper analysed online media coverage of the April 2015 xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Specifically, the focus was on the Sunday Times E-edition and its counterpart TimesLive. Online news articles result in the rapid dissemination of news stories and therefore have the potential to influence and precipitate discourse on a range of issues. The April 2015 xenophobic attacks resulted in extensive media coverage across South Africa and prompted both national, pan-African and global discourse. The research employed a qualitative research methodological approach through a thematic analysis of selected online newspaper articles focusing on the xenophobic attacks. The findings revealed that although the media under analysis reported on the event in a fair manner, priority was given to news items focusing on violent xenophobic attacks rather than other related news stories (like, for example, protest marches against the xenophobic attacks).

Author(s): Yolokazi Nokwe, Nisha Ramlutchman, Shaun Ruggunan


IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE ALTERATION OF FUNERARY HERITAGE STONES: CASE STUDY OF MEDRACEN (ALGERIA)

Volume 78, Apr 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.4.3

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Abstract: Monuments and funeral sites occupy a substantial part of the archaeological map of North Africa. They are comprised of tombs, necropolises and buildings erected in memory of a king. Medracen bears witness to this Berber tradition. It is a remarkable example of an original civilization, drawing its design imprints from indigenous and Western architecture, as well as in the materials and techniques developed for its construction. This paper aims to determine the factors of alteration caused by the physicochemical properties of the Medracen, which play a very significant role in its degradation. In this study, field visits and in-situ observations were carried out, and porosity, hardness and permeability were tested on a sample of the stone from the exterior facing of the tomb. Results demonstrate that the physicochemical properties react strongly to the stresses of the environment and the climatic conditions of the region, causing various alterations by cracking, erosion, sub florescence, alveolisation and crumbling. The findings of this research study contribute to the restoration and conservation of the Medracen.

Author(s): Seghiri Meriem, Kehal Ikram, Zouidi Mohamed, Keddari dounia, Kehal lamia, Guittard Charles


EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MEDIATION ON IMPROVING SCHOOLING IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CASE STUDY

Volume 78, Apr 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.4.7

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Abstract: The study sought to explore the manner school leadership mediation influences teaching and learning in schools. A case study design in which two high schools participated, one being a public and the other an independent high school, was adopted. Eight school management team (SMT) members were purposively selected to participate. Semi-structured recorded interviews were used to gather data which was analysed thematically. Permission to gather data was granted by the participants. Findings revealed that school leader mediation plays a critical role in teaching and learning to ensure that positive education outcomes are achieved. It emerged that school leaders do not only have to understand their roles but also able to execute them effectively. It also emerged that mediation was evident as Heads of Departments (HoDs) also indicated that their roles were to support those of their leaders. Moreso, while they provided the necessary support to teachers and learners, HoDs had to ensure that teaching and learning was not disrupted. The study concludes that whether in public or in independent schools, the roles and responsibilities of school leadership is to enhance teaching and learning in the school as the core business which demands the undivided attention of the leader. School leaders also have the responsibility to understand their roles in teaching and learning in the school, which include effectively interpreting and implementing school curricula and policies as well as influencing teachers and learners to be committed. More so, they have a responsibility to foster a conducive environment that encourages effective teaching and learning. The study recommends that to promote effective education, it is critical that school authorities promote professional development in schools. There is also need to involve educators in the planning processes in order to have their views considered as they are the implementers of policies in the classrooms. Lastly, families need to play central roles in public or independent schools as they are critical in enhancing learner success in unique ways.

Author(s): Agyeman Nana, Dr Israel Kariyana


USING TALENT MANAGEMENT TO LEVERAGE JOB EMBEDDEDNESS

Volume 78, Apr 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.4.6

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Abstract: Numerous organisations fail to manage the talents of their employees effectively, despite the care taken to recruit the talent. At the same time, employees have the need for belonging, affiliation, recognition and being valued. The premise is that when an organisation invests in employees and manage their talent, employees feel valued and this increases embeddedness in their jobs. Talent management therefore, has the potential to play a pivotal role in enhancing job embeddedness because talent management functions mainly to manage employees from an aspect that develops and serves their best interests. Organisations can facilitate and leverage job embeddedness through effective talent management. Efforts can be directed towards ensuring that the human resource functions (recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, succession, planning, workforce planning) are strategically coordinated, structured and firmly integrated to enable organisations to make informed choices that support the overall strategic objective to meet the bottomline. The study assesses the relationship between talent management and job embeddedness. This study was conducted in a large parastatal organisation that provides bulk potable water in KwaZulu-Natal comprising of 399 employees from which a sample of 196 employees were drawn using the simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using electronic questionnaire surveys, and the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) were statistically assessed using Factor Analysis and Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha respectively. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results demonstrate that talent management is significantly related to job embeddedness and, organisations are encouraged to apply vigorous and conscious approaches to talent management in an effort to increase job embeddedness thereby reducing organisational turnover. This study provides guidelines and recommendations for the implementation of strategies for enhancing job embeddedness in the workplace. This will enable organisations to effectively manage the talent that they so conscientiously recruit.

Author(s): Sanjana Brijball Parumasur, Alia Latib


A STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BROAD-BASED BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT SYSTEM AS A TRANSFORMATION TOOL FOR JSE LISTED COMPANIES

Volume 78, Apr 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.4.2

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Abstract: South Africa remains a devastatingly, economically unequal country, with the country’s wealth and means of economic production still representative of the apartheid era, monopolised by the white minority and a significant part of black people is economically disadvantaged through generational poverty. This study followed a qualitative research method with the aim to 1) explore the effectiveness of the South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) system as a transformation tool for Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed companies, 2) understand the challenges hindering the effectiveness of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment system, 3) establish similarities and differences between Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment system and empowerment models of other countries through semi-structured interviews and 4) make recommendations regarding the BBEE policy to improve transformation at the JSE listed companies. A sample of 9 participants involved in the BBBEE work of JSE listed companies was interviewed using a non-probability judgemental convenience sampling method. The policy of BBBEE is as a transformational tool, good in terms of its objectives. However, the implementation of the BBBEE is ineffective, especially where it matters most, being companies listed on the JSE. The participants noted that transformation in South Africa is required. The study outlined certain factors that can contribute to the improvement of the effectiveness of the BBBEE transformation policy. The following factors such as mandatory, compliance, benefits, willingness, implementation, and commitment were noted to be contributing to the effectiveness of the BBBEE policy. Key recommendations and future research directions were also explored in this study.

Author(s): Jeremiah Madzimure, Karabo Tlaka


STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE UTILIZATION OF THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ASSESSMENT

Volume 78, Apr 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.4.4

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Abstract: This paper is based on a study that explored students’ perceptions on the utilisation of WiseUp for the execution and submission of mathematics assessment tasks. The integration of WiseUp into teaching, learning and assessment has received little attention in some of the institutions of higher learning. The study sought to explore students’ perceptions on the utilisation of Learning Management System for the execution and submission of assessment tasks. The study employed mixed methods approach guided by an exploratory design to explore how students’ perceptions on the use of the Learning Management System for assessment. The study was underpinned by Vygotsky’s constructivism theory. Thirty-eight purposively selected Bachelor of Education degree student teachers participated in the study. The data collected from the questionnaires and structured interviews were analysed statistically using percentages and thematically. The findings indicate that the use of Learning Management System to execute and submit tasks is preferred by most of the students because it is cost-effective and saves time for the students to walk to the lecturers’ offices for the submission of assignments. Therefore, the paper recommends that lecturers must expose students to the use of the Learning Management System in all the tasks. The use of Learning Management System save time, money and easy communication in cases where students are on strike; and even when the lecturer is away for workshops or any other off campus duties.

Author(s): Mathabo Lutu, Shakespear M. Chiphambo, Nomxolisi Mtsi


AN EXPLORATION OF STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ONLINE TEACHING IN A DEVELOPMENTAL UNIVERSITY IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Volume 78, Apr 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.4.1

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Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious ramifications on education around the globe. It has put pressure on higher education institutions, just like all other education institutions, to look for alternatives to face-to-face teaching and learning. In order not to derail academic endeavours, higher education institutions have adopted online teaching. The purpose of this study was to understand students’ perceptions about using online platforms for teaching and learning. To address this problem adequately, three research questions were explored, namely (i) What is the role of teaching and learning in higher education? (ii) How does the online teaching and learning environment present challenges to students’ learning experience? (iii) Why are online platforms beneficial to teaching and learning? The Study used a qualitative approach with a case study of a higher education institution. A sample of 20 out of 80 students from the same class was purposely selected. Whilst the results of the study show that using online platforms for teaching and learning enhances education, there is also evidence that online platforms for teaching come with some inherent challenges. If not handled properly, these challenges can derail the objective of education. Findings from the study also indicate that most students struggle to use online platforms. Therefore, the study recommends that adequate training and support be given to students and instructors to ease the use of online platforms for effective teaching and learning. Keywords: Students; Instructors; Online platform; Elearning; Teaching and learning; Education

Author(s): Nana Agyeman